Exclusive Interview: Chris Waddle On Adapting To French Football, Italia '90 Memories, & Life Beyond Coaching

In association with NewBettingSites.uk , we had the privilege of speaking with Chris Waddle , an England football legend who has made his mark on the field and in the media. In this exclusive interview for Total Football Analysis , Chris Waddle reflects on his diverse football journey, from adapting to the unique challenges of playing in France with Marseille to the unforgettable camaraderie of the England squad at Italia '90 . Chris also opens up about his transition from player to manager, his decision to step away from coaching, and his insights into the world of football commentary. Plus, he shares invaluable advice for the next generation of footballers looking to make their mark on the game. The Marseille Experience: A Shift in Playing Style Total Football Analysis: You’ve played for some iconic clubs across Europe. How did your time at Marseille, in particular, shape you as a player compared to your experiences in England? Chris Waddle: Playing in Marseille was a completely different experience. The style of football in the French league was unlike anything in England. In France, especially when I first arrived, I had to adjust to the slower pace—it’s not 100 miles an hour like in England. The temperatures during the season are much higher, so the intensity can’t match what I was used to. It was a bit of a shock at first, but I quickly realized the game was more technical, which suited me better. Adapting to a New Football Culture Total Football Analysis: That must have been quite an adjustment. Chris Waddle: Absolutely. At first, it was the little things—like the fact that they don’t press as much or chase lost causes. It’s a different mentality. In France, the game is slower and more methodical, focusing on working in specific areas rather than running up and down the pitch constantly. I always thought of myself as a technical player, so I naturally adapted to this style. Playing with top-class players like Pat Bon, Deschamps, and Basil Boli taught me a lot. It took about three months to fully acclimate, but once I did, it worked out well. I'd recommend any player to go abroad if they get the chance—it's invaluable. Building a Unique Bond with Marseille Fans Total Football Analysis: It sounds like you had a special connection with the Marseille fans. What made your relationship with them so unique? Chris Waddle: I think it was about respect and the way I played. I got on very well with the fans—they liked me, and I liked them. I used to joke around and play with them on the pitch sometimes. That kind of connection was rare in France. Most French players were quite professional, focused and didn’t let their hair down as much as I did. But for me, it was all about having fun and enjoying every game, whether we were playing at the Stade Vélodrome or elsewhere. I think the fans appreciated that, and it made our relationship special. Memories from Italia ’90: A Special Squad Total Football Analysis: You were part of the legendary England squad at the 1990 World Cup in Italy. What are your standout memories from that tournament? Chris Waddle: The camaraderie within the team was brilliant, and that’s essential for success. It's not just about skill—although that helps—but having a group that gets along and pulls in the same direction is crucial. The 1990 squad had that. We had a lot of fun off the pitch, and when we got on the field, we worked incredibly hard for each other. Even though it ended in disappointment, I look back at that time with great memories. Sharing a room with Gazza for seven weeks was something else—I think I got about three hours of sleep! But it was a fantastic experience overall. Transitioning to Management: Lessons from Burnley Total Football Analysis: After your playing career, you took on a managerial role at Burnley . What was that experience like, and why did you decide not to continue in coaching? Chris Waddle: Moving into management seemed like the natural next step at the time. I’d left Sunderland at 37, and I was still fit enough to play, but the opportunity at Burnley came up, so I went for it. However, it quickly became clear that the role wasn’t for me. I found myself constantly clashing with the board—they were focused on finances, while I was focused on the football. Despite keeping the club up against the odds, it just didn’t feel like a good fit. After Burnley, I did a stint at Sheffield Wednesday with the reserves, but by then, I realized coaching wasn’t my true passion. I was drawn more towards the media side of things, and that’s where I’ve been ever since. Analyzing the Game: From Player to Commentator Total Football Analysis: You’ve been involved in football commentary for years now. How do you approach analyzing the game compared to when you were playing? Chris Waddle: I’ve always been a bit of a football obsessive—I’d watch every game possible, whether it was a Sunday league match or a top-flight fixture. That hasn’t changed. Analyzing games for radio comes naturally because I’m so familiar with how teams play and who the key players are. The challenge is keeping up with the influx of new players, especially in the Premier League, but with the resources available now, it’s much easier to stay informed. Advice for Aspiring Footballers: Keep Evolving Total Football Analysis: Finally, what advice would you give to young aspiring footballers looking to make their mark in the game today? Chris Waddle: I would definitely say to young players, you know what you’re good at from a young age. I knew my strengths and weaknesses early on. It’s important to listen to your coaches and those who influence you. Watch players, learn from them—honestly, I learned more by watching players than from what managers told us. Once you reach a certain level, you start to think, “Right, I know what I’m doing.” Then, you begin to look at your weaknesses again and think, “Can I improve on that?” For me, it was my right foot. When I got to Newcastle early on, I realized that people knew I was predominantly left-footed, so I worked on my right foot. That way, I could go either way—inside to shoot or cross, or pass with my weaker foot. Many players have a couple of good seasons and then fade away because they don’t add new dimensions to their game. To succeed long-term, you have to keep evolving. Total Football Analysis: Well, thank you for your time and for sharing your insights, Chris. It's been a pleasure to hear you talk about your experience as a player and as a coach, and we wish you the best in all your future endeavours.

Exclusive Interview: Chris Waddle On Adapting To French Football, Italia ’90 Memories, & Life Beyond Coaching

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