On the eve of the Euro final clash with Spain, England manager Gareth Southgate gave an in-depth interview to UEFA, sharing his team's joy after their semi-final victory, their growth in the tournament, their personal coaching legacy and their outlook for the upcoming final.
Strong ties with fans
Southgate began by expressing his deep affection for English soccer, saying, "If I wasn't coaching the team here, I would be at home supporting them as a fan. I've always wanted England to succeed and those early memories of fighting in the tournament still make my blood boil." He emphasized the unspeakable beauty of being able to lead his team to the final and share the moment with the fans who have travelled long distances and at great expense throughout Europe. This strong bond with the fans not only gives the players a huge sense of motivation, but also gives Southgate a deep sense of responsibility.
Growth and Resilience in Competition
Southgate looked very proud as he talked about his team's growth in the game. He noted that the team has improved significantly in terms of possession, a change that was evident from being restrained at the start of the tournament to being more free in the last few games. He singled out the Round of 16 win against Slovakia as a major turning point in the team's resilience and improved ball control. Although the goals came late in that game, he was impressed by the resilience and desire to win that the team showed. Southgate said that the change was not only reflected in the game, but also had a profound effect within the team, with the trust and understanding between the players growing.
Coaching legacy and finals outlook
Southgate remains humble about his coaching legacy. He said that it will take time to reflect and summarize the issues, but for now his whole focus is on how best to prepare for the final. He is well aware that this is a huge challenge against a very good team, but England are ready and will be at their best for the showdown.
Talking about the significance of winning the Europa League, Southgate could not hide his excitement. He said, "It will bring happiness and credibility to our country. We have earned a lot of credibility for English soccer over the last few years, but finally winning a trophy will be the best testament to all the hard work." He emphasized that the trophy would not only be a reward for the hard work of the players, but also a huge boost for the entire English soccer community.
Finally, Southgate expressed his gratitude to the player group and staff. He said, "For the whole player group and staff and the players who have been with us for the last six or seven years, I would be very proud of them. Because there are a lot of people who should be commended for the journey we've been on." This quote not only expresses his appreciation for the team, but also his commitment and responsibility as a head coach.
