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NWSL fans slam Ben Olsen’s first interview as Washington Spirit president

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(Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Many fans are unhappy with the recent hiring and subsequent interview done with The Athletic by Ben Olsen of the Washington Spirit.

Fans took serious issue with Olsens’ admitted lack of experience in the interview, pointing out that there are plenty of qualified applicants who fit the job description and know the women’s game.

“I’m upset because there are people who work a lifetime to get a chance like this in women’s soccer that aren’t getting this opportunity,” wrote Anthony DiCicco.

“To answer Ben’s question, no you don’t get the benefit of the doubt. You get no leeway. You’re in the chair now so do the work. But know that everything you do is going to be scrutinized.”

Elsewhere, Olsen’s lack of past support and interest in the Spirit came to light. While he said in the interview that he’s now watched three Spirit games, it’s unclear how many he watched before that.

Others focused on the fact that Olsen was hired seemingly on a whim, suggesting that he was offered the job primarily to bolster Steve Baldwin’s position in the ongoing fight between Spirit co-owners.