Aston Villa manager Natalia Arroyo reflects on her journey from professional footballer to one of the top female coaches, revealing how her coaching experience was shaped by her time playing at Barcelona's youth academy.
In an emotional moment that ended her own playing career due to a second ACL injury, Arroyo admits she felt "super emotional" but knew it was time to move on. This experience taught her how to integrate players and become a more effective leader.
Arroyo credits her success as a coach to the valuable lessons learned while observing games, reading players, and searching for talent during her stint with Catalonia's national team. She recalls doing journalistic investigations while commentating and doing punditry, which helped her build a unique style that served her well in coaching.
Her journey led to Real Sociedad, where she was patient and allowed the team to grow under her guidance. The process of learning about European and world football and traveling extensively prepared her for the opportunity to join Aston Villa at the helm.
Arroyo believes her mantra of "let's try" is key to overcoming self-doubt and embracing uncertainty. Despite struggling initially, she instilled confidence in her players by making them "own their own processes." This approach led to a stunning run of five straight WSL wins, ultimately securing a sixth-placed finish.
For Arroyo, the season has been about more than just results; it's also been about building culture and creating a stronger club. Her focus on creating an environment where players can thrive is evident in her praise for the team's consistency and competitiveness.
As she looks to the future, Arroyo is committed to continuing to develop and improve, driven by her passion for football and her dedication to empowering her players.
In an emotional moment that ended her own playing career due to a second ACL injury, Arroyo admits she felt "super emotional" but knew it was time to move on. This experience taught her how to integrate players and become a more effective leader.
Arroyo credits her success as a coach to the valuable lessons learned while observing games, reading players, and searching for talent during her stint with Catalonia's national team. She recalls doing journalistic investigations while commentating and doing punditry, which helped her build a unique style that served her well in coaching.
Her journey led to Real Sociedad, where she was patient and allowed the team to grow under her guidance. The process of learning about European and world football and traveling extensively prepared her for the opportunity to join Aston Villa at the helm.
Arroyo believes her mantra of "let's try" is key to overcoming self-doubt and embracing uncertainty. Despite struggling initially, she instilled confidence in her players by making them "own their own processes." This approach led to a stunning run of five straight WSL wins, ultimately securing a sixth-placed finish.
For Arroyo, the season has been about more than just results; it's also been about building culture and creating a stronger club. Her focus on creating an environment where players can thrive is evident in her praise for the team's consistency and competitiveness.
As she looks to the future, Arroyo is committed to continuing to develop and improve, driven by her passion for football and her dedication to empowering her players.
She's the real MVP! 
You know what they say... "The biggest risk is not taking any risk" 
- Mark Zuckerberg, but I think it's more like "The best way to predict your future is to create it" 
- Abraham Lincoln. Natalia Arroyo's story is proof that with hard work and determination, we can overcome our doubts and achieve greatness. Her approach to building a strong team culture is truly inspiring 
!
! I mean, she had to deal with that super tough ACL injury twice, which could've been really heartbreaking 
, but she chose to see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. And let me tell you, it paid off in so many ways 
! She's always been about empowering her players and creating a positive environment, which is just amazing 
. I love how she talks about "let's try" being her mantra – it's like, totally refreshing 
. We all need to be more open to uncertainty and embracing our doubts, you know? 
Anyway, can't wait to see what the future holds for her and Aston Villa! 
. And that "let's try" mantra? Genius 
. She's not just coaching, she's building a community 
. It's amazing to see her passion for football translate into such a positive impact on the team. Let's give this woman some love 
She went through that tough emotional phase where she had to stop playing because of injuries, but it ended up being a blessing in disguise. I mean, who needs to be on the pitch when you can be coaching and making a difference from behind the scenes? 
but now look at her - she's one of the top female coaches in the game! Her "let's try" mantra is so inspiring 
like, shouldn't she be getting more credit? 
Man, I just heard that Aston Villa's new gaffer Natalia Arroyo had a major setback during her playing career... she had TWO ACL injuries 
which ended her own playing days. And now she's talking about how it taught her to become a better coach. Like, isn't that messed up? 
The woman who was so passionate about football got hurt multiple times and still found a way to turn her passion into something amazing. It just goes to show that life is full of twists and turns, but with the right mindset, you can overcome anything... or in this case, get back on the pitch 
I love how she talks about building culture and creating an environment where players can thrive... it's all so relatable 
, or just get a biography of hers lol 
She's like the ultimate role model for women in football... and I'm not even kidding 
I'm loving how we're still seeing women breaking barriers in the beautiful game! Natalia Arroyo's journey from playing at Barcelona's youth academy to becoming a top female coach is truly inspiring 
. I also love that she's all about building culture and creating an environment where players can thrive - that's the kind of mindset we need more of in football! 
. I'm not surprised she secured that 6th-placed finish, though - she seems like a total game-changer 
!