A day late (and a dollar short, but that's another matter), but this couldn't go without a mention. And yes, it's also an excuse to employ the underused "Rob Styles is an imbecile" and "schadenfreude" tags.
Rob Styles retires to escape demands of officiating
There just might be a God after all.
Naturally, the Guardian can't resist mentioning the infamous Liverpool/Chelsea match where Styles decided that Malouda flinging himself to the ground in a bid to reenact Saving Private Ryan was a penalty.
Referees, no matter the sport, have an utterly thankless job. I know. I try not to criticize officials, even with the wonderful anonymity that the Internet provides. And I'd like to point out that this is coming from a guy who's had rec soccer teammates get mad at me for sticking up for calls against us.
But Rob Styles is, well, Rob Styles. The aforementioned Malouda incident. Those two awful decisions this year - the "penalty" leading to a United win over Bolton and the Beye sending off against City (which, if we're nitpicking, probably cost Newcastle two points that would have seen them stay up). And, yes, he's helped Liverpool before; Neil Warnock (a jewel of a man in his own right) still curses his name because of a penalty given which led to a 1-1 equalizer against Sheffield in the the first match of the 06-07 season. There are probably more egregious examples in Styles' catalog, but I've neither the willpower nor patience to seek them out.
I almost feel bad writing it, given we're discussing a man's livelihood, but frankly, the league will be better off without him. There is a dearth of good officials in the Premier League, and it's something that needs to be rectified - better wages, more emphasis on recruitment (which would come with better pay), some actual weight behind the "Respect" campaign, and improvements in technology (which will help them do their jobs). But Rob Styles has proven time and time again he's not one of the "good" ones.
Showing posts with label Schadenfreude. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Schadenfreude. Show all posts
13 June 2009
27 May 2009
Barcelona 2-0 United
Goals:
Eto’o 10’
Messi 70’
Manchester United trails by one. In search of an equalizer, Ferguson replaces two midfielders with strikers, going to a 4-2-4 formation with Tevez, Berbatov, Rooney, and Ronaldo all on the field. And it doesn’t take long for the opposition to go two goals ahead.
It happened at Old Trafford against Liverpool. And it happened against Barca in the Champions League final. No surprise that Alex Ferguson won manager of the year then, is it?
Barcelona is not a bottom-half Premiership side and it is not clever to go 4-2-4 against a team with Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta in the side, even if you’re losing by a goal. And credit goes to Manton, a sometime commentator on this fine blog, for calling it minutes before Messi scored.
It only took Liverpool three minutes to win the free kick and red card that made it 3-1. It took Barca four. But we won’t hold it against them.
Only die-hard Barca supporters and United haters would have wagered on this result after the first ten minutes. Ronaldo could have had a hat trick in that span himself – a free kick that Valdes spilled, a shot from distance narrowly wide, and an effort blazed across goal – while Park nearly got to the rebound of Ronaldo’s free kick.
But, against the run of play, Barca got out of their own half and Iniesta found Eto’o with a throughball. The Cameroonian made a mess out of the defender of the year (*derisive snort*) before beating Van der Saar at his near post (*second derisive snort*).
That de-pantsing clearly disheartened the Mancs, and sent Barca on their way to their slick passing game – controlling possession and moving through the middle, always looking like a threat to breach the backline.
Messi was a revelation – and that’s the first time I can say that seeing him against English opposition. Whether it was against Chelsea or Liverpool, the diminutive Argentinean has gone missing. Not tonight. The ball was stuck to his feet like superglue, and one moment in the first half stood out. He was clattered by four defenders, with everyone spilling to the ground. Somehow, Messi was first to his feet and kept possession, only the official had blown for the free kick. To be fair, I wouldn’t have played advantage either; there was no way Messi should have been able to keep the ball. It looked impossible.
For the most part, chances were few and far between, but Barca always looked the more likely. United, needing to build from the back because of incessant Barca pressure, struggling to find Rooney and Ronaldo as the half went on. The makeshift backline of Puyol-Toure-Pique-Sylvinho definitively won the day.
