Before England’s 2-1 defeat in their crucial World Cup game with Uruguay, captain Steven Gerrard warned his players they faced a "terrible" summer if they lost.
Gerrard, who went through disappointing World Cup campaigns in 2006 and 2010 - when England lost 4-1 to Germany - said he underlined the high price of failure in a special address to the squad.
Gerrard, who went through disappointing World Cup campaigns in 2006 and 2010 - when England lost 4-1 to Germany - said he underlined the high price of failure in a special address to the squad.
"Going into this game, (they have) to realise it could be a terrible long, frustrating summer if we don't get it right on Thursday," he said. "There is no hiding place for a player when you go out of a tournament. You go home earlier than you expect. It can be tough as a player and it can take an awful long time to get over it."
It was supposed to be stirring stuff, but it’s difficult to inspire people with stressful problem talk. A solutions-focused coach or captain would have put the emphasis on getting to the next round, with words and images of “winning… goals… glory… success…. Teamwork.” Words can make a significant difference. (As, of course, can a genius player like Louis Suarez)
It was supposed to be stirring stuff, but it’s difficult to inspire people with stressful problem talk. A solutions-focused coach or captain would have put the emphasis on getting to the next round, with words and images of “winning… goals… glory… success…. Teamwork.” Words can make a significant difference. (As, of course, can a genius player like Louis Suarez)
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