In the German lexicon, there is supposedly a term: der Briefcasetrainerparadigm, which represents someone who, despite their evident proficiency, is perceived as a failure. Although this term is not authentic, the saying “there’s a German word for it” is a well-known warning signal, similar to what Germans refer to as a Fake-Deutsche-Langeswort-Intro. The predicament it points to is quite relevant as Gareth Southgate readies his team for their match against Switzerland this Saturday evening in Düsseldorf.
Southgate is headed for his fourth consecutive quarter-final and is continuously on the brink of a potential brink of a climax, edging closer towards his unique paradox – what could be termed as the Southgate paradox.
The fact that Southgate is arguably England’s most successful manager owing to his consistent success, slipped past many unnoticed amidst last weekend’s triumph over Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen. Regardless of the outcome of the upcoming match against Switzerland, the truth remains unchanged, albeit frustrating and unbelievable for many.
Hold on! No one is ignoring the disastrous performance of England in these Euros or the detrimental decisions of the manager. The team’s current style of playing could easily lead to their downfall against tougher competitors. It seems as if England is gradually paving its way towards a definitive downfall, comparable to a Brazil-Germany at the Maracanã or a Watford in the Cup final catastrophe.
However, the undeniable reality is that Southgate’s England team has accomplished two quarter-finals, a semi-final and a final. Within his tenure of six years, England has won seven tournament knockout games. Before Southgate, England had managed only six knockout games in fifty years, which makes the current phase the most triumphant period in the men’s England football team history.
The strange nature of the England manager’s job, along with the importance of maintaining the culture and leadership, is very well comprehended by Southgate. He successfully handles the peculiarities beyond the actual match days, which are often overlooked due to his adept management. Along with a strong group of players, his excellent leadership has borne results unparallel to all except the victory of 1966.
Indeed, it’s crucial to consider the counterpoints. Common arguments might suggest that Gareth Southgate simply has at his disposal some of the world’s most sought-after players, and that he has been restraining England’s golden talents thus far. From Brazil’s admiration of Conor Gallagher to France’s yearning for a player akin to Jordan Henderson, to the Netherlands’ desire for their own Jesse Lingard, one might conclude he simply has the upper hand. This line of reasoning, it could be argued, stems from either ignorance of the strengths of other nations or unquestioned belief in the hype around the Premier League. The truth, however, is that England has consistently produced competent players. What Southgate has done is build a conducive atmosphere for their development, whilst incorporating the likes of Ashley Young, Eric Dier, and Harry Maguire. This, indeed, reflects effective team management.
Detractors might suggest that Southgate’s success over the last eight years is based more on good luck than good management. However, it could equally be argued that any good fortune he’s had is the result of hard work and perseverance. England’s resilience in the face of adversity isn’t simply luck, something had to fuel it. Luck can be fleeting but it’s not created in a void.
This brings us to the peculiar situation dubbed the ‘Southgate Paradox’. One can challenge the aforementioned viewpoints, but rationally speaking, Southgate’s track record cannot justifiably be regarded as an utter letdown. Despite this, a growing discontent is brewing. Southgate is becoming a lightning rod for public criticism, facing continuous ridicule. Amid this, he could also be deemed the best manager England has had in the last fifty years.
What fuels this anger? Why this harsh conviction that Southgate’s leadership of England has been a national disgrace? Partly, it could be down to the public growing weary of the same faces, same voices. In difficult times, people often look for an outlet for their frustrations. The media plays a role too – a less favourable portrayal of Southgate draws readership. It’s no longer just the unvarnished facts delivered by reliable journalists like Nigel Cakebread, it’s a 24/7 news cycle from all angles; a continuous duel between commentators, each looking for the next viral soundbite or the sharp critique to gain attention.
Southgate finds himself in quite an extraordinary set of circumstances that he discusses. His companions in the media are his old teammates. High-profile celebrities can effortlessly air their views which their audience then magnifies, praising them for “telling it like it is”, all while cleverly turning a profit off a podcast.
What’s interesting is how this pent-up frustration unravels, in a manner that is highly characteristic, current, and representative of England. The demand is always for liberation, a release. The narrative revolves around the theme of deception, of a dormant weapon yet to be discovered. We are entrapped by the elite, indifferent powers, and corporate individuals. Set us free. Let us restore the original structure, which is for England to triumph and be morally superior.
Southgate is a fitting player in this scenario, given his cautious, controlled nature. His physical appearance also sets him into this role, with his somewhat awkward, headmaster-esque style. His political inclinations add to it. He will forever be perceived as “Woke-gate” by some, even if he’s not as woke these days. He uses words rather than demonstrating emotions loudly. He doesn’t make a show of it. He simply comprehends the situation and acts appropriately.
Nevertheless, he finds himself in a helpless situation, compelled to abide. Part of the reason for these restrictions tends to be his own shortcomings. The demands to release, to strike, and to allow Gareth’s fury to reign coincide with confusion during this tournament. Impaired choices have thus transpired. This demonstrates a manager who has lost touch with his true talent and thus strayed from the stability that led his team to success.
However, England lacks high-profile management talent. England has never succeeded in developing a coaching institution. The last English manager to win the English league was Howard Wilkinson, who was direct in his strategies. This is why England has Southgate as their manager. This is why England’s team serves well-defined roles, and why there are square pegs rather than round. Berating the only manager to have concocted a makeshift solution over the past 50 years is surely a unique approach in trying to rectify this situation.
So where does this put the current team ahead of Saturday’s match in Düsseldorf?
Depending on England’s commencement, and their feelings following four complicated matches will determine a considerable proportion of their success. The role of noise will be pivotal as always. Here lies an interesting contradiction: The negative intensity surrounding Southgate is an additional proof of his commendable performance in his role. This is the adversity that needs to be confronted and endured.
Consider the challenge of executing the role amidst such turbulence. Imagine fulfilling the responsibility as efficiently as preceding managers, all the while being continuously accused of being fraudulent and inadequate , and being identified as the issue. Southgate, a manager who initially spoke about alleviating the stress from the players, has dedicated the recent week discussing this primarily. Southgate may not be flawless, but he certainly merits admiration merely for reaching this point. – The Guardian