POV: You’re Not Singing…At All? (Joe Citrone)

After England manager Thomas Tuchel criticised the home crowd at the Three Lions’ convincing 3-0 win over Wales on Friday for being ‘silent’, Joe Citrone offers his take in our latest POV column…

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“The stadium was silent. We didn’t get any energy back from the stands…”

“It’s sad because the team deserved more support today…”

Those were Tuchel’s post-match comments after his England side hammered Wales 3-0 in an international friendly at Wembley Stadium on Friday night, which took a lot of the footballing world by surprise and has attracted a lot of debate and discussion.

Not because it’s not true, because, let’s be honest here, Wembley isn’t the most atmospheric stadium in the world, but because it’s such a surprise to ever see a football manager criticise the fans like that.

So, should a manager ever be allowed to do that?

Well, I suppose so, but I am not sure when it’s ever a good idea. It’s usually the sign of a manager on his last legs, which makes his comments extra confusing, considering he’s just off the back of his two best wins as Three Lions coach.

And, as much as Tuchel was probably right in saying the atmosphere was poor…it’s a friendly match, Thomas. Not the World Cup final. What exactly were you expecting?

Maybe his point was more about how his players deserved more for the performance they were putting in, which saw England 3-0 up inside half an hour, but I have been to many friendly matches over the years – both with club and country – and I have never in my life thought ‘what a great atmosphere’.

When there’s nothing on the line, it’s hard to create much of a buzz and atmosphere.

Is there a solution to this? Taking the team around the country to play in other stadiums, particularly for friendly matches, might be a way of creating some added buzz.

However, it may just be a reality that Tuchel has to accept, and perhaps his comments are the sign of a manager still acclimatising to international football.

I am sorry to be the one to break this to you, Thomas, but a lot of international football is quite boring. Fans are going to save their voices and energy for when it really matters – which is at the major tournaments. No one is lobbing their pint in the air after going 1-0 up against Wales in an international friendly.

Until then, Tuchel might just have to get used to flat atmospheres.

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