The second 45 saw Barca start like a house on fire as both Henry and Messi threatened. Xavi and Iniesta pulled the strings in midfield – and you’re prone to that when your midfield is Park-Carrick-Giggs, as Tevez replaced Anderson at the start of the half.
Like against Liverpool, both Rooney and Ronaldo began to get their acts together around the hour mark, as both were more frequent outlets for hopeful punts forward. And then that aforementioned tactical masterpiece, taking off Park for Berbatov, took place. Puyol won the ball in the center of the pitch, and when United couldn't clear, Xavi sent in a perfect cross for Messi, in between Vidic and O'Shea, to bury with a header. Lovely.
The main highlights after the second goal were another tackling clinic put on by Scholes (I’m stunned he hasn’t hurt more players) and United taunted by olés from the Barcelona faithful. I am a petty man who delighted in every minute.
And while it’s fun to gloat over United’s loss, the truth is that Barca won. No matter the makeshift defense or United’s power on the counter. The central midfield of Xavi and Iniesta was jaw dropping, and this is from a guy who gets to watch Gerrard, Alonso, and Mascherano week in and week out. Messi was at his best, and finally lived up to the hype against English opposition; he was simply magic.
This Barca team is the first Spanish club to win the treble, and it’s evident why. What a job Guardiola’s done, and I’m pleased to see him reap the rewards. But I’ll also readily admit I enjoy it even more because of who they’ve beaten.
Thanks, Barca. Now Liverpool has to complete the job next season and truly knock Ferguson off his "fucking perch."
Eto’o 10’
Messi 70’
Manchester United trails by one. In search of an equalizer, Ferguson replaces two midfielders with strikers, going to a 4-2-4 formation with Tevez, Berbatov, Rooney, and Ronaldo all on the field. And it doesn’t take long for the opposition to go two goals ahead.
It happened at Old Trafford against Liverpool. And it happened against Barca in the Champions League final. No surprise that Alex Ferguson won manager of the year then, is it?
Barcelona is not a bottom-half Premiership side and it is not clever to go 4-2-4 against a team with Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta in the side, even if you’re losing by a goal. And credit goes to Manton, a sometime commentator on this fine blog, for calling it minutes before Messi scored.
It only took Liverpool three minutes to win the free kick and red card that made it 3-1. It took Barca four. But we won’t hold it against them.
Only die-hard Barca supporters and United haters would have wagered on this result after the first ten minutes. Ronaldo could have had a hat trick in that span himself – a free kick that Valdes spilled, a shot from distance narrowly wide, and an effort blazed across goal – while Park nearly got to the rebound of Ronaldo’s free kick.
But, against the run of play, Barca got out of their own half and Iniesta found Eto’o with a throughball. The Cameroonian made a mess out of the defender of the year (*derisive snort*) before beating Van der Saar at his near post (*second derisive snort*).
That de-pantsing clearly disheartened the Mancs, and sent Barca on their way to their slick passing game – controlling possession and moving through the middle, always looking like a threat to breach the backline.
Messi was a revelation – and that’s the first time I can say that seeing him against English opposition. Whether it was against Chelsea or Liverpool, the diminutive Argentinean has gone missing. Not tonight. The ball was stuck to his feet like superglue, and one moment in the first half stood out. He was clattered by four defenders, with everyone spilling to the ground. Somehow, Messi was first to his feet and kept possession, only the official had blown for the free kick. To be fair, I wouldn’t have played advantage either; there was no way Messi should have been able to keep the ball. It looked impossible.
For the most part, chances were few and far between, but Barca always looked the more likely. United, needing to build from the back because of incessant Barca pressure, struggling to find Rooney and Ronaldo as the half went on. The makeshift backline of Puyol-Toure-Pique-Sylvinho definitively won the day.
The second 45 saw Barca start like a house on fire as both Henry and Messi threatened. Xavi and Iniesta pulled the strings in midfield – and you’re prone to that when your midfield is Park-Carrick-Giggs, as Tevez replaced Anderson at the start of the half.
Like against Liverpool, both Rooney and Ronaldo began to get their acts together around the hour mark, as both were more frequent outlets for hopeful punts forward. And then that aforementioned tactical masterpiece, taking off Park for Berbatov, took place. Puyol won the ball in the center of the pitch, and when United couldn't clear, Xavi sent in a perfect cross for Messi, in between Vidic and O'Shea, to bury with a header. Lovely.
