The Unconventional Path to Management

Amandine Miquel's football journey began unconventionally - as a roaming goalkeeper inspired by Mexican legend Jorge Campos. At just 12 years old, she shocked her Chelsea coaches by charging upfield for corners, adopting Campos' flamboyant style that blended spectacular saves with offensive daring.

"I was a goalkeeper, but I attacked," Miquel recalls in an exclusive BBC Radio Leicester interview. "When I arrived in England I was told I can't do that. I scared some teams here." This early rebellious streak hinted at the innovative thinking that would later define her coaching career.

Midfield Revelation and Early Coaching Days

Miquel's transition from goalkeeper to midfielder came alongside future England legend Fara Williams. Observing Williams' prodigious talent firsthand proved pivotal: "I could see playing with Fara that she did have something more... I looked at her and thought, you are not making it and she is going to have a big career."

This epiphany led Miquel to coaching courses while still in her early 20s. Her global upbringing - having lived in Mexico, Reunion, England and Spain - gave her a unique perspective she would later apply to management.

Building a Legacy in France

Miquel cut her coaching teeth on the Indian Ocean islands of Reunion and Mayotte before remarkable success with Reims in France. Over eight seasons, she transformed them from second division strugglers to Champions League contenders, establishing a reputation for consistent improvement.

"We never went backwards," Miquel emphasizes. "That really drives you, to have that every season to be better."

The Leicester City Challenge

Now at Leicester, Miquel faces her toughest test yet in the highly competitive WSL. Despite initial struggles, recent victories show progress, with the Foxes currently 10th and six points clear of relegation.

Miquel embraces the challenge: "It's a tough league, but great. When you do a job that is your passion, then you don't feel like you are going to work."

Her ambition remains undimmed, joking with Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor: "You took my job but that's OK for now because I'll give you a few years and I will take it."

The Future of Women's Coaching

Miquel represents the growing opportunities for female coaches in football: "Hopefully it's becoming a real job and more of us are at a good level so we can make it our day-to-day job."

With her unique journey from unconventional goalkeeper to WSL manager, Miquel continues to break barriers in women's football, proving that unconventional paths can lead to remarkable destinations.