May 13
What if Fergie walks away? (Part II)
Thanks for all the comments on the first part of this topic. Very interesting and, in a couple of instances, really informative.
As you know, Fergie has made it quite clear that he won’t be retiring at the end of this season, come what may. I’m therefore going to curtail this slightly – I’ll give you my order of preference as it stands today, but my main focus is going to be why CQ shouldn’t get the job, now or any other time.
Cutting to the chase, here’s my list in order of priority:
1. Martin O’Neill
2. Mark Hughes
3. Jose Mourinho
4. Carlos Quieroz
Given the overwhelming view in the comments on part I, the main thing I’m going to do is make the case against Queiroz. I take all your points about him inspiring the loyalty of the Portuguese contingent, having been Ferguson’s mentee for years, ensuring continuity and so forth. But I believe they are outweighed by the following factors:
1. Good assistants don’t make necessarily good managers — I don’t have all day, so I won’t quote you all the examples I can think of. But let’s try Brian Kidd, Steve McClaren, Graeme Souness/Roy Evans and Sammy Lee to start with. And include CQ himself in that list, whose season at Real was a disaster.
Suddenly you’re not the good cop who puts your arm round a young player who has just been screamed at by the boss — you need to do the screaming. You’re not the guy who works with the raw materials on the training ground, you’re the guy watching dispassionately and writing 11 names on the teamsheet. You’re not the guy who reads the papers and thinks “I wish they’d leave the gaffer alone”, you’re the one who the rabid pack of journalists doubting and probing and insulting and mocking every day. You’re the one going to the board meetings, the charity lunches, the mandatory press conferences and the photo ops. You’re the face of Manchester United.
That’s tough. It’s a different job, and he might not be good at it. Indeed, in my view, probably won’t be good at it.
2. You need a certain stature to make the biggest signings — We know what type of players CQ can sign — the up-and-coming Portuguese speaking type. But one thing you will never hear from the mouth of any player we sign if he became manager is the line spouted by almost all of Fergie’s signings, “I couldn’t turn down the chance to come and work with one of the greatest managers in the game”. You would see us losing a lot more of the races for the really top players with CQ as the gaffer.
3. A wide-ranging scouting network is essential — If you’re looking for a player from Portugal or South America, CQ is your man. But what about up-and-coming British/Irish players, or players who are making their mark at English clubs? Fergie knows everyone in the British/Irish game, and gets a lot of phone calls to alert him about a particular talent from guys he’s given guidance and advice to in his time. What about France, Italy and Holland? Someone like Evra is gold dust, and United had been able to build up links with Ruud for a couple of years before we first tried to sign him. What about Eastern Europe? A lot of talented, physical players are coming up through the increasingly competitive leagues over there, and we’d like the next Vidic, please.
4. The next manager needs to manage the whole club — CQ’s current role is first team coach. No doubt in the position he finds out a lot about what’s going on with the younger players and has contact with people. But Fergie runs the whole footballing operation. He employs the U-9 scouts, he hires the under-15 team coach, he interviews the replacement physio, everything. Whoever takes over needs experience of doing that.
So I contend that whilst on the face of it CQ is the safe choice, he is actually a big gamble. And one I don’t think we should take.
To justify the guys I would prefer to CQ:
Martin O’Neill certainly doesn’t fall down on 1, 3 or 4, which combined with the qualifications I set out in part I makes him my first choice. For his first season, the stature of the club should help him out with making the signings, and then he’ll have his own record to be judged on.
Mark Hughes falls down on 2 as well, but has less experience in Europe than O’Neill so comes in second for me. He’s also a much bigger gamble, since it will be his first experience of managing a club where success is expected — a different atmosphere. (Note O’Neill faced that at Celtic).
Mourinho struggles most on number 4. Yes, he may have been Porto-centric in his first phase at Chelsea, but that changed as he went on, and now he has a pretty cosmopolitan network of contacts. And no, his football isn’t as negative as you all think. You forget his first season when, as was pointed out in the comments last time round, Drogba with Cole and Duff supporting from wide, Lampard arriving from midfield and the full-backs bombing on was remarkably effective. Notice any similarities to our current formation?
