Pedro Martinez Losa has stepped down as the head coach of Scotland’s women’s football team following the team’s inability to secure a place in Euro 2025, continuing a trend of near-misses in major tournaments.
The Spanish coach’s departure comes on the heels of a 2-0 aggregate defeat to Finland in the play-offs, a result that sealed Scotland’s fate after their earlier failure to qualify for the 2023 World Cup through similar play-offs. This marks a turning point for the national team, which now faces uncertainty as it looks to rebuild for future competitions.
A Difficult Year for Scotland Women
The failure to qualify for both Euro 2025 and the 2023 World Cup has been a bitter disappointment for Scotland’s women’s football program. Despite an unbeaten run in the Nations League, where the team earned promotion from Group B, the overarching goal of securing a spot in a major tournament has remained elusive.
Martinez Losa’s time with the team was marked by both highs and lows. The Spaniard, who had only recently signed a contract extension last year that was set to keep him in charge until the 2027 World Cup, had hoped to lead Scotland back to the global stage. However, a string of disappointing results left both the fans and the Scottish Football Association (SFA) with tough decisions to make.
SFA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell acknowledged Martinez Losa’s contributions, emphasizing the coach’s efforts in improving the team’s performance, particularly in the Nations League. Still, the board ultimately concluded that a change was necessary as Scotland failed to meet their primary objective of qualifying for another major tournament.
The Search for a New Head Coach
As the search for a new head coach begins, the pressure is mounting on the SFA to find someone capable of delivering success on the international stage. With crucial Nations League fixtures scheduled for February, the new coach will need to quickly integrate into the team and establish a clear strategy moving forward.
The recruitment process is already underway, with several candidates likely to be considered. It remains to be seen whether the next coach will take Scotland closer to their first major international tournament appearance since the 2019 World Cup, or if the cycle of near-misses will continue.
What Comes Next for Scotland Women?
With Martinez Losa’s exit, the future of the team is uncertain. Yet, the strength of the squad, coupled with the emerging talent in Scotland’s women’s football system, could provide a solid foundation for the next coach. While the disappointment of failing to qualify for Euro 2025 lingers, there is hope that Scotland’s women’s team will bounce back stronger in the coming years.
The upcoming Nations League matches in February will be a critical test for the new leadership. Players and fans alike will be watching closely to see if Scotland can begin a new chapter with renewed energy and determination.
