Former Real Madrid man and ex-Super Eagle Mutiu Adepoju compares Gareth Southgate’s departure from the Three Lions with José Peseiro’s resignation from the Super Eagles.
Both managers had left their roles with Nigeria and England respectively after falling short at the last hurdle in their continental competitions.
However, while both nations have their works cut out now trying to replace them, Adepoju feels the media isn’t helping football management much — the need to remain realistic and accept things just the way they pan out is often sacrificed for the demand for utmost perfection.
Southgate at the helm of the Three Lions
Southgate’s time in charge of the English national team was somewhat of a mixed bag. After replacing Sam Allardyce under controversial circumstances in 2016, the Watford-born set about building a team the English will go on to cheer in at least four major tournaments.
While he’s had to deal with media criticism all through it, coupled with a section of the fanbase and even ex-internationals often questioning his pedigree and suitability for the job, it is evident the man had grown some skin and toughly worn it.
Even before the Euro 2024 final with Spain a few weeks ago, Southgate admitted in a press conference that while the criticisms are affecting, he has resigned to using it “as fuel” at the tournament.
José’s appointment with the Super Eagles
Following a string of managerial duties which took him around Europe coaching a plethora of clubs, Peseiro looked to have found a home with the Super Eagles with his appointment in 2021.
The Portuguese will bide his time initially after taking over, watching his soon-to-be side fall at the last 16 to Tunisia in the African Cup of Nations 2021. When he eventually assumed position as the head coach, he took the team to the AFCON tourney in Ivory Coast, losing 2-1 to the hosts in the showpiece before parting ways in March 2024.
While both managers had come under stern scrutiny from the media during their times when the results were not fine, Adepoju reiterated the need to remember it is a game of winning and losing in an exclusive interview.
Comparing both national team’s setup
“Obviously, two different systems, the English team setup and the Nigerian team setup, different cultures and traditions”, Adepoju told SportsBoom.com.
“You can look around them and try to draw comparisons due to the way the erstwhile managers walked but the fact still remain that they are two different sides, even two different stories.”
“Unarguably, you can see Southgate did well during his time, turning around the way England play. I see people say things and give them stick, but you don’t know what to expect from his team. They thrill you; they keep you on the edge of your seat, you don’t know what to expect next. We’ve seen them make solid progress in competitions; they are just unlucky to keep falling short. If that’s not progress, I don’t know what else is.”
“Peseiro was here for a short time, for the Super Eagles. Everybody wanted him to win the tournament, the AFCON, we all yearned to be champions again. But sometimes in football, it just doesn’t happen.”
Quizzed on who he thinks is the best candidate to take these teams going forward, he said: “You have to look at the names that’s being mentioned, then you look at the ones that know the team deeply, the culture and everything. Then you look at mentality and professionalism.
“Sometimes, it’s hard to find all these in one, so it requires patience and trust to build up on anyone that gets it. For England, we’ve seen names like Eddie Howe, Pep Guardiola, Graham Potter, Ange Postecoglou, Jurgen Klopp; these are all top professionals so good luck to the FA finding their man.”
Handling criticisms as a manager
“The thing is people [the media and the fans] quickly forget that winning and losing is part of the game. The media will come at you. It seems like they are waiting, waiting for you to falter one bit. But you can only win, or lose of course”, he added.
“Over the course of a tournament, or a league season, a lot could happen. So, how you handle those criticisms when people keep questioning your job is important. You have to be strong. But it can be depressing if it’s much.”