But for now, thank God, this is all academic. Long may it remain so.
Related items from Red Rants:
- What if Fergie walks away? (Part I)
- Man Utd v Barcelona: Preview
- Manchester United vs Sporting Lisbon: point to prove for Fergie
- Fletch For Everton? Pako for a ‘Thrilled’ Queiroz?
- We’re on the Telegraph’s Top 10 Man Utd Websites
Tags: Opinions/Columns
May 13th, 2008 at 10:43
Whoever manages Man Utd after SAF, i just hope that guy won’t change all the foundations that were laid down in this great club for the past 2 decades or so…….
Therefore the best successor will be the one who have played in or coached Man Utd in the past….
Isn’t that true guys???
May 13th, 2008 at 11:17
Right now at this point in time CQ has to be the candidate in pole position. His year at Real was a disaster because Real were a disaster. They employed FOUR different managers in the subsequent TWO seasons after CQ and won nothing. The fact that SAF rates him so highly and took him back after Madrid has got to count for a lot and I don’t think CQ would be content to remain No. 2 at OT unless he knew he was favorite to succeed SAF. He knows the players, he’s been instrumental in the increasing Latin influence at the club. Continuity should be key when Fergie fianlly steps down.
Of the other candidates why does no one mention David Moyes. Surely he is the best manager outside the top 4. Perhaps his fall-out with Rooney would mean it is unlikely the two could work together again but excluding that his credentials are such that any club would consider him.
May 13th, 2008 at 11:24
When Busby retired in 69-70, the then young George Best lost a paternal influence at the club and went astray with his social and private life. Eventually, aged 27, he retired from football and his career went downhill.
Best had it all. The skill, the looks, the fame and the money. He kind of reminds me of another player we are nurturing now in our squad who has it all. What happens if Fergie retires now? (God forbid and all that…)
May 13th, 2008 at 11:45
I could give you some additional names for this list, like Roy Keane, Arsene Wenger or even Avram Grant, since we all speak hypothetically.
Things change fast at football, so by the time SAF retires this list may be totally irrelevant. If I had to choose though, I’d choose Martin O’Neill.
May 13th, 2008 at 11:46
dunno why but i want to see mourinho to be groomed under Sir Alex.
No Matter what is said abt him, he is a good manager.
May 13th, 2008 at 11:56
ive just seen on sky some news about ronaldo and real madrid.something about there being a dispute between ronaldo and united over ronaldos image rights and somehow madrid found out and are trying to use the info to force a deal.bullshit…?
May 13th, 2008 at 12:13
Why does mourinho struggle on number 4?
May 13th, 2008 at 12:47
not speaking about the managers… but i feel like beating the hell out of Madrid and their office staff. What are the trying to do to our r7? just like playing FM08….they might even come up with a 200 m $ bid..
May 13th, 2008 at 13:03
Is there really a manager who can ideally replace AF? I don’t think there is a single candidate in the world who is good enough.
May 13th, 2008 at 13:09
anyone heard anything about benzema wanting to play for us ,my mate swears he heard it on some french cable company.Any one heard about let me know
May 13th, 2008 at 14:04
Penguin: You say that CQ does not have a good scouting network beyond Portugal/South America – what evidence of Hughes/O’Neill having better networks? with all due respect, neither have found some of the gems CQ has. On the networks that O’Neill/Hughes have in the UK/Ireland – they’re not going to be of much use if players from those countries aren’t the top players going around. I feel for us to be successful, we’re going to need a mix of Latin flair to complement any local players, and I don’t see too many Brazilians being chuffed about signing for either of them.
Personally, I feel the top contenders should be Rijkaard, Mourinho and Wenger. All 3 are proven winners, have the ability to attract and work with top talent, bring in youngsters and have managed top clubs.
