Just seen him do a press conference in both English for the English media and fluent Italian for the Italian press. Absolutely first class. See Crapello, that's how you show respect to the country that pays you a lot of money to work there. You learn the language. Whatever the result tonight, I am absolutely impressed with how Roy has conducted himself and gone about the job given that he had absolutely no preparation time and a fistful of injuries which he has had to overcome so far. He has re-ignited my love of the national team with his class, passion and tactical prowess. I feel part of it all again under Roy Hodgson and look forward to the World Cup qualifiers running up to Brazil 2014. Come on England.
Absolutely spot on. They guy is top class and while I never expect success nationally, for once, I see a glimmer of hope. Roy Hodgson has made me proud of the England team once again.
Agree Cest, He's oozed class from day 1 in the role, do we have that rare thing of a universally liked England manager?? First one since Sir Bobby?
I totally agree Cestria..In my opinion he has shoved the ****e that the Sun etc right back down their throats...
There was thing about him on the Beeb a while back with footage of him during his time in Sweden. It was hilarious watching him chat to the Swedish media in fluent Swedish, which is hardly something you could see Saggy Chops Redknapp ever doing...
he should speak to the sun's reporters in italian,swedish,finnish ect... and see them scuttle away to try and translate it, teach them to take the piss out of his speech
Exactly. It was stupid how every media outlet was trying to put him down. We won't win this tournament but I would not be surprised if we scared Spain in the next round (I am confident we can beat a poor Italian team)
That is a fantastic piece of class from the man, respect from me. But it's a bit harsh having a go at Capello for not speaking perfect English, when he first started managing England he could not speak a word. I defy anyone to be able to speak Italian in the short amount of time that he had. Some people (presumably, like Woy) are more suited to learning languages than others, it's usually a case of not being able to than can't be arsed. English is also a difficult language to speak as a second language, the verb forms are odd and certainly compared to Italian, where most of the verbs are pretty straightforward.
Will have to take your word on this one. I remember ploughing through French at school for years and now all I can do is ask what time it is and could I please have two beers (which is only really helpful when I am sat in a bar near closing time!) - as a result I have always had great respect for anybody who can speak more than one language - that Roy can speak several is in my opinion pretty amazing. He is a class act in that respect and has shown more ability to change tact mid-game than Capello ever did. That being said I have a feeling it will be the end of the road in the euros tonight.
He is fluent in 5 languages, 6 if you include scouse. Add to that he is a dignified, respected and principled man, without any peers in the game today in this respect - he makes Capello look like a clown. He is in the same class as Sir Bobby Robson for being lauded in Europe and if you at his CV you can understand why. Who would question his decision not to take Ferdinand now, has earned that respect from me.
Coming to the game - his tactics have forced the Italians to adjust their game plan. At least they are doing the guessing what's coming next. Stop Pirlo please and we are on track.
