No Pep-style kiss-and-tele for camera shy Southgate
GARETH SOUTHGATE insists he will not be doing a Pep Guardiola – and that has got nothing to do with being successful and winning trophies.
The England manager is not interested in featuring, like the Manchester City boss, in a fly-on-the-wall documentary like the recent Amazon production, which told the behind-the-scenes story of the Blues’ title-winning season.
Southgate has watched it with interest – but will not be emulating it.
He became a cult figure in the summer, resplendent in his trademark waistcoat, when he led England to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Russia.
But as he prepares for Saturday’s match in the new UEFA Nations League against Spain at Wembley, the England boss reacted to the City show by revealing: “There’s not a chance of me doing it.
“I enjoyed it. It was interesting to watch Pep’s personality and the training sessions. But it is probably something that is more comfortable to do in a club environment. The players then get used to the cameras being around for 12 months.
“Internationally, it is different when you have the players for only a week or so.”
Southgate (below) now has the task of trying to build on England’s summer success and admits there is room for improvement – including himself.
He said of the new international season: “To start with, we have to keep the ball better under pressure and we will review everything, including how we adapt coaching-wise.
“Success at the World Cup means the landscape is a bit different. We want to build on the connection with the fans, which makes things more enjoyable.
“It also makes the possibilities for the players far higher. They have seen what success could bring and how that might feel. It is a good place to be in, but we know there is work to do.”
Southgate, who will stick with his three-at-the-back system, said of himself: “I am confident I can improve.
“Every training session you take helps you to improve and I have had only 200 matches as a manager.
“I just lived through a high-pressure situation and you gain confidence from that but never stop looking to improve.”
The England boss, meanwhile, praised Harry Maguire – one of the Three Lions’ major successes in Russia – for the way that he accepted Leicester’s refusal to sell him to Manchester United.
Southgate, understandably, wants to see as many of his players as possible being involved in the Champions League and agrees that the competition is more aligned to international football.
But the England boss said: “I admire Harry for the way he has got on with it and I’ve apologised to Leicester’s director of football, Jon Rudkin, for the things I said about Harry at the World Cup – mind you, those things probably doubled his value!”
Southgate also confirmed he has spoken to another central defender, West Ham’s Declan Rice, about his international future.
Rice, 19, is wanted by England and the Republic of Ireland and qualifies for both.
Southgate admitted: “Declan is in a really difficult position and he has to make that decision. I have spoken to him but I have not promised him anything.”