Several members of Gatland's Grand Slam-winning squads are now pundits, and he says he felt disappointed by the criticism from some ex-players.

"You give that facade in terms of not showing everything or too much emotion," he said.

"I've felt a huge amount of negativity in the Welsh press and that just kept weighing down on me. I just kept thinking, 'where is someone in my corner or someone fighting a little bit for me?'.

"It's been tough. They (former players) are trying to find their feet in the game and sometimes you have to be seen to be objective. And by being objective, be critical. I look and can say that there's a number of them that wouldn't be in the media if they hadn't played for Wales, or hadn't played for the [British and Irish] Lions, or hadn't been successful."

Gatland said current players were also affected by the criticism, but believes his Wales exit will create "breathing space" to allow the squad and coaches a chance to rebuild.

Gatland added that he was surprised former assistant Rob Howley has not been retained by interim head coach Sherratt, while warning his permanent successor will need "thick skin".

He added: "There's a lot of people who want you to succeed, but there's also a lot of people who want you to fail as well. And I've experienced that."