Gareth reveals how negativity is constant foe

GARETH SOUTHGATE has been on a virtual tour to promote his new book.

The England manager has deliberately steered clear of the traditional football media while talking about Anything Is Possible, which is more about management techniques than dressing-room secrets.

He has been on TV, BBC 5Live and Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast to promote the book, the proceeds of which go to the Prince’s Trust charity.

It has already topped the Amazon charts and shies away from a traditional autobiography which he has sort of done already and has admitted he partly regrets.

But Southgate’s comments on the podcast were particularly interesting – especially concerning mental health, wellbeing and social media. He also said that he saw a psychologist, “which was unusual at that time”, in the wake of his Euro 96 penalty miss.

Southgate (above) said: “I’m fully aware of social media, but I don’t go there any time we have matches coming up because it would fill my head with negativity.

“I do worry about younger players who scroll down through the comments, particularly after games.

“I don’t get the balance right, even now.

“The brain is loaded with more negative comments than anything else. If I’ve slept well, then I can cope with just about anything. I’m not someone who meditates, but I can totally see the value of that.”

rather than six in a group – will be fresh and more exciting.

But the biggest issue might not be the format of the competition but who actually governs it with UEFA keen to take charge as a commercial entity rather than the running of it.

The clubs are taking the financial risk, they have suffered financially through the pandemic and will want a major say.

And that is still some way from happening...

SOL BAMBA is the latest highly-respected player to look to move into management.

The much-travelled Cardiff defender already has a UEFA B Licence, is taking his A Licence and speaks Italian, French, Turkish and English.

Younger candidates have been getting a chance recently, so don’t rule out the Ivory Coast international (above) following in the coaching footsteps of Frank Lampard and John Terry.