18-12-2022, 17:00
I’ve been a big supporter of Southgate’s and I defended him after losing to Croatia in 2018, and Italy in 2020. Even this year, I think he assembled and motivated a great young team.
But even I think it may be time for him to pass the torch.
In my bed-ridden covid haze, I rewatched the 2006 Germany-Italy semi-final (great game!). It was astonishing to see how — at 0-0 in extra time — Lippi kept substituting in new attackers. It wasn’t just a go-for-broke desire to win, but it showed confidence that his exhausted defenders and his keeper could keep the Germans at bay.
I can’t imagine Southgate wanting to win more than he fears losing — I think he still carries that psychology with him from his playing days.
But even I think it may be time for him to pass the torch.
In my bed-ridden covid haze, I rewatched the 2006 Germany-Italy semi-final (great game!). It was astonishing to see how — at 0-0 in extra time — Lippi kept substituting in new attackers. It wasn’t just a go-for-broke desire to win, but it showed confidence that his exhausted defenders and his keeper could keep the Germans at bay.
I can’t imagine Southgate wanting to win more than he fears losing — I think he still carries that psychology with him from his playing days.