May 13th, 2008 at 14:19
Only Keane loves the team and can emulate SAF or even be better than him. In terms of man management I think he’ll be the best some time. The other thing Keano is psotive is his willingness to win trophies. Also, he know the “in the dressing rooms” things better than anyone else. Maybe he is the only one along with Solskjaer , Giggs and Neville who know the atmosphere in the dressing rooms , the atmosphere of the crowd in Altraford…Of course he is the only one except SAF who can handle these two (players,crowd).
@Neil
Wenger,Benitez,Mourinho don’t appreciate the English players and so they shouldn’t bb considered as options. They are proven non-English. Maybe Mourinho is the least non-English but he is a tactician not a manager. The people of Manchester don’t appreciate him.
Rijkard is a very good choice , but unproven in England and he is not respected by his players and by the crowd of Barca.
Till then, SAF will be holding the will and he should lead us to a European trophy . Or maybe 2 . That’a what we should discuss.
May 13th, 2008 at 14:19
@tevez – well, we just don’t know how good Mourinho would be at managing the whole of a big club, because he was actively prevented from doing so at Chelsea.
@MCRx3 – you’re right, of course…it will be a case of making the best of a bad lot.
May 13th, 2008 at 14:24
@Neil – slightly unfair comparison, because I can’t see that Ronaldo, Nani or Anderson would have moved to Villa or Blackburn regardless of who their manager was. And random “Latin” players are an even bigger punt than highly-rated ones.
On Mark Hughes (from an old Soccerlens article, because I’m a bit busy today):
“Hughes has proved extremely shrewd in his transfer-market dealings, with several of his signings coming for reduced prices and going on to make a name for themselves in the top division. Nelsen and Mokoena came for relative peanuts, with the former later being subject of significant bids from Portsmouth, and Mark Hughes added another impressive and consistent central defender in the shape of Christopher Samba, signed from Hertha Berlin for just £500,000!
At the other end of the pitch, David Bentley has proved a revelation since his cut-price move from Arsenal in 2005, scoring numerous stunning goals and breaking into the full England set-up, Benni McCarthy was many people’s tip for signing of the summer last season (18 league goals for just £2.5 million!) and Roque Santa Cruz has, so far at least, taken up his team-mate’s mantle, the Paraguayan having gone some way to paying back his £3.5 million price tag with 4 league goals from 9 matches.
Hughes is clearly a superb man-manager, as he has effortlessly dealt with such difficult characters as Robbie Savage and Craig Bellamy, with neither of the two hitting the headlines for dissent when under Hughes’ control, as well as being able to get the best out of “form playersâ€, such as Morten Gamst Pedersen, whose confidence was low after a poor start under Graeme Souness. The Welshman also dealt admirably with the Lucas Neill saga, managing to poach replacement Stephen Warnock for next-to-nothing and to prevent the Australian’s desire to leave from affecting team morale.”
You’ve got a mix of European and British scouting there. I’ll try and find something on O’Neill later.
May 13th, 2008 at 14:28
@Uncle Roy – fair point about Moyes, should have included him.
But continuity isn’t the be all and end all. In fact, to appoint CQ and quote “continuity” would be for the United board to duck the question completely. They need to accept that an era has come to an end, and move boldly and positively into a new one which has the potential to last another 25 years. Not hang onto the coattails of what has just gone and hope it carries on for a bit longer.
May 13th, 2008 at 15:51
My criteria would be:
1. Continental success…we need to dominate Europe. That was the only blot of Ferguson’s record.
2. Attacking/sophisticated football…the English 4-4-2 does not fit us any more, we need someone who can blend our array of attacking talents into a team that is a joy to watch. That rules out Mourinho. O’Neil, Hughes, Keane play standard English football….that is partly due to their limited teams but i wonder if they will be able to work the tactics to suit our team.
3. Transfer record….we’ve had our days of transfer flops and we need someone who can spend big but make sure we get results. Mourinho’s record in the transfer market isn’t great, neither is O’Neills. Hughes’ is good but that is low budget. Keane does not seem to show much either…with his strategy of buying United rejects. However we can get around this by appointing someone to handle the transfer side a la the continental model.
