Bryan Robson warns World Cup managers

Written by Kris Mole Sunday, 16 May 2010 22:56

England World Cup Blog

Ex-England captain Bryan Robson has told managers heading to the World Cup that they'll have to come up with new ways of communicating messages to players on the pitch during matches due to the loud roar of the plastic trumpet used South African fans.

The trumpet, called locally the 'vuvuzuela' caused controversy last year at the Confederations Cup after complaints were lodged from all corners, although all fell on deaf ears at FIFA, who are keen to preserve the local flavour of the tournament. Coaches and players alike weren't happy with the constant blowing of the metre-long instruments, as hearing and conveying instructions became near impossible.

Robson is the current manager of the national team of Thailand, who were beaten 4-0 by South Africa in Nelspruit on Sunday, and after the game the former Man United man said that the unique atmosphere could be a real advantage for the Bafana Bafana at next month's competition.

"The coaches at the World Cup are definitely going to have to inform their players beforehand that they will have to communicate effectively with each other on the field," Robson told the BBC. "It's very difficult to get any message to the players from the bench - coaches are going to have to make that known to their players."

He continuned, "With that noise they could have an advantage in the World Cup. If the atmosphere is like that in the World Cup it will raise the level of the players a little bit. If the supporters are behind them like that, it will be a big boost."
 

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