Ferdinand praises McClaren style

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/sport1/hi/football/internationals/5411782.stm

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Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says England coach Steve McClaren has adopted a straight-talking approach much like Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferdinand said: "The boss at United has achieved great things - he hasn't done that through pussy-footing around.

"I don't envisage the boss we have with England now doing that either.

"If he has a problem or he needs something to be rectified, he will just come out and say it to the lad straight away. He's already been doing that."

Ferdinand, who is part of McClaren's squad for the upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers against Macedonia and Croatia, added: "Players should definitely be rollicked more often. That's the way I've grown up.

"Some players might not agree with that and might squirm at being rollicked.

"But I don't think there's anything better than hearing a manager be honest - either in front of the lads or to your face by yourself - and telling you where you've gone wrong and what you have to do to improve.

"It can only make you a better player."

Ferdinand also suggested England, who were criticised for their dull style in this summer's World Cup, need to be more adventurous.

I've always been brought up to be a free spirit playing football but it wasn't really encouraged under the last regime Rio Ferdinand

"In the past England teams have been too rigid in my view.

"Players have been put in positions and then that's it, you just do that and that's what's expected of you.

"I think we were over-cautious in our play - not just in the last World Cup but in most World Cups.

"We've been a lot more cautious than we should have been whereas other teams throw caution to the wind a little bit and still get good results."

Ferdinand also hinted he had been stifled under McClaren's predecessor Sven-Goran Eriksson.

"I've always been brought up to be a free spirit playing football but it wasn't really encouraged under the last regime.

"It's about the team being a cohesive unit and that's what the manager is trying to get into this squad and his teams, being able to be fluid as unit both attacking and defending.

"If we're going to be successful then we're going to need to do that."