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Alabama head coach Nick Saban will not be training in tomorrow’s Iron Bowl after testing positive for COVID-19 earlier this week and showing mild symptoms. Working away from home, Saban spoke with CBS Sports’ Jamie Erdahl on Friday to update how he feels and how weird it will be not to be sidelined at Bryant-Denny Stadium for the game. from Auburn.
Here’s everything Saban said during his interview with Erdahl on CBS Sports Network.
On what he feels …
“I feel good. Thank you very much for asking the question. I would like to thank all the people who have texted, sent messages and are concerned. But I would also like to let them know that I am doing very well. Thank you.”
On what he learned in preparation for the game against Georgia …
“Basically what we found out during this situation was that we could do everything that we normally do with Zoom, with the technology in preparation. I could watch the practice. I could have a contribution to the practice. I could talk to the team, be in a meeting, that’s the same thing we did this week. I think the biggest difference is that it was a quick test, which I was able to test. It wasn’t, and there were mild symptoms, so there’s no chance. So the biggest difference will be that you won’t be there for the game.
“In 47 years of coaching, this will be the first game I missed, and because of the technological rules we have, you really can’t have a lot of input or communication during the game. So you feel a bit left out, especially in a big game, especially when, as a coach, you really like helping your players in any way you can, whether it’s psychologically or by making some in-game adjustments. that would be useful for them. It’s just a little empty feeling not to be there for them.
On the emotions of having to miss a match …
“I can’t explain that one. It’s hard. I mean, that’s what you work for as a coach. You help the players so they can play well in the game. I mean, that’s basically why you prepare, that’s why you practice, that’s why you plan to match. But I’ll be there in the spirit. I have always said to our players: “You have to be able to adapt. There are going to be disruptions. You have to be able to adapt to the things that are happening and everyone has to adapt now.
“It’s understandable that when you get a shock like this it can affect people. I mean, it usually is. But I also think everyone has to understand that we have to adapt. We must move forward. It’s important to me for the players on our team who didn’t have the chance to win this game, the Iron Bowl, that they get the chance to do so.
On what his participation looks like before the match …
“We won’t do anything different. I always talk to the team on Friday. I will speak to the team on Friday. I can still attend the Friday night meetings. We have a little meeting before we go to the stadium. I will be able to participate. But basically after that – and I’m going to say to the players today, ‘I won’t be with you during the game.’ “
Activated if its display configuration has changed since the last time …
“No, we sort of have the same setup. We will do our best. It will be a learning experience for me to see how I react to watching our team play on TV. “
On if this is one of the strangest moments of his career …
“Yeah I think so. I got injured and missed a few games when I was a player, and you get the same kind of feeling to some extent. But I feel like I’m still able to. to have an impact on things even if you’re not there. You’re totally there in the mind, and I think your ability to communicate now with the technology that we have, I think we still have an impact positive on the team and the players.
If he wants to eat snacks at half time …
“I usually don’t have any snacks during the game. I think for me it will be just to be left alone, to sort of handle this on my own.
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