Sbragia defends soft style

02 March 2009 17:44
Ricky Sbragia does not mind if his approach to management makes him appear boring. The Sunderland boss is not one to rant and rave on the sidelines, preferring to remain calm and composed at all times. That has led to suggestions that he lacks the motivational skills required to coach at the top level. However, Sbragia believes treating players with respect is more conducive to getting the best out of them than jumping on any unintentional mistakes. The Black Cats chief cites an example from the club's last outing, against Arsenal, as a perfect example of how letting things lie helps everyone to remain focused. He admits he could have lambasted Andy Reid for a stray ball which almost handed the Gunners a lead, but believes the Irish midfielder did not need to be told he was in the wrong. "Most managers would have been out of the dug-out absolutely slaughtering him," said Sbragia. Negative"Previously, a manager would have been out chewing his head off, which would get a negative response from the player again. "But I couldn't go on to the touchline and rollock him for it, I didn't think that was right. I have got to be bigger than that. "I want them to go and play without this fear of me being down their necks. "I can tell them off when I want to tell them off, but I like to tell them off in private. "I don't like to tell them off in front of others and show them up and sometimes loose respect. I prefer to pull them aside and have a chat with them. "That's the way I work - and I won't change it."

Source: SKY_Sports