Jun 25
Why Carlos Queiroz is More Important than Ronaldo
Carlos Queiroz has been linked with the Portugal job since Scolari quit, and for good reason too; he’s done a great job at United and won over a lot of fans with time. The man himself has been coy over his future refusing to speak anything, citing the now popular excuse with the Man United staff for just about anything: vacation.
To questions posed he had the following reply:
“It gives me great pleasure that my name is linked. Have I been asked? I will make no comment. I will not talk about this now as I am on holiday.”
Now whilst the Portugal job would be something that would tempt any Portuguese, I think losing Carlos would be much bigger than any loss at United in recent times — to me it certainly is bigger than losing Ronaldo.
Initially when he started out I wasn’t quite convinced about him. I still think he may be suspect as a man manager or motivator, but over the past three years, he has really grown in stature in the United dressing room and has been the one figure that has helped unite a lot of the foreign contingent; most notably, Ronaldo, Anderson, Nani and, to a certain extent, Tevez (due to his knowledge of Spanish).
If Ronaldo were to leave and so were Queiroz, one would wonder what would happen to the likes of Nani and Anderson who have always admitted looking up to the duo for guidance. Queiroz has also been the person most involved in the technical aspect of the team: the daily training routine, the tactics etc. Him leaving would leave a gaping void, whilst not being as big as the day Fergie leaves but a void, nonetheless.
Fergie is not as hands on and usually maintains a good distance from the players, but Queiroz is the father figure, the counsellor and the one players look to on a daily basis. So if he leaves, it would be a bad thing for United at the moment.
It’s also a tough thing for the club, because no one can assure him a spot as the next manager of United. And as long as the club doesn’t give him any assurances, it’s going to be a tough task trying to convince Queiroz to pass up on a golden opportunity to coach his country.
Meanwhile, in related news, Queiroz urges Ronaldo to stay, saying United is best suited to Ronaldo.
“Manchester United is very special,” Queiroz told the Portuguese radio station Renascenca. “Because of that we know how to surround Cristiano completely with all the affection and all the attention he deserves. However, not speaking is the most sensible course of action at this moment, so that we don’t contribute to a less than positive spectacle and so we don’t aid those whose interests are difficult to identify.”
However, all said and done, it’s the Portuguese gaffer that’s most important to United’s fortunes at the moment.
What do you think? Would he stay? How crucial a role do you think Carlos Queiroz plays for United — is he that important?
Related items from Red Rants:
- Fletch For Everton? Pako for a ‘Thrilled’ Queiroz?
- Nani and Anderson – The Future Gets Brighter
- Who Should Be United’s Captain Next Season?
- Sir Alex Ferguson’s Successor
- United Return to Action From Saturday As Queiroz Departs
Tags: Manchester United News
Opti (541)
Stephen (487)
RedDevilEddy (459)
Craig Mc (348)
Moscow is my heaven (272)
@GuineaDevil: Lets not! There all shite.
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Arshavin wants a Barca move….says he’s been a fan all his life. Dangit.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=551091&cc=5901
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Spot on Grog, I completely agree mate!!!!!
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RR; I was trying to make a typo correction in post 51 when this popped up in the new corrections menu. “You cannot edit a comment after other comments have been posted. – Close”. Not good I have to say. Not 5 seconds had passed and I wasn’t allowed to make the change. This tool needs to be fixed or modified in order to allow corrections to happen uninhibited by other posts and too little time.
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Brian; That doesn’t mean he will end up there. Barca hasn’t come out and said they want him and I feel Roman Abramovich may have a lot to say about where he goes. I want him badly for United but I don’t think we will get him nor do I think he is really on Fergie’s radar. Perhaps I’m wrong, but being proactive in this situation is important and instead, United’s brain trust is sunbathing on holidays. My feeling is you snooze, you lose.
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Stephen; Podolski was injured a lot last year but then again, there are very few strikers on the planet who could unseed either Toni or Klose. He did come on like gangbusters at the end of the season and in the UEFA Cup. Also, his international scoring stats are outstanding and one should never forget how brilliant he was playing as a lone striker for a relegation headed FC Cologne. He’s a quality player stuck in a bad situation. Not a fair indication of his true talent. And again, if you watch him play beyond a few tournaments you see what he is all about. He’s a very talented player who has great flexibility. Lets not forget he has 3 goals in the Euros by playing a LMF/LW position other than the striker position he is used to.
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so if he cant unseed klose or Toni than how can he unseed Tevez and Rooney???
BTW Luca Toni has been utter trash in this tournament!!! There goes his nomination into the last 3 of European player of the year!
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Jos; Sometimes you just have such an elementary way of looking at things. Why do you base things on a few games played in a tournament? Who gives a rats ass what he has or hasn’t done in a tournament. I base my judgments of Podolski over three years and over 100 games of viewing. Now doesn’t that make me more of an informed source on the player than you? Seriously, you put down a player and say he isn’t good because he is stuck behind two world class strikers. Toni lit up the Bundesliga and UEFA Cup this year and he has done so in Serie A too. Donadoni misused him playing up front all by himself and with very little quality service to count on. He was also woefully unlucky in the tournament. Did you watch any of his games or are you just prone to making your judgments based on what you read in the press? It is unbelievable to call a player utter trash when that simply isn’t the case certainly reduces your credibility and shows your complete unfairness on the subject in order to make your point stronger. I’m not trying to be rude or unfair to say your lack of evidence to defend your point of view makes your case incredibly weak. I’m just calling it as I see it, and unlike you, I’ve seen a lot of the named players to make my opinion a little more informed I think. You can call that elitist if you like, I call it informed
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Whoooooooop whooooooooooooop 1-0 turkey.