4. Motivation/man management….we have a United ethos..we are winners! Our boss needs to be a winner. Any ex-united player automatically qualifies, as does Mourinho. O’Neill seems way too quiet and intellectual for the job. But he does have the advantage of gaining the respect of players.
I like the idea of our future manager being groomed. Of course Quieroz has had all that but assistants do not always step up…take McClaren for an example! Having said that Quieroz should stay part of the United fold..I just hope his ego lets him accept that he is best behind the scenes.
When all is said and done Mourinho is the only one capable of coming close to Fergie. Yeah he played boring football at Chelsea, but his Porto team were much better to watch, and he inherited a technically limited set of players at Chelsea. My only doubt is on his transfer record.
May 13th, 2008 at 16:18
about the articles, i just dont care who takes over, as long as they have significant success, and is attack minded.
about transfers, it looks like we’re set for a 5 million buy of ramsey. i like this, because we dont know what his postion is. he can play in so many positions, so we will be covered is a mass injury crisis comes about. I doubt he will get any games though, apart from the league cup.
May 13th, 2008 at 16:49
@Dan – just for once, I’ll endorse a deviation from the article topic, since it’s for a young British player (a category which is a pet topic of mine). Here are a couple of linkies:
Mirror report of the transfer
Guardian scouting report
And for fun, his Bebo page!
May 13th, 2008 at 16:50
i was just looking at his bebo page ya know
May 13th, 2008 at 16:54
If it’s true, good bit of business on Fergie’s part to get it wrapped up before the FA Cup final – a good performance on that stage could add a couple of million to his value.
May 13th, 2008 at 17:09
OLE? ferguson of all people said that he’s the player that he sees managing later on..
May 13th, 2008 at 17:34
I do hope ramsey move does not fall through, looks a decent young player and at 5million good value for money.
as for the manager we can discuss as much as we want but when ferguson does step down, he will decide his successor himself and club will surely listen to his advice.I also think he has earmarked quieroz for the post.
May 13th, 2008 at 17:45
Queiroz is the man to take over if United shows the proper respect to Fergie and lets him leave with a little bit of respect and influence.
It’s simple, Queiroz deserves to be the man and he has earned it with his loyalty and with the job he has done in a wide variety of areas. Like it or leave it his implementation of a more European style and his contacts in the Spanish and Portuguese speaking world has reshaped the look and feel of this team. You can’t just uproot this tree and destroy the foundation that has been built. If Queiroz is not considered, there will be anarchy by many of the Portuguese speaking players as well as the players who have learned to count on and rely on Queiroz for their development.
Only CQ other than Fergie understands the long term mission and the present construction of this organization. To bring in somebody new there will be a period of turmoil and the time for restructuring and rebuilding could be catastrophic. Players want to come to United because of the money, the team’s reputation and because of where they are in the standings year in and year out. Believe me, that who the manager is is fourth amongst the priorities. United have built an organization and atmosphere that is targeting Latin players much like Liverpool. Bringing in anyone who is not in line with this thinking will create a major tsunami within the club which might take years to recover from. Lets face it, the team was built for Queiroz to take over. And lets stop taking him so lightly. Whether he is experienced enough or not, he deserves the chance and lets see what happens. Give the man 2 years to do his thing. I doubt we will collapse or finish out of the top 4. If we clearly are lacking that edge that is needed, then go after a manager like Mourinho, Scollari or somebody else who can continue our present style and trend as well as making sure we can keep the great players we have signed from these regions of the world.
