Careers are at stake – Gatland (From Western Telegraph)

Careers are at stake – Gatland

11:35am Wednesday 17th March 2010 in

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WALES coach Warren Gatland has warned that jobs are on the line going into Saturday’s Six Nations finale against Italy at the Millennium Stadium, a game which could be for the wooden spoon.

Wales have disappointed by losing three of their four games in the tournament, and their solitary victory was a last gasp effort against Scotland.

In a frank interview Gatland said, “People need to know we are not hiding away from anything, we are hurting from last week and it means a hell of a lot for coaches and players to represent Wales.

“We need to take that responsibility and go out there and give a performance that shows people what it means, to me that’s really important.

“It’s important we are honest about where we are at the moment, we are in a results-orientated business and and people are under pressure for their jobs and their futures.

“We have to be aware of that and make people understand that, and that’s why we will be going out against Italy and showing people what it means to put that jersey on, play at home and deliver a performance.

“Personally I don’t know any other way to respond to a challenge, I want to show the players how much it means to me. I’m disappointed, I can’t stand losing and I want to show them what it means, and not just the players but the other staff involved and the whole set-up.

“It means a lot to me and I don’t take what I have for granted, I’m very privileged, very honoured and very proud to be coach of Wales, and I want to continue to do it but I want to show people that I’m passionate about it as well and I’m here to front up.

“But I’m really frustrated because we haven’t executed what we are capable of doing as a side, we have been letting ourselves down. But I’d like to think people who understand the game will be thinking we are not too far away.

“I’ve been getting plenty of advice, but I don’t mind that. One of the things I like about Wales is that people are really knowledgeable about the game, they are opinionated and they deserve the opportunity to express those opinions. I don’t have an issue with that because that’s a positive aspect. I could crawl away into my shell and hide, but I don’t want to do that.

“I’d like to think that as a player I was someone who you’d want to be alongside if you were in the trenches, and I want to try and express that as a coach as well.”