The rise and fall, and rise again of Gareth Southgate
Jul 11, 2024
auto_awesome
Matt Lawton, Chief Sports Correspondent at The Times, discusses Gareth Southgate's rise and fall as England manager, addressing public criticism, his leadership qualities, evolving perception, and future speculations. The podcast delves into the challenges faced by Southgate, fan reactions, and hopes for England's victory in the final match against Spain.
Gareth Southgate's leadership evolution from facing scrutiny to guiding England showcases his resilience and growth as a coach.
Public criticisms and doubts surrounding Southgate's tactical decisions highlight the pressure and emotional toll of managing high expectations.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Gareth Southgate's Career and Leadership Style
Gareth Southgate's journey from facing scrutiny over missed penalties to becoming the England manager highlights his growth as a leader. Starting from his early days playing at Crystal Palace, Southgate displayed innate leadership qualities. Despite setbacks, such as his missed penalty in Euro 96, he demonstrated resilience and a commitment to personal growth. His focus on creating a strong collective culture within the England team has been pivotal in their success.
Challenges and Criticisms Faced by Gareth Southgate
Despite England's successes under Gareth Southgate's leadership, criticisms and doubts have emerged, especially following their performance in recent tournaments. Fans have questioned his tactical decisions, style of play, and team selections. The pressure intensified after perceived missed opportunities in key matches, leading to public scrutiny of his capabilities. Southgate's emotional response to criticism indicates the personal toll of managing high expectations.
The Uncertain Future of Gareth Southgate and England's National Team
As England approaches a major tournament final under Gareth Southgate's guidance, speculation rises about his potential resignation regardless of the outcome. Southgate's emotional state and reflections on his tenure suggest a possible departure from his role. Despite criticisms, his impact on the team's culture and performance has been significant, making his departure a pivotal moment for English football. The transformative influence of Southgate's leadership calls for a reevaluation of his future role within the national team setup.
England are through to a historic second Euros final in as many tournaments - but for Gareth Southgate it hasn’t been an easy journey. The football manager faced calls for his resignation during this tournament. Have the team’s recent poor performances clouded our memories of this once national hero?
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory
Guest: Matt Lawton, Chief Sports Correspondent, The Times.
Host: Luke Jones.
Clips: TalkSport, The Independent, ITV, PA, Optus Sport, Daily Mail.