Morgan Gibbs-White believes he deserved to be named in England’s World Cup squad after he was overlooked by Thomas Tuchel.
Gibbs-White’s goal in Nottingham Forest’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth was his 18th in all competitions this season, to go with seven assists. Yet when Tuchel named his 26-man party for the tournament this summer, Gibbs-White was not in it.
He said: ‘It is what it is. I know myself I have done more than enough to be in the squad.
‘I just got on the wrong side of someone’s opinion. I have been on the wrong side of people’s opinions throughout my career so I’m only going to bounce back.
‘We had a good conversation. I respect him for calling me and telling the news. I agreed with what he had to say. I’m glad the season is behind us now, I’m going to concentrate on the summer.’
Morgan Gibbs-White (left) believes he did enough to get into Thomas Tuchel’s (right) squad
Even if Tuchel delivers the trophy, he may not be forgiven in the red half of Nottingham.
On the day Bournemouth claimed European qualification for the first time in their history, the City Ground turned on Tuchel for leaving their hero at home this summer.
There had already been several choruses of ‘Thomas Tuchel is a w*****’ and when Gibbs-White’s 20-yard effort flew beyond Djordje Petrovic 10 minutes before half-time, his celebration spoke volumes.
Gibbs-White repeatedly pointed to his chest and held up both palms – perhaps to indicate 5+5 = 10. The fans responded with chants of ‘England’s No10’. To those who have watched Gibbs-White regularly in the second half of the season, Tuchel’s call remains mystifying.
This time last year, Forest could celebrate qualifying for Europe. Now it was Bournemouth’s turn as Andoni Iraola signed off as Cherries boss by delivering the Europa League. Aston Villa’s win at Manchester City denied Bournemouth the Champions League spot they had dreamed of but the Europa League is a fine consolation prize, especially as English team have won each of the last two editions.
This draw completed an 18-match unbeaten run for Bournemouth, who have not lost since they sold star attacker Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City in January. For supporters who remember two periods of administration in the 1990s and 2000s, this was a day to cherish.
Don’t forget that less than 20 years ago, in the 2008-09 season, Bournemouth were starting League Two with a 17-point deduction. Their rise is proof of what can be achieved through significant investment and brilliant planning.
‘I was looking regularly at the scores at Liverpool and Manchester City,’ admitted Iraola, who said midfielder Alex Scott had to pull out in the warm-up due to illness.
Tuchel called Gibbs-White to explain the rationale, and the player responded with a goal
‘We cannot ask for much more. We finish the season in an incredible run of games. We beat the club points record, we finished sixth, we get the Europa League. We were fighting for the cherry on the cake but City and Liverpool didn’t help us. Still, we are celebrating.
‘It took me a lot to decide (to leave). Once you get to the decision I think you feel relieved. I think it has also had a positive influence.
‘Sometimes you fear a negative effect but it has been the other way. Players have shown everything, I love them a lot and I am going to miss them. I will take my time to make a decision. I want to continue being a head coach and we will see what happens.’
