Fearful Player Hid in Arsenal Boss’s Bathroom Before Game

Steve McClaren once revealed the intense pressure he felt facing Arsene Wenger during his early tenure as Middlesbrough manager. In a candid moment on The Managers podcast, McClaren shared a story that highlighted his anxiety before a match against Wenger’s formidable Arsenal.

Hiding in Fear Before the Game

In 2001, McClaren, who had previously served under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, found himself overwhelmed. Middlesbrough’s initial matches were disastrous, with four consecutive defeats, no goals scored, and 13 conceded. This period of struggle led to a less-than-flattering nickname: “Pointless and clueless McClaren.”

As he prepared to face Wenger’s Arsenal, McClaren’s nerves culminated in an unusual encounter—he hid in a bathroom stall. He recalled the moment: “I just passed Arsene Wenger and thought, ‘Oh my god.’ I’ve got to play him with this team, not Man United.” His fear was palpable, as he stated, “I couldn’t get out of the toilet.”

Adapting to the Challenge

Confronted with the daunting task of managing Middlesbrough against an elite team, McClaren recognized he could not replicate Manchester United’s style. The team lacked the same caliber of talent, prompting him to rethink his strategies.

• Incorporated target man Brian Deane into the lineup.
• Implemented a defensive formation: two banks of four defenders.
• Focused on securing narrow victories by controlling the game.

This strategic shift eventually led McClaren to more successful outcomes. He helped Middlesbrough win the League Cup in 2004 and reach the UEFA Cup final in 2006.

Ongoing Career and Challenges

After his time at Middlesbrough, McClaren’s career continued with various clubs. He took over as England manager but faced challenges, including failing to qualify for Euro 2008. Despite setbacks, he achieved notable success, including securing the Eredivisie title with FC Twente in 2010.

His coaching journey included roles at numerous clubs, such as:

• Wolfsburg
• Nottingham Forest
• Twente (second spell)
• Derby County (twice)
• Newcastle United
• Queens Park Rangers

Most recently, McClaren’s tenure with the Jamaican national team ended following their failure to qualify for the World Cup.

As McClaren reflects on these experiences, the adage holds true: facing Wenger’s Arsenal was a pivotal moment in his early managerial career, marked by fear and the necessity to adapt quickly to a high-stakes environment.