I’m ready for the pressure, insists Hodgson, as he prepares to inherit England job’s poisoned chalice
ENGLAND’S new manager Roy Hodgson insists he is strong enough to handle the pressure of the most high-profile role of his lengthy career, after completing a whirlwind 48 hours by signing a four—year deal yesterday.
Hodgson’s appointment came in for criticism before it was even confirmed, with questions raised about why Tottenham’s Harry Redknapp, the bookmakers’ favourite, was overlooked in favour of the West Brom boss.
The 64-year-old also has recent history of showing the strain in a demanding role, having endured a difficult and increasingly fraught six months at Liverpool, before the club sacked him halfway through last season.
But Hodgson, who has impressed since with the Baggies and boasts a diverse CV that includes stints at Inter Milan and with three national teams, is adamant he is not fazed by a notoriously demanding position.
“I’m prepared. The fact is I took it at Liverpool and I’ll take it here,” said Hodgson, whose first match in charge will be against Norway in Oslo on 26 May.
“The Liverpool chapter is in the past and I’m concentrating on the future. There are lots of other chapters in my past I could concentrate on if I wanted to that would put a smile on my face. Inter, I would submit, wasn’t exactly too easy when it comes to scrutiny and size of club. The England manager’s job is the pinnacle of success for every English manager and it certainly brings with it a lot of scrutiny and criticism and I have to be prepared for that.”
Hodgson was presented at Wembley yesterday, just two days after West Brom told him they had accepted an approach from Football Association chairman David Bernstein, and less than a fortnight before England’s squad for the European Championship is set to be named – a timescale Hodgson conceded was far from ideal.
“It’s going to be difficult of course but hopefully I’ve got time,” he said. “Obviously I’ve been working here [in the Premier League] for the last five years so the players are pretty well known to me, even though I haven’t worked with them all. I’ve done as much research and spoken to as many people as I can.”
Hodgson declared Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney would definitely be in his squad, despite a two-match ban, but refused to name a captain. Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard, who has worked with Hodgson, would be a leading candidate and last night welcomed the former Anfield chief’s appointment.
“I’ve worked with Roy. He’s a good man and a good manager,” said Gerrard. “It’s important he’s given a chance and I’m looking forward to working with him again.”
Bernstein insisted former Fulham manager Hodgson had been the only man approached and that he had been identified a month ago – when City A.M. revealed the FA had gone cold on Redknapp. He insisted the lack of compensation associated with hiring Hodgson – he was out of contract in the summer – was not a factor but refused to discuss why Redknapp had not been interviewed.
Hodgson, meanwhile, revealed Redknapp had left him a message of congratulation. “He’s been very gracious in everything he’s done,” he said. “I hope we remain friends.”
19 This is the 19th job of Hodgson’s 36-year coaching career
3 World ranking Switzerland achieved under Hodgson
ALL-TIME RECORDS: ENGLAND MANAGERS
● Stuart Pearce, Feb 2012-May 2012
P1 W0 D0 L1 Win% 0
● Fabio Capello, Dec 2007-Mar 2012
P42 W28 D8 L6 Win% 66.67
● Steve McClaren, Aug 2006-Oct 2007
P18 W9 D4 L5 Win% 50
● Sven-Goran Eriksson, Jan 2001-Jul 2006
P67 W40 D17 L10 Win% 59.70
● Peter Taylor, Nov 2011
P1 W0 D0 L1 Win% 0
● Kevin Keegan, Feb 1999-Oct 2000
P18 W7 D7 L4 Win% 38.89
● Glenn Hoddle, Sep 1996-Feb 1999
P28 W17 D6 L5 Win% 60.71
● Terry Venables, Mar 1994-Jun 2006
P23 W11 D11 L2 Win% 47.82
● Graham Taylor, Sep 1990-Nov 1993
P38 W18 D13 L7 Win% 47.36
● Sir Bobby Robson, Sep 1982-Jul 1990
P95 W47 D30 L18 Win% 49.47
● Ron Greenwood, Sep 1977-Jul 1982
P55 W33 D12 L10 Win% 60.00
● Don Revie, Oct 1974-Jun 1977
P29 W14 D8 L7 Win% 48.28
● Joe Mercer, May 1974-Jun 1974
P7 W3 D3 L1 Win% 42.86
● Sir Alf Ramsey, Feb 1963-Apr 1974
P113, W69 D27 L17 Win% 61.06
● Walter Winterbottom
P138 W77 D33 L28 Win% 55.80
ROY ON…
The fact is I took it at Liverpool and I’ll take it here. The England job brings a lot of scrutiny and criticism and I will have to be prepared for that
It’s going to be difficult [to pick a squad so soon] but hopefully I’ve got time. I’ve been working here for five years so I know the players
England have to go into tournaments to win because we are a major football nation. Players would be disappointed if we expected anything less