Aston Villa Women have announced the departure of head coach Robert de Pauw after a brief six-month tenure. His time in charge was marked by a disappointing stretch of results, with the team securing only one victory in their last nine Women’s Super League matches. In response, the club has appointed Shaun Goater as interim manager, entrusting him with the task of stabilising performances as they seek a permanent replacement. Goater’s first challenge in his new role will come in an upcoming Women’s League Cup fixture against Charlton Athletic Women on Wednesday.
De Pauw was appointed on June 29, 2023, taking over from Carla Ward, who had led the team for three years. The Dutch coach arrived at Aston Villa with notable credentials, having enjoyed success at Bayer Leverkusen where he earned a reputation for developing talent and improving team cohesion. His arrival was relatively optimistic, especially with the addition of eight new players to the squad, including five-cap England international Katie Robinson and Brazilian international Gabi Nunes, aimed at strengthening the team for the season ahead.
However, despite these promising signings, de Pauw’s spell at the helm was disappointing, highlighted by a chastening 4-0 defeat to Arsenal, a result that appears to have catalysed the club's decision to initiate a managerial change. Analysis of the team’s performances during his tenure suggests a disconnection between de Pauw’s tactical approach and the club's competitive aspirations, ultimately leading to his premature exit.
Before his departure, de Pauw addressed the challenges of balancing short-term outcomes with long-term objectives in a reflective LinkedIn post. He stated, “Finding the balance between the short term and long term in the best interest for the team and club is not an easy thing. It comes with big sacrifices.” De Pauw highlighted the importance of receiving “the backing of the club” to elevate squad performance from mediocrity to excellence.
He further elaborated on his philosophy regarding team selection and player development, aligning with his prior approaches at Leverkusen. In a candid expression of leadership, he noted, “I never shy away from difficult decisions and I will certainly not win the popularity contests. Because you can never satisfy everyone.”
As Aston Villa Women embark on the search for a permanent successor to de Pauw, the club's focus will undoubtedly be on regaining their form and fulfilling their ambitions for the remainder of the season. Updates on the managerial hunt are expected to be announced in the near future, as the club looks to stabilise and aim for higher achievements.