Gordon Strachan quotes

Gordon Strachan is a Scottish former professional footballer and football manager, regarded as one of Scotland's most influential athletes. Known for his skillful midfield play, he represented clubs such as Aberdeen, Manchester United, and Leeds United. He later achieved further recognition as a successful manager for teams including Celtic and the Scotland national team. Here are 27 of his quotes:

I think what I've actually achieved as a manager does sometimes get a bit overlooked, because all people think about is the media side of things. They tend to forget I've not done so bad.

Gordon Strachan

I like to be able to control which players I'm working with. Because it doesn't matter how good a coach you are if the guys you're working with think they already know it all. You need a response, you need to feel they're trying. I want players who are always striving to improve.

Gordon Strachan

Reporter: This might sound like a daft question, but you'll be happy to get your first win under your belt, won't you? Strachan: You're right. It is a daft question. I'm not even going to bother answering that one. It is a daft question, you're spot on there.

Gordon Strachan

I want players who are always striving to improve.

Gordon Strachan

I'm just going to crumble like a wreck. I'll go home, become an alcoholic and maybe! jump of a bridge.

Gordon Strachan

I get the feeling a lot of politicians are there to help themselves financially, first and foremost. I don't really need to do that, and I thought if I could do something for sport in Scotland, that would be really fulfilling.

Gordon Strachan

I've had to take a lot of stick down the years but the one thing that really got to me was when someone questioned my integrity. It's the one thing that really grates with you.

Gordon Strachan

People talk about footballers and they get a bad press when not all of them deserve it.

Gordon Strachan

Believe me, you need good people if you want to make good players.

Gordon Strachan

The reason I became a manager was to have full control over training. If you are a coach, you are bound by what the manager wants you to coach. The other reason is that I just like the company of football people.

Gordon Strachan

I did think there were one or two referees who had a personal thing against me. It wasn't them versus Celtic - it was them against me! I just think they wanted to take me on.

Gordon Strachan

I've been in football a long time and people have problems through debt, drugs, drink and family.

Gordon Strachan

It took me 35 years of being involved at a decent level of football to become manager at a great club like Celtic.

Gordon Strachan

I'm a better coach now than when I joined Celtic. The longer you stay in any job, the better you become. If you lose your drive, your enthusiasm, your imagination, that experience is no good.

Gordon Strachan

I've got more important things to think about. I've got a yogurt to finish by today, the expiry date is today.

Gordon Strachan

People think I've got a problem with the press. Actually I have no problem with the press, but just like in football there are a handful who cause problems because they're disrespectful, they're lazy, and above all - and this is what really gets to me - they haven't worked hard to get there.

Gordon Strachan

Reporter: So, Gordon, in what areas do you think Middlesbrough were better than you today? Strachan: What areas? Mainly that big green one out there...

Gordon Strachan

Reporter: Welcome to Southampton Football Club. Do you think you are the right man to turn things around? Strachan: No. I was asked if I thought I was the right man for the job and I said, "No, I think they should have got George Graham because I'm useless."

Gordon Strachan

I've got more important things to think about. I've got a yogurt to finish by today, the expiry date is today. That can be my priority rather than Agustin Delgado.

Gordon Strachan

Gordon Strachan is as he is. He can be a prickly character to interview. I just think that, just occasionally, we all need to take a step back. This isn't done for a national audience or for national television - this is the opportunity the manager has to speak to supporters of his club. If that's how you want to address fans it is entirely Strachan's responsibility, but I think he needs to revisit that a bit.

Gordon Strachan

Reporter: Bang, there goes your unbeaten run. Can you take it? Strachan: No, I'm going to crumble like a wreck. I'll go home, become an alcoholic and maybe jump off a bridge. Umm, I think I can take it, yeah.

Gordon Strachan

Do I miss football in Scotland? It keeps you really alive, that's for sure. Your heartbeat fluctuates. I'm flatlining at the moment which is actually quite nice but you need to go up and down to stay alive.

Gordon Strachan