Pearce: I have a lot to learn

21 June 2009 16:17
Stuart Pearce has written off his chances of being next in line to England boss Fabio Capello after revealing how his work with the Italian left him feeling "inept". Pearce has enhanced his reputation by assisting Capello and taking the Under-21s to the semi-finals of the European Championships in Sweden - with a Group B clash against Germany to spare - but he still feels he is learning his trade. "The England manager's job is the pinnacle of anyone's career," Pearce said. "When I look at Fabio every day and watch him work, I realise how inept I am as a manager." Pearce, who managed Manchester City for two years, continued: "I'm a manager that has been in control of a team for maybe 150 matches over a four-year period. "For me, that is ridiculously lightly raced as a manager. Very lightly experienced. I feel I have many years in front of me where I have to gain experience as a manager." Pearce knows perception is almost as important as experience in the managerial world. His stock is high at the moment and he has a verbal agreement to stick with the Under-21s until 2011. Victories over Finland and Spain mean the intense rivalry with Germany will be the most important factor tomorrow evening in Halmstad. "It's how fickle we are in football that maybe two years ago as Manchester City manager I was written off," Pearce said. "Two years down the line I'm written back on again. If I lose the semi-final I'll be written back off again. "I've got a long-term plan that I keep to myself. The one thing I can tell you is that today I haven't got enough experience by any means. "There is a better manager to come from me. I'll be a better manager tomorrow morning than I am today and I'll keep improving."

Source: Eurosport