Mexico City /
Hope Solo, Export from United States Women’s National Team, Recalls the hard experience it was to join the national team in 2000, as he came across a privileged group of players who were ‘thugs’ in the locker room.
“When you grow up in the national team you come across a ‘bad girls’ club. Most of the players come from wealthy white families. This is the culture of the women’s national team. It is a very privileged white culture.
“I remember that Carli Lloyd and I always talked about it and said ‘We need to change this culture’. She and I were very welcoming, we were not thugs. We were very kind to the girls who came, “he told the BBC’s The Players podcast.
But 20 years later things changed and the environment of the selection it is more welcoming for the new members, although he believes that the old days helped to strengthen the character of the young players who are now part of it.
“It ‘s a much more open and welcoming environment, it’ s an easier transition, though nor do I think this will help develop character in many of these younger athletes. They now have the road paved most of the time. You can’t press them the same way you used to press before to make it really competitive. It’s a completely different environment and I don’t think it’s always a good thing. I think it creates softer athletes, ”he added.