The main highlights after the second goal were another tackling clinic put on by Scholes (I’m stunned he hasn’t hurt more players) and United taunted by olés from the Barcelona faithful. I am a petty man who delighted in every minute.
And while it’s fun to gloat over United’s loss, the truth is that Barca won. No matter the makeshift defense or United’s power on the counter. The central midfield of Xavi and Iniesta was jaw dropping, and this is from a guy who gets to watch Gerrard, Alonso, and Mascherano week in and week out. Messi was at his best, and finally lived up to the hype against English opposition; he was simply magic.
This Barca team is the first Spanish club to win the treble, and it’s evident why. What a job Guardiola’s done, and I’m pleased to see him reap the rewards. But I’ll also readily admit I enjoy it even more because of who they’ve beaten.
Thanks, Barca. Now Liverpool has to complete the job next season and truly knock Ferguson off his "fucking perch."
06 May 2009
On Barcelona, Chelsea, and Andres Iniesta
I’m no expert on Spanish football, but the ubiquitous praise for Barcelona and the fact that I’ve got GolTV this season has led me to watch a substantial amount of that team. And that’s why I’m not surprised Andres Iniesta was the one who won it at the death. If you asked me to pick one player – just one – to improve Liverpool, it’d be him.
Much more willing to put in the work to run at Chelsea’s locked defense and try to make something happen (I’m looking at you, Lionel), it finally paid off when he sent a wicked toe-poke past Cech from the top of the box. He’s quick and strong, able to play anywhere along the front three, likes to have a run and shoot from distance, and can both score and set up goals. There’s absolutely zero, ZERO chance he’s leaving Barcelona, but he’s a player I’ve come to adore watching.
Today’s was an amazing game in a number of ways. It’s incredibly harsh on Chelsea – I almost empathize, and then, remembering the team, break out in a mischievous smile. I delight in schadenfreude far too much. Plus, Chelsea’s hysterics after the final whistle – culminating with Drogba hypocritical enough to call someone else a disgrace – were the icing on the cake.
But they’re not kidding when claiming four penalties weren’t given. Two out of the four were seemed stonewall – a free kick given outside the box for a foul that was inside (I’ll buy that it wasn’t a foul, but if you’re giving it, it was clearly in the area), and aMarquez Pique handball, which even if it was incidental, prevented Anelka from getting through. But thems the breaks. Abidal’s red card was never a red, so it’s not as if the ref gave them all to Barca. However, I am 100% open to conspiracy theories involving Platini not wanting a repeat of last year’s final, especially one comprised of two English teams.
Even though it was anti-football at times, I thought it completely compelling. Chelsea simply would not break down – and Lampard and Essien were fantastic. Granted, Barca had no plan C – plan A was pass through the middle and bring Messi in (and there was no space for either), and plan B was Alves crosses in from the right (and he was off all night long). But Chelsea played the stunting, stifling game that always seems to work for English clubs.
This is the first time an English club has been knocked out by a non-English side since Liverpool lost to AC Milan in the 2007 final. Last year, Liverpool dumped out Arsenal in the quarters, Chelsea dumped out Liverpool in the semis, and United won damn thing. This season, Chelsea put out Liverpool and United beat Arsenal. This is why I seriously wouldn’t put it past Platini to fix this game.
And Chelsea’s solitary goal was one that deserved to win any match. I’m probably forgetful in the heat of the moment, but Essien’s might be the best non-Liverpool strike I’ve ever seen (I am too biased to judge otherwise). So what if he couldn’t do it again. Volley with his weaker foot from 25 yards, and hit so perfectly that the keeper has no chance. Simply stunning.
But at the end of the day, a one-goal lead is never enough, as Liverpool’s proven before. Fix or no fix (I haven’t decided yet if I’m kidding), it sets up the final I’d much rather see. That it ends with such a stomach punch amuses me – I admit, I’m a petty, petty man who holds grudges.
