Facing the press for the first time since replacing Roy Hodgson in the aftermath of the Three Lions’ below-par performances at Euro 2016, the former Sunderland manager spoke confidently about his ability to excel in a position that many have struggled in over the years.
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“It’s far too early to make any predictions”, said Allardyce.
“I’m going to leave that until I meet all the players and get all the staff together”, said Allardyce, before revealing former Bolton Wanderers, Liverpool and Southampton coach Sammy Lee has joined his backroom team.
The FA have been in talks with their Croatian counterparts over a friendly on September 1 which would be Allardyce’s first game as England manager.
His predecessor kept faith in Rooney despite calls prior to Euro 2016 to drop the Manchester United star, but ultimately it didn’t work as planned with England dumped out of the tournament by Iceland in the last-16.
“I could list you loads of players that he’s given a chance to – including myself – starting with Wayne Rooney and the list just goes on and on, so it’s also good for the younger lads at the club”, the 25-year-old explained.
“I expect the players to be very flexible and adaptable”.
“I think first and foremost it’s about regaining, perhaps, a bit of confidence they have lost after the Euros”, he said in an in-house interview with FATV.
“The game of football is to be enjoyed”.
Asked if the team had hit rock bottom, he said: “I wouldn’t suggest we are at rock bottom”.
Allardyce, who looked relaxed to the extent he dispensed with the formal attire of a tie, said his strength was his well-earned reputation as a man capable of going in and motivating the players to believe in themselves.
Although he reminded England’s players not to lose sight that playing for their country is as good as it gets, he urged them to relax more.
“So whatever people may tell me, it doesn’t stop me from trying something else, or trying to create another opportunity”.
“As the pinnacle of my career, which this job is, I want to enjoy this the most with everybody who works with me and works around me”.
“The good thing about really talented players is they make your life easier”.
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After Dick Advocaat’s departure, he accepted the challenge of keeping in the Premier League, and, against all the odds, managed to do it.
