Allardyce: ‘First task is to regain pride’
SAM ALLARDYCE wants to harness the “bitter experience” of Euro 2016 to motivate his players on the road to the World Cup.
Allardyce will go to work immediately on picking up the pieces of the humiliating last-16 exit.
Hodgson’s England hit a new low in their defeat to Iceland, but 61-year-old Allardyce has vowed to bring a sense of pride back the team and the fans.
“It’s about regaining confidence ,” he said.
“Let’s gain from the experience gained at the Euros.
“It’s a very bitter experience, but players should keep it and use it as a positive, say: ‘We don’t want to experience that again’.
“We’re going into the qualifiers for the World Cup, and when we go next time we have to be better prepared, mentally, to succeed.”
Allardyce, who has penned an initial twoyear deal and has been tasked by the FA with helping create a strong national identity throughout the age-group sides, also outlined his best attributes for the job.
Asked what he would bring to the job, he said: “Man-management.
“Many, many years accumulating great coaching techniques and accumulating sports science ideas, which everybody knows has been one of my biggest adventures from 2000-01 when I took Bolton into the Premier League.
“And creating a backroom staff that deliver a great service in all areas and departments.
“You have to manage that, not just players but staff, to delegate to give confidence and produce the qualities they have, which are actually better qualities than me.
“I love finding a person with greater qualities than me in their department and promoting their strengths. That gives me greater strength to do my job.”
Allardyce also reflected on the fulfilment of his life’s ambition as a coach.
A year ago he was out of work, and at the start of this month was still plotting a first full season in charge of Sunderland, having masterminded their unlikely survival last term.
“It’s been a whirlwind couple of days,” he said.
“Of course you’re often thinking, wondering whether it’s going to be yourself – are they going to choose you this time?
“I think I’m the right age with the right experience and hopefully I can pass on knowledge and experience to the team, and the staff that works behind the team, to get a very happy and successful camp.
“It’s a privileged position to have now got top of the tree, top of the ladder.
“For me, it couldn’t be any bigger.”