Was John Herdman Out of Line When He Said Canada Was Going To F’ Croatia?
Canada had a performance to be proud of when they faced Belgium in their first game of the World Cup. Unfortunately, despite playing well, Canada fell 1-0. Shortly after the defeat, Canada’s manager John Hereman expressed extreme confidence in his team, and finished it off by saying “We’re going to go F’ Croatia.” Did Hereman go too far with his comments, or is this the type of leadership Canadians want to see from their leader?
Canada's John Herdman after his side's hard-fought 1-0 loss to Belgium: "I told them they belong here. And we're going to go and F Croatia. That's as simple as it gets." The fiery 47-year-old maanger is pure CONCACAF Thunder, with a terrific haircut 🇨🇦pic.twitter.com/24k8k78Zp8
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) November 23, 2022
I’m fine with what Herdman said. If he would have said I told my boys they’re going to beat Croatia, there would have been very little reaction. His choice of “F” is what stirred the pot.
If I was a Canadian national player I would be inspired that our manager has that kind of confidence. Herman just expressed what he actually said to his team. This is the type of “locker room talk” I live for. Canada out played Belgium and deserved a better result. Herdman assured that his players wouldn’t let this loss bleed into their next game. Canada proved on Wednesday that they belong on the pitch with the world’s best, and there’s nothing wrong with Herdman instilling a bit more confidence in his squad.
Former Canadian National Team player and English football professional Jimmy Brennan said he didn’t have a problem with Herdman’s statement.
As a 🇨🇦 Ex footballer and International I don’t have a problem with what John Herdman said. If I have manager with passion, rolling up the sleeves and willing to get in the trenches I would run through a brick wall for him @footy_prime @CanadaSoccerEN #CanMNT
— Jimmy Brennan (@JimmyBrennan11) November 25, 2022
There has been some backlash from the media, but Herdman has handled it well. I love that he’s full of confidence, and I’m sure his players do too.
