Former Super Eagle Adepoju Compares Southgate and Peseiro Departures, Calls for Media Realism

Former Real Madrid man and ex-Super Eagle Mutiu Adepoju compares Gareth Southgate's departure from the Three Lions with José Peseiro's resignation from the Super Eagles.

Both managers had left their roles with Nigeria and England respectively after falling short at the last hurdle in their continental competitions.

However, while both nations have their works cut out now trying to replace them, Adepoju feels the media isn't helping football management much — the need to remain realistic and accept things just the way they pan out is often sacrificed for the demand for utmost perfection.

Southgate at the helm of the Three Lions

Southgate's time in charge of the English national team was somewhat of a mixed bag. After replacing Sam Allardyce under controversial circumstances in 2016, the Watford-born set about building a team the English will go on to cheer in at least four major tournaments.

While he's had to deal with media criticism all through it, coupled with a section of the fanbase and even ex-internationals often questioning his pedigree and suitability for the job, it is evident the man had grown some skin and toughly worn it.

Even before the Euro 2024 final with Spain two weeks ago, Southgate admitted in a press conference that while the criticisms are affecting, he has resigned to using it "as fuel" at the tournament.

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Handling criticisms as a manager

"The thing is people[ the media and the fans] quickly forget that winning and losing is part of the game. The media will come at you. It seems like they are waiting, waiting for you to falter one bit. But you can only win, or lose of course", he added.

"Over the course of a tournament, or a league season, a lot could happen. So, how you handle those criticisms when people keep questioning your job is important. You have to be strong. But it can be depressing if it's much."

José's appointment with the Super Eagles

Following a string of managerial duties which took him around Europe coaching a plethora of clubs, Peseiro looked to have found a home with the Super Eagles with his appointment in 2021.

The Portuguese will bide his time initially after taking over, watching his soon-to-be side fall at the last 16 to Tunisia in the African Cup of Nations 2021. When he eventually assumed position as the head coach, he took the team to the AFCON tourney in Ivory Coast, losing 2-1 to the hosts in the showpiece before parting ways in March 2024.

While both managers had come under stern scrutiny from the media during their times when the results were not fine, Adepoju reiterated the need to remember it is a game of winning and losing in an exclusive interview.