But it sucks that Barcelona will be missing Marquez, Alves, and Abidal in the final – if today is any guide, the best bet will be to soak up pressure and attack on the counter, probably targeting the flanks with Puyol coming back and both fullbacks out. Which, sadly, is just how United prefers to play.
Much more willing to put in the work to run at Chelsea’s locked defense and try to make something happen (I’m looking at you, Lionel), it finally paid off when he sent a wicked toe-poke past Cech from the top of the box. He’s quick and strong, able to play anywhere along the front three, likes to have a run and shoot from distance, and can both score and set up goals. There’s absolutely zero, ZERO chance he’s leaving Barcelona, but he’s a player I’ve come to adore watching.
Today’s was an amazing game in a number of ways. It’s incredibly harsh on Chelsea – I almost empathize, and then, remembering the team, break out in a mischievous smile. I delight in schadenfreude far too much. Plus, Chelsea’s hysterics after the final whistle – culminating with Drogba hypocritical enough to call someone else a disgrace – were the icing on the cake.
But they’re not kidding when claiming four penalties weren’t given. Two out of the four were seemed stonewall – a free kick given outside the box for a foul that was inside (I’ll buy that it wasn’t a foul, but if you’re giving it, it was clearly in the area), and a
Even though it was anti-football at times, I thought it completely compelling. Chelsea simply would not break down – and Lampard and Essien were fantastic. Granted, Barca had no plan C – plan A was pass through the middle and bring Messi in (and there was no space for either), and plan B was Alves crosses in from the right (and he was off all night long). But Chelsea played the stunting, stifling game that always seems to work for English clubs.
This is the first time an English club has been knocked out by a non-English side since Liverpool lost to AC Milan in the 2007 final. Last year, Liverpool dumped out Arsenal in the quarters, Chelsea dumped out Liverpool in the semis, and United won damn thing. This season, Chelsea put out Liverpool and United beat Arsenal. This is why I seriously wouldn’t put it past Platini to fix this game.
And Chelsea’s solitary goal was one that deserved to win any match. I’m probably forgetful in the heat of the moment, but Essien’s might be the best non-Liverpool strike I’ve ever seen (I am too biased to judge otherwise). So what if he couldn’t do it again. Volley with his weaker foot from 25 yards, and hit so perfectly that the keeper has no chance. Simply stunning.
But at the end of the day, a one-goal lead is never enough, as Liverpool’s proven before. Fix or no fix (I haven’t decided yet if I’m kidding), it sets up the final I’d much rather see. That it ends with such a stomach punch amuses me – I admit, I’m a petty, petty man who holds grudges.
But it sucks that Barcelona will be missing Marquez, Alves, and Abidal in the final – if today is any guide, the best bet will be to soak up pressure and attack on the counter, probably targeting the flanks with Puyol coming back and both fullbacks out. Which, sadly, is just how United prefers to play.
22 July 2008
Liverpoolfc.tv amuses me
Seems a bit cruel to show a picture of Voronin from today’s game above that headline.
I didn’t see today’s match – and I’m not holding a missed penalty against him – but Voronin had been decent in the three before. I’ve written that he did the same last year only to disappoint by May, but I’m holding out hope he’s actually progressing.
But this, coupled with the supposedly imminent signing of 19-year-old David Ngog from Paris St. Germain (a cousin of Jean-Alain Boumsong, no less!), can’t be a sign, can it?
19 September 2007
Mourinho quits!
Manager Mourinho leaves Chelsea
No freaking way.
I knew the draw with Rosenborg was bad news, but I'm stunned Mourinho quit with the United match on Sunday. His position must have been completely untenable. Good job, Roman.
For as unlikable a manager Mourinho is, he got results. And Abramovich is going to have a hell of a time replacing him. Terry, Lampard and Drogba, among others, have credited him with furthering their careers, and I can't wait to see how this affects the already thickening cloud over Stamford Bridge.
Tomorrow will be a really fun news day.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has sensationally left Stamford Bridge by mutual consent, the club has confirmed.
The news comes just 24 hours after the disappointing Champions League draw against Rosenborg.
BBC Radio 5live football correspondent Jonathan Legard understands Mourinho texted senior players, including skipper John Terry, with the news.