I just laugh at some of the comments that want managers like O’Neill and Hughes because of their contacts within the UK. Like that is hot bed of incredible football talent anymore. Some of you need to take your blinders off and stop thinking with your nationalistic hearts. Do you want to win or do you want an all UK team? Keeping Quieroz will make sure that the present scouting team in the league as well as Fergie’s brother continue to do their work in finding local talent as well. These people deserve the credit for the Vidic’s, Evra’s etc, not Fergie himself. We have a very extensive scouting network throughout the world. Queiroz has the setup around him to succeed and simply put, the man has earned his chance. Lets avoid disaster and a mass exodus of super talent from the club. Trust me, losing both Fergie and Queiroz is a guarantee that Ronaldo is gone. United cannot afford to lose the best player in the world because they hired Marty O’Neill. Queiroz is right now the only choice for this team.
May 13th, 2008 at 17:57
Look a the anarchy and upheaval that has gone on in Chelsea this season. Don’t be blinded by their success. The team is in turmoil and it is being held together by a thread. The team has no stability, direction or long term planning. The only thing they have is Roman’s money.
Mourinho leaving could well leave this team in shattered pieces after the season is over. Drogba, Carvalho, Essien, Sidwell, Ben Haim, Pizarro, Malouda, Beletti, Kalou, Shevchenko etc all are either leaving or are rumored to be leaving. And are there guarantees yet about Lampard or even Ballack? This is the kind of thing that will happen to a very small degree when Fergie hangs it up. But how many will want to try out Europe if CQ is not shown the proper respect by the Glazer’s? Never underestimate the power of loyalty. It means a lot to players, coaches and fans. CQ will be the man, I’m sure of it. Come on, you think Fergie has no say in this decision before he leaves. His tenure and his tremendous influence on the team and it’s owners can not be underestimated. Therefore, it is clear, United will be Queiroz’ to build or destroy.
May 13th, 2008 at 20:09
its a quiet day today, isn’t it?
May 13th, 2008 at 20:13
fully agree with grognard
May 13th, 2008 at 20:20
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A35256756
im guessing this ramsey business is true, how else would he have known about it, weeks before.
May 13th, 2008 at 20:24
@Grognard – I respect your opinions, and you present your argument well, but I think we’re going to have to agree to disagree on this point…
May 13th, 2008 at 20:50
I can’t even imagine having to replace SAF at the mo – it really is a frightening thought, him leaving and having to search for a replacement.
But whatever happens, I think Carlos Quieroz HAS to continue to have some role – he’s been Fergie’s right-hand man all this time, he’ll have spent endless hours with him discussing formations, tactics, etc. and his input will be key in the continuing success of the club.
Quieroz is the key man!
May 13th, 2008 at 21:27
Penguin; That’s fair. I also can see the merits in your argument but I just feel that the writing is already on the wall as far as who takes over after Fergie walks. After 20 years at the club, don’t think for a second that the Glazer’s won’t consult with him over who is going to replace him. And you know he has already stated that he wants Queiroz to take over when that day comes. After all he has done for this club, I don’t think that Manchester United’s owners will slap SAF in the face by hiring someone other than Queiroz. Sorry but I just don’t see anybody else fitting in.
May 13th, 2008 at 23:16
Guys please just stop mentioning Wenger as a potential candidate for replacing SAF.
THe guy absolutely detests United, much more than any other manager.
May 13th, 2008 at 23:20
I actually quite agree with Penguin’s analysis of CQ’s flaws, but also agree with Grog’s point that United board of directors will pass on the reins to CQ, so as to allow for continuity.
May 13th, 2008 at 23:45
[Colver] – O’neill – quiet and intellectual??? Am i reading right?
You’re not saying that because of his small glasses, do you?
The man is the only manager i know apart from SAF regularly jumping up and down the sidelines each time his team scores an important goal. AND he is not shy to bark orders from the visiting bench.
He is actually superb at transforming average teams/players into near European contenders. And was the single most important factor in starting Celtics’ recent domination of SPL.
His only shortcomings for me would be his tactical ability (but tthen again SAF was never a tactical genius either) and his ability to make proper recruitment of players at world class level, and the man-mangement of iberian players.
