World Cup 2022: "We f ***** now Croatia" - Canada coach hands out

Created: 2022-11-26 06:53

By: Patrick Freiwah

Hothead and coach of the Canadian men's selection at the World Cup in Qatar: John Herdman (47).

© IMAGO/Jorge Martinez

At a PK, Canada coach John Herdman commented on Croatia's next World Cup opponent.

With a provocative statement in Qatar, the coach pours oil on the fire.

Doha – Canada is in Qatar for the first time in a long time at a World Cup.

The euphoria is huge, the emotions high - also because of the participation of FCB star Alphonso Davies.

However, their coach John Herdman is now in the line of fire – and as is so often the case at the controversial finals in the desert state, it is about morale and respect.

At a press conference, the coach of the Canadian selection explained how he had prepared his players for the next opponent Croatia after the unfortunate defeat against Belgium on Wednesday (0:1).

"I explained to them that they deserve to be here and we're f***ing Croatia now," the 47-year-old said (translated) - but without uttering the forbidden "F-word" completely.

Canada coach with a vulgar dropout – opponent from Croatia takes a stand

The statements are not well received by Croatia, who drew 0-0 with Morocco at the start of Group F.

Rather, they serve as a good means of motivation for the Europeans, who are the reigning vice world champions.

Coach Zlatko Dalic tried to diplomacy when asked.

"I'm not sure how nice it is to say something like that, but it's his right," said the trainer.

Accordingly, the coach of the Croatian World Cup selection let it be known that his players should show on the pitch who "has the pants on".

Every coach has his own style of communication, the 56-year-old said diplomatically.

And Herdman himself made another statement after his comments had already caused a stir.

World Cup in Qatar: Herdman gives a motivational speech after the opening defeat in Group F

"In moments of passion you sometimes say things to motivate your team in the group," said John Herdman in his emotionally charged speech, which may sound familiar to many footballers around the world.

"It may not be very respectful to the Croatian national team, I know very well what level they are at.

At this moment you have to take your team to the next level and make it clear to the players that they don't need to be afraid.” Incidentally, globetrotter Herdman himself is not Canadian, instead he comes from England.

"At the end of the day, it's about the attitude that Canada needs to have if we want three points against one of the top teams in the world.

And the mindset that we need after the defeat against Belgium.” It is Canada's second participation in a World Cup. The British coach has been in charge since January 2018 and had previously coached Canada at a women's World Cup.

Meanwhile, there was a strange TV glitch during the World Cup game between Brazil and Serbia.

It is about the irascibility of one of the two coaches.