Warren Gatland: Ex-Wales head coach ‘weighed down’ by criticism before mid-Six Nations exit
Several members of the Gatland Grand Slam champion, now an expert, said he was disappointed with the criticisms of some former actors.
“You gave that exterior wall to show nothing or too much emotion.”
“In the Welsh press, I feel very negative, it’s just keep suppressing me. I keep thinking, ‘Where are people in my corner or someone fighting for me?’.
“It’s tough. They (former players) try to find their feet in the game and sometimes have to be considered objective. If they don’t play for Wales, or for (the lions of England and Ireland), or have no success.”
Gatland said the current player was also affected by criticism but believed his Welsh exit would create “breathing space” to give the squad and coaches a chance to rebuild.
Gatland added that he was surprised that former assistant Rob Howley was not retained by interim head coach Sherratt while warning his permanent successor that he needed to “thick skin” .
He added: “There are a lot of people who want you to succeed, but there are also a lot of people who want you to fail. I’ve already experienced it.”
