Pep Guardiola, the treble-winning coach of Manchester City, and England women’s manager Sarina Wiegman are among the finalists for The Best FIFA men’s and women’s coach awards, the world soccer’s governing body announced on Wednesday.
Guardiola is a strong favorite after leading City to Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League trophies last season, while Wiegman, a three-time winner, currently holds the women’s coach award.
Wiegman guided England to yet another major final, this time in the Women’s World Cup, where they were defeated by Spain.
Jonatan Giraldez, who led the Barcelona women’s team to the league title with only one loss all season and their second Champions League title, is also competing for the women’s coach award.
Chelsea coach Emma Hayes is the third finalist following another great season in which the club won both the FA Women’s Super League and the FA Cup.
Hayes will leave Chelsea in May to become head coach of the United States women’s national team.
Guardiola is joined in the men’s category by Simone Inzaghi, who led Inter Milan to the Champions League final while also winning the Coppa Italia.
Luciano Spalletti, who ended Napoli’s 33-year Scudetto drought by winning the Serie A title with five games to spare, is the third finalist.
The winners will be announced in London on January 15.