Helena Costa, whose father did not like soccer and who often had to go to neighbors\u2019 homes to watch games, will become the first woman to coach a men\u2019s professional soccer team in France.<\/p>\n
Clermont Foot 63, a second-division club in Clermont-Ferrand, announced on Wednesday that Costa will take over as manager at the end of the season, which comes later this month.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a historical day,\u201d Costa said in a telephone interview from Portugal.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd I think this is about more than Helena Costa as a football coach. I think it\u2019s very good for all the women in sports, especially in football of course. It could have been someone else. And I hope this is only the first step. I opened a door today and more women will walk through on my back. That\u2019s what I hope.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nArsene Wenger:\u00a0“It happens to all of us at home that we are managed by women so why not?”<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n