No freaking way.
I knew the draw with Rosenborg was bad news, but I'm stunned Mourinho quit with the United match on Sunday. His position must have been completely untenable. Good job, Roman.
For as unlikable a manager Mourinho is, he got results. And Abramovich is going to have a hell of a time replacing him. Terry, Lampard and Drogba, among others, have credited him with furthering their careers, and I can't wait to see how this affects the already thickening cloud over Stamford Bridge.
Tomorrow will be a really fun news day.
21 August 2007
Manchester United: 0-2-1
I’ve read an awful lot about Manchester United’s start to the season. 2 draws and a loss is surprising, to say the least. Even Ferguson’s started to worry in public, although the BBC headline “Ferguson fears for title defence” is probably stretching it.
Three games in still seems like a bit too soon, though.
Some past performances:
United (’92-93): LLD - 84pts, 1st place
United (’98-99): DDW - 79pts, 1st place (and treble)
Arsenal (’01-02): LLW - 87pts, 1st place
Liverpool (‘06-07): DWL - 68pts, 3rd place
Admittedly, the league is tougher to win these days. On average, between ’98-99 and ’02-03 84 points won the league. Between ’03-04 and ’06-07 it was 91.25. Seven points or so is certainly a difference, but it’s not an insurmountable one, especially if more teams are competitive this season, which looks possible after three games.
There are so many other factors to take into account (as I’ve discussed ad nauseum over the past year), but Liverpool got off to a “better” start over three games last season (4 points > 2!), and finished with a worse points total than anyone imagines United will.
So what does this mean? Not bloody much. Three games don’t determine the final standings, even if you get some indications, as there are still 35 to go. Right now, the indication is that United needs goals, which we know from last season they can produce in abundance. As much as I detest talking up United (and will have to shower after this), Rooney will get healthy, Ronaldo will return from his ban, and Tevez may settle in the team, among other things. I doubt Fergie has lost the plot (any more than usual), although it was hysterical to see the utter confusion on his face after starting to celebrate what could have been Tevez’s equalizer in the derby.
I’m a Liverpool fan; I know how important the first games of the season are. But after three games, it’s truly early days. While I’m enjoying every minute of United’s difficulties, there’s more than enough time for them to rectify their problems. Admittedly, they will have to before Rooney returns in early October, and Ronaldo still has two games left on his ban, but there is still time. It’s just strange to think that after three games, it could be running short.
Maybe in a month or two, if their problems continue, we can start writing obituaries, as was done for Liverpool last season, but not now.
United’s next four games are v Tottenham, v Sunderland, @ Everton, and v Chelsea.
Three games in still seems like a bit too soon, though.
Some past performances:
United (’92-93): LLD - 84pts, 1st place
United (’98-99): DDW - 79pts, 1st place (and treble)
Arsenal (’01-02): LLW - 87pts, 1st place
Liverpool (‘06-07): DWL - 68pts, 3rd place
Admittedly, the league is tougher to win these days. On average, between ’98-99 and ’02-03 84 points won the league. Between ’03-04 and ’06-07 it was 91.25. Seven points or so is certainly a difference, but it’s not an insurmountable one, especially if more teams are competitive this season, which looks possible after three games.
There are so many other factors to take into account (as I’ve discussed ad nauseum over the past year), but Liverpool got off to a “better” start over three games last season (4 points > 2!), and finished with a worse points total than anyone imagines United will.
So what does this mean? Not bloody much. Three games don’t determine the final standings, even if you get some indications, as there are still 35 to go. Right now, the indication is that United needs goals, which we know from last season they can produce in abundance. As much as I detest talking up United (and will have to shower after this), Rooney will get healthy, Ronaldo will return from his ban, and Tevez may settle in the team, among other things. I doubt Fergie has lost the plot (any more than usual), although it was hysterical to see the utter confusion on his face after starting to celebrate what could have been Tevez’s equalizer in the derby.
I’m a Liverpool fan; I know how important the first games of the season are. But after three games, it’s truly early days. While I’m enjoying every minute of United’s difficulties, there’s more than enough time for them to rectify their problems. Admittedly, they will have to before Rooney returns in early October, and Ronaldo still has two games left on his ban, but there is still time. It’s just strange to think that after three games, it could be running short.
