McClaren refutes quit talks after disappointing results
الأحد، 15 أكتوبر 2006 - 15:02
كتب : Megan Detrie
“I'm not even contemplating resigning," said McClaren as reported by Sky Sports.
"I've every confidence in us qualifying, so I'm not thinking about walking away. And it's too early to talk about me being sacked,” he said.
Both fans and the press have questioned McClaren's results after a change in tactics against Croatia. He used a 3-5-2 formation that seemed to leave his players uncomfortable with their roles on the pitch.
Despite the faltering performance so far, McClaren remains adamant that he should not be judged until the Euro 2008 qualifiers are over.
"The job I have taken on is qualification for the European Championships in two years' time. So I feel I should be judged at the end of qualification," he said.
"A good manager would qualify with these players. I feel we'll get there, but the pressure is enormous."
The defeat against Croatia is England’s second disappointing result under McClaren in less then a week after the Three Lions were held to a goalless draw against Macedonia on Saturday.
"Along the way we're going to hit rocks because we need to try things. But it's not as if I'm stuck here in a muddle not knowing where I am," he said.
"Over the coming games and months, hopefully we'll address these problems. I understand why the fans are angry. The demand for a performance is always there.
"But the expectation level in the dressing room is we have to qualify," he added.