Southgate in crisis – the voices around Tuchel are getting louder
England manager Gareth Southgate is aware the results don’t speak for him. Nevertheless, he says: “I’m the right one.”
What: Action Images via Reuters
At the worst possible time, England’s national team is in a serious crisis. At the heart of the criticism: coach Southgate. Ironically, the explosive duel with Germany should now give courage. But there is already speculation about an old acquaintance as the Southgate successor.
AEven in his worst crisis as England coach, Gareth Southgate is doing what he usually does. The 52-year-old appears calm, very matter-of-factly, at least he doesn’t show great emotions to the outside world. Not so long ago, Southgate was celebrated in England for his statesmanlike demeanor.
After the last five games without a win and the most recent 0-1 in Italy, he is whistled at by fans. Quite a few are already calling for Thomas Tuchel, who was recently released from Chelsea FC, to be his successor on social networks – and are receiving tens of thousands of likes. But Southgate says, “I’m the one.”
Before the explosive Wembley classic against Germany on Monday (8.45 p.m., in the WELT sports ticker), the mood around the Three Lions could hardly be worse. The BBC calls the already confirmed relegation to the Nations League B division “shameful”. Less than two months before the start of the World Cup in Qatar, England “run into the wall at the worst possible time,” writes the Guardian.
The game against the Germans, who are also in trouble, now offers the English two options: either the atmosphere brightens up a bit shortly before the Qatar countdown – or the discussions about the ailing Southgate really pick up speed.
“I’m 52 and I’ve been through just about everything,” says Southgate
The fact that after the bankruptcy in Italy he said “that the performance was a step in the right direction” should also anger some supporters. If anything, the unimaginative performance was at most a step forward in terms of results, in relation to the embarrassing 4-0 home defeat to Hungary in June.
But Southgate is not stupid. He knows that with such statements he attracts the focus of criticism. “If the reactions are aimed at me, that’s totally fine because I’m 52 and I’ve been through just about everything,” he said. “It’s my job to take the pressure off the players.”
It’s also his job to offer his players football solutions. Under Southgate, the Three Lions tended to be at their best when they could steal the ball high and then quickly attack. However, this has hardly been the case for a long time. If England meets top organized and deep defending teams like Hungary or Italy, ideas are lacking.
Curiously, the Spaniards, who are also among the favorites at the World Cup, had a similar experience in the 2-1 draw against Switzerland: more possession than the opponent, hardly any solutions. World champions France are also not in top form just before the tournament.
But even if he’s not the only struggling national coach, Southgate now has to deliver. In view of his remarkable tournament results in the past (fourth place at the 2018 World Cup, runner-up at the European Championships 2021), he should not be put on leave even if he defeats Germany again. But the English want at least an encouragement now, something that will give them hope for the World Cup.
“It’s just that: you really need time to be able to develop something and be successful,” said ex-national player Owen Hargreaves in an interview on ran.de on Sunday. And the former Bayern professional also says: “But of course there comes a time when you have to win a trophy.”