Maybe in a month or two, if their problems continue, we can start writing obituaries, as was done for Liverpool last season, but not now.
United’s next four games are v Tottenham, v Sunderland, @ Everton, and v Chelsea.
15 February 2007
The truth reveals itself in mysterious ways
Looking for something completely unrelated, Google’s search engine took me here.
That’s not nice.
Either the lot of you are having too much fun with google bombs, or Google’s algorithm has gotten remarkably good.
Poor Harry. I still wish he was in the squad, he’d be dead useful on the left this season.
That’s not nice.
Either the lot of you are having too much fun with google bombs, or Google’s algorithm has gotten remarkably good.
Poor Harry. I still wish he was in the squad, he’d be dead useful on the left this season.
07 December 2006
No Jurgen for US
Klinsmann withdraws candidacy as U.S. Coach
I pretty sure I'm in the minority here, but this doesn't bother me. Don't get me wrong, Klinsmann wouldn't have been a bad option, but I don't think he would have been the best either. Something just didn't seem right; absolutely everything seemed to fall into place for him with the German side at the World Cup.
I think his man-management and his ability to bring the German team and the country together for the World Cup were qualities far more important than his tactical nous. I don't want to play down the changes he made to the national team, updating the training methods and bringing more youth players along, but neither is a major problem for the U.S. team. I also think that much of Germany's success had to do with the fact that they were the home team, as seems to happen every World Cup. Klinsmann has stellar playing credentials but the fact remains, the German job is his sole coaching experience. I can't help but think he's been overrated by success in one tournament (albeit the biggest tournament in the game).
The US manager needs two main qualities as far as I'm concerned. One, familiarity with the MLS, as for the foreseeable future a lot of players, specifically young players, will come from the national league. Two, international experience. Playing, managing, whatever. The manager needs to be familiar with styles abroad, specifically European teams, because I think that's the major competition. Klinsi seemingly has both qualities, being based in California and considering his playing career. I just cannot get it out my head he's been plumped up far too much.
Who do I think should be national team coach? Stevie Nicol.
I know, I know, I will get a lot of stick for this, thinking I've gone for him solely based on Liverpool connections. Believe me, that's nowhere near the sole reason, but it certainly doesn't hurt; I find it hard to believe it would hinder a manager to have played under Paisley, Fagan, and Dalglish.
My main sticking point is that we know he knows the MLS. A former MLS Coach of the Year, and he's taken the New England Revolution to the MLS Cup finals the past two seasons. But it's not as if he's unfamiliar with the European game. He played for both Scotland and for League and European Cup-winning Liverpool sides, and played recently enough to have seen the Prem. He's got the familiarity with both the US and European games needed in the next manager.
I know Klinsi has a lot of the qualities that I see in Nicol, but Nicol's experience with MLS and the youth set-up, plus his additional coaching experience, even if it isn't on the international level, wins out for me. I don't like all "big names," like Jose Pekerman, Bruno Metsu, or Gerard Houllier (not going there) that have been tossed out, simply because I don't know if they're familiar enough with the players over here. And on the flip side, does Bob Bradley, who looks to be named interim manager, have enough international experience?
Plus, you just don't argue with a international-class Scottish defender. Doesn't happen. Another of my favorite qualities in a gaffer, striking fear into both the opposition and his own players.
I pretty sure I'm in the minority here, but this doesn't bother me. Don't get me wrong, Klinsmann wouldn't have been a bad option, but I don't think he would have been the best either. Something just didn't seem right; absolutely everything seemed to fall into place for him with the German side at the World Cup.
I think his man-management and his ability to bring the German team and the country together for the World Cup were qualities far more important than his tactical nous. I don't want to play down the changes he made to the national team, updating the training methods and bringing more youth players along, but neither is a major problem for the U.S. team. I also think that much of Germany's success had to do with the fact that they were the home team, as seems to happen every World Cup. Klinsmann has stellar playing credentials but the fact remains, the German job is his sole coaching experience. I can't help but think he's been overrated by success in one tournament (albeit the biggest tournament in the game).
