Magdalena Eriksson, a defender for Bayern Munich's women's team, has taken on a unique role as a scout for the club's men's side. In an interview, she discusses how this opportunity came about and what it means for breaking barriers in football.
How It Started
Eriksson was approached by Bayern's head of scouting, Nils Schmadtke, nearly a year ago. The club's women's director, Bianca Rech, recommended her for the role, knowing her passion for watching football. Eriksson immediately accepted, viewing it as a great opportunity to prepare for her post-playing career.
Training and Responsibilities
After agreeing to join the scouting department, Eriksson underwent training through the summer, including sessions during the Euros in Switzerland. She learned the club's scouting process and report-writing methods. Initially, she focused on observing players sent by the club, but now she has more autonomy, particularly in the South American market. Her main focus is tracking young talent in leagues across South America, a region known for producing world-class players.
Balancing Playing and Scouting
Bayern has emphasized that Eriksson's playing career comes first, and she ensures her scouting duties do not interfere with her performance on the pitch. However, she admits it can be challenging to balance both, especially during busy match schedules.
Widening Her Perspective
As a centre-back, Eriksson previously viewed games through a defensive lens. Now, she analyzes all outfield positions, from midfielders to wingers, which has broadened her understanding of the game. She even consults her fiancée, Pernille Harder, a forward, for insights on offensive decision-making and scanning.
Breaking Barriers
Eriksson hopes her role inspires other clubs to offer similar opportunities to women in men's football. She believes women's football can contribute valuable perspectives, and that the men's game is ready for such collaboration. She emphasizes that her appointment was not tokenistic but based on her skills as an active player.
Overall, Eriksson views the experience as invaluable for her future in football, whether as a scout, coach, or sporting director.
