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Gareth Southgate Resigns After 13 Years with the FA

Gareth Southgate’s recent resignation marks the conclusion of a significant 13-year journey with the Football Association (FA). His involvement began in 2011, when he was appointed as head of elite development. In 2013, Southgate took the helm of the under-21 team before ascending to the role of senior team manager in 2016.

One of Southgate’s notable accomplishments as the manager of the senior team was transforming the historically fraught relationship between the team and the media. This positive shift in engagement played a crucial role in altering public perception and supporting the team’s morale.

Despite receiving favorable media coverage during his initial three tournaments, Southgate has recently voiced concerns regarding the detrimental effects of critical media responses, especially in light of England’s struggles at Euro 2024. He shared his thoughts at an event hosted by the European Club Association (ECA) in Athens, emphasizing the importance of a constructive media strategy that aids in reconnecting with fans. According to Southgate, this approach “helps the team to feel more relaxed going into games.”

He stated, “We saw that in the summer when there was a shift with the media because it brought more pressure onto the team. That is a watch out for England going forward. They need to keep that strong relationship with the fans and the media because it is much harder if you don’t.”

Reflecting on his tenure, Southgate remarked on a change in mindset that he believes was essential for the players. Before his leadership, he observed a climate of apprehension among players who were overly focused on potential failures rather than embracing the possibility of victory. “Some of our players weren’t delivering at the highest possible level because they were inhibited and thinking about not being the guy who was responsible for losing rather than how do we go and win,” he noted.

Southgate considers England’s performance during the Qatar 2022 World Cup as their strongest since he took over, despite the disappointment of a quarter-final exit to France. “We had a lot of physical issues [at Euro 2024]. We had players not at their best. This summer we couldn’t find the same flow and rhythm. But we still managed to find different ways to win,” he explained.

He expressed pride in the consistency and success achieved during his leadership, noting that England has been ranked in the top five globally for six consecutive years and has successfully navigated four major tournaments. However, he lamented that the absence of a trophy would always linger, as supporters have been eagerly waiting for a significant victory. “That missing piece will always eat away that we weren’t able to deliver a trophy for supporters who have waited for a long time,” Southgate concluded.

Source
www.bbc.com