The US manager needs two main qualities as far as I'm concerned. One, familiarity with the MLS, as for the foreseeable future a lot of players, specifically young players, will come from the national league. Two, international experience. Playing, managing, whatever. The manager needs to be familiar with styles abroad, specifically European teams, because I think that's the major competition. Klinsi seemingly has both qualities, being based in California and considering his playing career. I just cannot get it out my head he's been plumped up far too much.
Who do I think should be national team coach? Stevie Nicol.
I know, I know, I will get a lot of stick for this, thinking I've gone for him solely based on Liverpool connections. Believe me, that's nowhere near the sole reason, but it certainly doesn't hurt; I find it hard to believe it would hinder a manager to have played under Paisley, Fagan, and Dalglish.
My main sticking point is that we know he knows the MLS. A former MLS Coach of the Year, and he's taken the New England Revolution to the MLS Cup finals the past two seasons. But it's not as if he's unfamiliar with the European game. He played for both Scotland and for League and European Cup-winning Liverpool sides, and played recently enough to have seen the Prem. He's got the familiarity with both the US and European games needed in the next manager.
I know Klinsi has a lot of the qualities that I see in Nicol, but Nicol's experience with MLS and the youth set-up, plus his additional coaching experience, even if it isn't on the international level, wins out for me. I don't like all "big names," like Jose Pekerman, Bruno Metsu, or Gerard Houllier (not going there) that have been tossed out, simply because I don't know if they're familiar enough with the players over here. And on the flip side, does Bob Bradley, who looks to be named interim manager, have enough international experience?
Plus, you just don't argue with a international-class Scottish defender. Doesn't happen. Another of my favorite qualities in a gaffer, striking fear into both the opposition and his own players.
14 September 2006
Eriksson: "I want you to want me, I need you to need me"
Eriksson eyeing top English club
I hate to even comment on news possibly made up by the paper that shall not be named (don't worry, I'm certainly not linking them), but this is just too good to pass up.
Sven thinks he can walk right into a top job in the Premier League? Where, pray tell? Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham all have managers that seem to be sticking around for a while. Besides, I can’t see any of these clubs hiring Eriksson even if the unimaginable happens, and Mourinho, Benitez, Wenger, or Jol leaves. Any of them would have their choice of managers to cherry pick from smaller clubs. Who knows how long Ferguson will last, my guess is it won’t be that much longer (relatively speaking…), but I'm pretty sure even the Glazers aren't dumb enough to hire Sven.
Let's go through the rest of list, just for kicks:
Aston Villa (Martin O'Neill), Blackburn (Mark Hughes), Bolton (Sam Allardyce), Charlton (Iain Dowie), Everton (David Moyes), Fulham (Chris Coleman), Man City (Stuart Pearce), Middlesbrough (Gareth Southgate), Newcastle (Glenn Roeder), Portsmouth (Harry Redknapp), Reading (Steve Coppell); Sheffield United (Neil Warnock); Watford (Aidy Boothroyd); West Ham (Alan Pardew), Wigan (Paul Jewell).
Not considering the awful, awful performances that England put in under SGE. Not considering the atrocious tactician he is, or the fact that his name is in the papers, and not in the sports section, more than his players. Not even considering he’s currently a laughing stock in England, end of. There are maybe two jobs available to him even if he were a qualified candidate.
This is a weird season for the sack race. There aren’t really any good contenders. Last year, people were falling over themselves to bet on Souness getting axed from Newcastle, and it took until February to happen. This year, other than Chris Coleman and maybe Glenn Roeder, there's really no one. Would you take Eriksson over Pardew, Moyes, Hughes, Allardyce, Pearce or O’Neill? Or even any of the managers at the smaller clubs?
Newcastle is a pseudo-big club. They have an enormous and rabid fan base, and Shepard’s willing to throw money at any problem in the hopes of fixing it. While Fulham has historically struggled, has recently been perennial relegation candidates, and can't even be considered a big club, Fayed has the resources if he desired to spend them, and Fulham is in London. But I’m utterly positive neither are what Sven meant when he said “big club.”