May 14th, 2008 at 1:27
On the chance that CQ does not get the job when that terrible day comes, I really feel it will be important that United select a manger who believes and utilizes the style of play that both Fergie and Carlos have adopted. This is a must for optimum success in the Champions League. Somebody like Mancini, Spaletti or even Ancelotti would be a natural choice seeing as United like to use two CDM’s in tough CL games. These Italian managers are famous for 4-2-3-1 03 4-2-2-2 formations and have had track records for success playing defensive tactics with highly skilled offensive players. Nobody should ever assume that just because Fergie is a Scotsman, that there are any mangers in the UK with his genius, intellect or tactical flexibility and know how. United play a very advanced and complex style of football and I do not have confidence in any manager who is born in the UK who can equal or even attempt to continue what he has accomplished.
Hiring a manger with typical UK naiveties is a sure recipe to disaster in today’s highly complex and technical game.
My list of managers for this team would be in order of preference;
1. Carlos Queiroz
2. Jose Mourinho
3. Roberto Mancini
4. Carlo Ancelotti
5. Big Phil Scolari
I am not a big fan of the way Italian football is played but lets face it, it is very very successful. And after all, that is what Manchester United is all about. As we are playing a very continental style these days, with a little mix of British football, I think we must look for managers who have a superior intellect and tactical genius that transcends the British game.
May 14th, 2008 at 8:18
I hope he walks away before May21st then.
May 14th, 2008 at 9:42
Following Fergie will be a huge challenge. It will have to someone who has the reputation and stature to cope with the job and who would have to have the respect of the players. It would have to be someone with a proven track record of success. So that disqualifies for the present all the local favouite ex-players such as Hughes, Bruce and of course Keane. They still have to prove themselves as successful managers at the highest level. O’Neill just about qualifies on his Scottish successes including reaching the UEFA final a few years back. Mourinho would have the necessary credentials of course and so would Wenger, although the latter still has to acheive in Europe and might not be easy to prise away from Arsenal. A younger man would also be preferable. Maybe the most likely is CQ purely from a continutiy viewpoint and the fact that he is clearly a good coach and knows the players. However, managing United is such a multi faceted job and I don’t know if CQ has the personality do to it. Also he has not been successful as a manager – yet.
May 14th, 2008 at 17:18
[Grognard] – Sorry, but I just have to disgress:
Tactically, Fergie is rather limited.
Until the recent advent of the 4-3-3 (which is by the way brainchild of CQ) SAF could only succeed in 4-4-2, though he was very good at it.
I personnally get very frustrated each time SAF gets in a meddling mood, trying players out of position – e.g. Ronaldo at CF.
I firmly believe that United would have been much more successful in Europe in the past ten years had it not been for the negative tactics (Remember Porto?)
But hey, very few managers actually utilize more than 2 or 3 formation types.
On the other hand, I quite agree with your list of potential non-UK candidates to replace SAF, though for me personally, the ability to communicate fluently with players must be a prime factor to take into consideration. A year of intensive English courses might be sufficient to make the Italians proficient in English, but that does not mean they will be able to use the language to properly communicate emotions, which is crucial in motivation and man-management.
And no mater how you look at it, an Italian manager would bring italian players to Manchester and that would mean more flopping, more moaning and a much less direct way of tackling the game which is not very Utd.-like.
As you rightly said, the key is finding the right MIX between continental and British approach to playing the game.
May 14th, 2008 at 21:07
CQ for me. I’m not a big fan of the guy on a personal level, but I think he is essential in our transition period. After having a manager for donkey’s years, to have him leave and somebody new come in would be very unsettling.
If CQ wasn’t given the job, he would leave. I think that would be dreadful news for the club. We can’t forget how important CQ has been in regards to Ronaldo, Nani and Anderson either.
Aside from Mourinho being an arrogant twat, he is rubbish in the transfer market and doesn’t know the mean of attacking football. How could anyone want him to manage United? Everything our club has stood for over its entire history would go out of the window. I’d hate for him to take over.
