By Sarah Walker
15 July 2024
A nation may be feeling quite sore after England’s 2-1 defeat against Spain in the Euro 24 final last night. But one thing that can be said about manager Gareth Southgate and the England team is that organisations can learn a lot from them when it comes to handling the media.
Before the tournament, we witnessed Gareth and England captain Harry Kane cope remarkably well at a press conference, when their translators failed to work. Both men kept their cool and persevered, much to the relief of the waiting journalists from around Europe, who were desperate to hear from the tournament favourites.
Of course, keeping cool under pressure is something Gareth and his team are no strangers to, given how they have conducted themselves throughout this tournament.
Organisations can learn a lot from them about handling expectant journalists in high pressure situations.
When England’s form seemed to suffer in the group stages and quarter finals of the competition, fans and the media harked back to the days of “turnip head” Graham Taylor, calling for Gareth to be given the sack and saying that the England team needed a shake-up. England’s poor performance inspired many social media memes from frustrated England fans, including pictures of Southgate and then PM Rishi Sunak, with references to the fact they’d both be at the Job Centre post election and England’s expected early exit from the tournament.
Fans criticised Gareth’s team selection and his tactics, but when faced with the media after every game, not to mention their difficult questions and accusatory tone, Gareth always kept his cool, stood by his team’s style of play and decisions and tried his best not to let the negative attention affect the morale of the team.
When England came into their own in the semi-final, the attitude of the fans, commentators and the wider media changed for the better.
But despite experiencing fickle fans and journalists, Gareth has maintained his calm and composure throughout.
With fans and the media now calling for him to be knighted and stay on in the England manager’s job for the World Cup in two years’ time, Gareth remains unaffected and humble by the somewhat schizophrenic attention, which has switched from distinctly negative and dour to manically positive.
Gareth has delivered a masterclass in how to handle the media in both good and bad times, sticking to his guns and letting his vast experience shine both pitchside and in front of the cameras and newspaper reporters under pressure for the next big scoop relating to Gareth’s career.
Speculation is now rife as to what Gareth will do next, with everyone analysing his post-match interview for clues as to whether he will throw in the towel or take England to the next level of winning a major tournament after what will be 60 “years of hurt”.
One thing is for sure. Gareth can be proud of the way he has conducted himself and his team – and of his record in major tournaments that make him the best England manager for generations
So what can other organisations learn about Gareth’s approach to the media?
- Stay Composed Under Pressure: Just like Southgate during the translator mishap, maintaining composure in high-pressure situations can prevent small issues from escalating and ensure that communication remains clear and effective.
- Stand by Your Decisions: Southgate’s unwavering support for his team and tactics, even when faced with criticism, highlights the importance of confidence in your decisions – something which he also communicated effectively during press interviews, showing he knew his stuff and expressing a confidence in his expertise. This not only fosters respect and gives people confidence that you have the courage of your knowledge and convictions, but also helps maintain internal morale.
- Consistency is Key: Southgate’s consistent demeanor, regardless of the media’s and fans’ fluctuating opinions, emphasises the importance of consistency in media interactions. This builds a reliable and trustworthy image and also lets your staff know you have their back.
- Shield Your Team: By protecting his players from negative media attention, Southgate ensured that team focus and morale were not compromised. Organisations should similarly protect their teams from undue negative attention, allowing them to focus on their goals.
Looking Ahead
Speculation is rife about Southgate’s future, with many analysing his post-match interviews for clues. Regardless of whether he decides to stay on or move on, one thing is certain. Gareth Southgate can be immensely proud of his record and the dignified manner in which he has conducted himself and his team. His experience and skill have made him the best England manager in generations, demonstrating a blend of humility, confidence, and strategic communication both on and off the pitch.
Gareth Southgate’s response to media criticism and his reaction to his team’s 2-1 defeat against Spain is indeed a masterclass in media relations. Organisations looking to improve their media handling can learn a great deal from Southgate’s approach, which is characterised by composure, consistency, and a deep sense of responsibility towards his team.
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