I don’t think Roeder will be fired, as he’s righted the ship on Tyneside, is rehabilitating his reputation, is getting results, and Shepard went to the mat for him this off-season when the League Managers Association tried to prevent him getting hired, as he doesn’t have his UEFA badges. I hope Chris Coleman isn’t fired; he’s done wonders keeping Fulham up the past two seasons on a shoestring budget, and I have a soft spot for him and Fulham, as it was the closest team to where I lived in London, and I saw a few games when they were ground-sharing at Loftus Road. Hopefully both will stay far far away from Svennis.
Needless to say, Eriksson's is a pipe dream, and one I hope is embarrassingly played out in public. I want to continue to see him beg and plead for a club job, and continue to be denied, until he’s forced to take a job as manager of Djibouti or somewhere similarly far-flung and futile. That's how much I resent the past five years, and the squandering of an incredible generation of talent.
I hate to even comment on news possibly made up by the paper that shall not be named (don't worry, I'm certainly not linking them), but this is just too good to pass up.
"I need to get back into coaching," Eriksson told The ***.
"Arsenal? Liverpool? Manchester? They are all big clubs, but I don't have any ambitions for a particular side. Any of those would be good.”
Sven thinks he can walk right into a top job in the Premier League? Where, pray tell? Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham all have managers that seem to be sticking around for a while. Besides, I can’t see any of these clubs hiring Eriksson even if the unimaginable happens, and Mourinho, Benitez, Wenger, or Jol leaves. Any of them would have their choice of managers to cherry pick from smaller clubs. Who knows how long Ferguson will last, my guess is it won’t be that much longer (relatively speaking…), but I'm pretty sure even the Glazers aren't dumb enough to hire Sven.
Let's go through the rest of list, just for kicks:
Aston Villa (Martin O'Neill), Blackburn (Mark Hughes), Bolton (Sam Allardyce), Charlton (Iain Dowie), Everton (David Moyes), Fulham (Chris Coleman), Man City (Stuart Pearce), Middlesbrough (Gareth Southgate), Newcastle (Glenn Roeder), Portsmouth (Harry Redknapp), Reading (Steve Coppell); Sheffield United (Neil Warnock); Watford (Aidy Boothroyd); West Ham (Alan Pardew), Wigan (Paul Jewell).
Not considering the awful, awful performances that England put in under SGE. Not considering the atrocious tactician he is, or the fact that his name is in the papers, and not in the sports section, more than his players. Not even considering he’s currently a laughing stock in England, end of. There are maybe two jobs available to him even if he were a qualified candidate.
This is a weird season for the sack race. There aren’t really any good contenders. Last year, people were falling over themselves to bet on Souness getting axed from Newcastle, and it took until February to happen. This year, other than Chris Coleman and maybe Glenn Roeder, there's really no one. Would you take Eriksson over Pardew, Moyes, Hughes, Allardyce, Pearce or O’Neill? Or even any of the managers at the smaller clubs?
Newcastle is a pseudo-big club. They have an enormous and rabid fan base, and Shepard’s willing to throw money at any problem in the hopes of fixing it. While Fulham has historically struggled, has recently been perennial relegation candidates, and can't even be considered a big club, Fayed has the resources if he desired to spend them, and Fulham is in London. But I’m utterly positive neither are what Sven meant when he said “big club.”
I don’t think Roeder will be fired, as he’s righted the ship on Tyneside, is rehabilitating his reputation, is getting results, and Shepard went to the mat for him this off-season when the League Managers Association tried to prevent him getting hired, as he doesn’t have his UEFA badges. I hope Chris Coleman isn’t fired; he’s done wonders keeping Fulham up the past two seasons on a shoestring budget, and I have a soft spot for him and Fulham, as it was the closest team to where I lived in London, and I saw a few games when they were ground-sharing at Loftus Road. Hopefully both will stay far far away from Svennis.
Needless to say, Eriksson's is a pipe dream, and one I hope is embarrassingly played out in public. I want to continue to see him beg and plead for a club job, and continue to be denied, until he’s forced to take a job as manager of Djibouti or somewhere similarly far-flung and futile. That's how much I resent the past five years, and the squandering of an incredible generation of talent.
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