May 15th, 2008 at 16:09
Scott the Red; I agree with you on CQ 100% but I really think you are letting your personal bias (being a Man Utd fan) cloud your thinking on Mourinho. Although I am not a big fan of Mourinho (although I absolutely love his Setanta puppet) I think he is an exceptional manager and motivator. And there is nothing wrong with his transfer policies either. Most of the transfers at Chelsea were out of his hands like Shevchenko, Ballack, A Cole etc but he had more to do with getting Carvalho, Cech, Drogba, Ferrieira and Makelele who along with Terry, Lampard and J Cole were the backbone of the team that won two straight EPL Championships. Yes he is arrogant but actually that’s what makes him even more interesting and impressive. He usually is able to back it up and he is able to motivate players as well as anyone. Tactically he is very technical and very proficient with the Italian style of continental football and it has worked for him. No he does not let payers roam freely and take unnecessary chances but then again, he never had a Ronaldo at Chelsea to build around.
One thing that I do like about him is that he has a great deal of respect for Fergie, United and it’s players and fans. He had a friendly rivalry with Fergie as opposed to the bitter ones Fergie has had with Wenger, Keegan, Benitez and Grant. This speaks of Mourinho’s admiration for our club. Clearly he would jump at the chance to manage United if the chance ever came as it is a club he respects. He just needs to be left alone and be allowed to do things his way. They may not play as attractive as we do now but he wins. The Chelsea supporters were gutted when he left. Why? Because they were drunk from all the winning. Winning is all that matters.
Bottom line Scott is the man just wins. Lets not forget what he did with Porto before he went to Chelsea. He won the CL with a Portuguese side. It wasn’t a Spanish, Italian German or English side that won the trophy that year. His one black mark is his inability to beat Rafa Benitez in the CL. Had he managed that, he might have had a few more CL trophies in his cabinet. Like him or not he’s a champion. Even if he does say so himself. The Special One is not my first choice but he would be a good second choice. And lets not forget that he is Portuguese and that a core nucleus of our team speak that language. That can only be good.
May 15th, 2008 at 18:40
What about somebody like Klinsmann or Van Basten ?
May 16th, 2008 at 0:41
I personally would love to see Klinsmann because I was very impressed with the way he turned the German program around and because he appreciates fast free flowing offensive football. He is very underrated as a tactician and he is a tremendous motivator. You also can’t discount his experience as a player having won nearly everything that there is to win. Van Basten I’m not so big on because he hasn’t shown me that he has made any significant changes or improvements to the Dutch side. Also, all the Dutch suffer from ADD and they get bored easily and want to move on. He cannot be relied on as a long term placement.
May 18th, 2008 at 12:52
Grognard: I’m not so sure about Klinsmann’s tactical ability, as I heard that Joachim Low did all the tactical stuff when they were in charge of Germany. Although you can’t discount the emphasis he places on attacking football, which as we all know, is the United way and is the ONLY way our club should play, you could say exactly the same thing about Kevin Keegan
May 18th, 2008 at 17:31
Grognard – “Carvalho, Cech, Drogba, Ferrieira and Makelele who along with Terry, Lampard and J Cole.”
Only two of the players you mentioned there were Mourinho signings.
Every player Mourinho signed who did well was a player every top club in Europe were after, Chelsea could just outbid them. He didn’t unearth ANY talent in his three years as manager.
Mourinho couldn’t sign any kindof flair player to save his life. SWP and Malouda are the closest he ever got. He didn’t have a Ronaldo to play with because he didn’t buy a Ronaldo.
His tactics are anti-football. If you’d be happy to have a manager who turned us in to a 1-0 winning team, because “all that matters is winning” then fair do’s. I aspire for much bigger things for our club though.
May 20th, 2008 at 19:56
Well if you look at Madrid now with they still attract the big names with Schuster in charge despite the fact he isnt a big name manager so obviously number 2 on your list isnt that important, it is the history and heritage of the club that means more.
I also want a manager who whos the English game as well as Fergie so CQ is the man.