Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, offered a candid assessment of Gareth Southgate’s tactical approach following England’s 1-0 victory over Serbia. Despite Jude Bellingham securing the win for the Three Lions with a first-half goal, ten Hag expressed dissatisfaction with England’s cautious play, particularly in the second half.
During a post-match analysis for Dutch broadcaster NOS, ten Hag lauded Bellingham’s performance but bemoaned England’s lack of assertiveness. He remarked, “England were playing very passively. I actually saw them moving backwards, they kept Serbia coming at them.”
Furthermore, ten Hag voiced disapproval of Southgate’s decision to adopt a more conservative approach to protect their 1-0 lead, stating, “England will take a 1-0 lead, then he [Southgate] decides to start gambling with making his team compact and relying on moments for the remaining minutes of the game.”
The Dutch manager, who is poised to continue leading Manchester United after a thorough season-end review, also addressed the club’s contemplation of hiring Thomas Tuchel, confirming ongoing negotiations for a new contract. Furthermore, he disclosed that club officials visited him in Ibiza to discuss his future, adding that the nature of such discussions is uncommon in the Netherlands but accepted in England.
In conclusion, ten Hag’s forthright assessment of England’s playing style and his insights into his future at Manchester United provide a candid perspective on the current football landscape and the meticulous decision-making processes that underpin elite level management.