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grog
toni had so many chances that he should have been top scorer in the tournament!!! He couldnt convert even one of those infinite number of chances!!!
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1-1 Bastien Swine scores
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[Grognard]
I’m sure most of the commenters on this thread know your stand on your way of judging players. And they are saying it despite that. So they have a hunch or whatever it is. But no opinion is higher or lower here, as you would always say. So let’s cut the “I know better because I have seen him X times” part of it and instead just disagree. I am not intending to be rude here, but it saves you from repeating yourself about your having seen Huntelaar/Podolski/Gomes etc etc so many times.
Fact is you may be informed, but most commenters are aware of that fact and are saying so despite your being more informed. In conclusion, you may be hitting a brick wall in trying to make your point.
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@Just1n: I know. These pesky Germans know how to eke it out.
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RR; So let me get this right. I am not allowed to repeat myself about “I know better because I have seen him X times” yet those commenter’s you mention who know my stand on how I judge players are allowed to rubbish my judgments? Have got that right? Seems a little unfair and one sided I think. At least my case is a valid one based on experience and knowledge based on hours and hours of watching games. I’m sorry but I do not concur with you on this point and I believe if one can dish it out, they better be prepared for a battle and one where I outflank them with evidence and facts. Like I said earlier, I don’t care if that makes me elitist. I don’t apologize for my knowledge. Putting it bluntly, some bring a knife to a gunfight.
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RR; Also, it may be other who are coming up against a brick wall. Remember, I’m the one you call stubborn.
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Jos; First off Toni had a goal wrongfully disallowed. Secondly, numerous great saves were made as well as a few goal posts got in his way. But most of all, he received poor service due to the poor play of the Italian midfield and due to the tactical choices made by DUMadoni. For a better reference on Toni, why don’t you look at the close to 40 total goals he scored for Bayern this year, or the 30 goals he scored in the very difficult Serie A back in 2006? Why would you though? It would weaken your case. Again I emphasize that judging a player over a short period of time and under trying circumstances is not a fair gauge of that player’s skills. What part of that don’t you get?
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That first half for Germany was even worse than the Croatia game. No sense of urgency or desire and terrible marking especially on the flanks. They need to press more and their movement off the ball has been nonexistent. WAKE UP BOYS! They are lucky not to be down 3-1.
JUST TOTAL RUBBISH!
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@Grognard: Nope not at all. You are allowed to repeat yourself a million times if you have the energy. I think you know pretty much everyone knows your stand on them. So if they continue to say so, it will save your energy from repeating the same thing. I was suggesting energy saving tips, you know, with the global warming and all.
Just as I don’t get into arguments questioning my stand on Ronaldo anymore, because I’ve made them loud and clear and repeated them enough for me to bother making them again.
I drop in suggestions from time to time, that may help people from avoiding grief: not all of them are laws.
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And mate, evidence and facts are there, but often we all make opinions on gut feelings. We do a bit of both to suit our arguments. So leave the “my opinion is better than yours part” that’s all because that could later come back and bite you.
Opinions are opinions are opinions… they are like assholes, everyone has one. [I don't know who said this]
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bottomline is – he didnt score or create even 1 goal despite playing as lone striker and having all the goal traffic directed thru him!
The excuses you are giving for him also hold for the likes of Gomez, Benzema, Ronaldo, Klose, etc. All world class but poor Euro so far for them…
Anyway, I dont follow Bundesliga so cant comment on how good Klose or Toni have been there… but Toni was non-entity 2 years back. He is quite a late bloomer (like Guiza for example?)
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I don’t know about any of you but here in Canada we just lost the satellite feed for the game. Unfuckingbelievable!
I am also upset about the sure penalty not given from the blatant foul on Lahm in the box. The referee is letting the Turks get away with a lot of hacking and poor tackling.
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If Toni was English people would be calling him a cart horse! I think he is good but he is not that good. Bastien Sch is very good I~ must say.
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Look Stephen this is getting weak. Over 100 goals over the past 3 years tells me you are wrong. If he is a cart horse, then he is the Rolls Royce of cart horses OK!
To be honest I’m more pissed about once again losing the feed of the game just before Klose has scored the go ahead goal. Once again, UNFUCKINGBELIEVABLE! Modern technology in a second rate football country.
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@Grognard: It’s not a local problem apparently. Check out the commentary in the Guardian. the feeds up and down all over according to the commentator in the link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/jun/25/euro2008.germanyfootballteam
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@Grognard: If your broadcaster didn’t inform you the reason why your feed has been cut it is because of a weather storm which affected the whole world’s feed
Turkey just scored!!! come on you turks score again in the 92min
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Honestly lads we need to go out and buy renato augusto form flamengo to replace ronaldo this summer- hes immence.
…….Typical Germany- hate them
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Grog, I like him matey must say, bloody good game this!!
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@realred: Typical Germany – LOVE THEM!
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Bloody Germans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Apparently there was a power failure in the stadium that affected the feed and I guess there was a lightning strike…. What a game though… pity had to watch it in bits and parts… You need to credit Lahm for making that run in the first place and wat a finish from a full back.
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Doubt – Are Lahm and Hitzlsperger brothers??
There’s an uncanny similarity in their looks…and the 1-2 for the final goal was class.
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Grognard : Dude you Need to Chill Anyways Germany Won and Lahm was great today I have to Agree with
you on Toni and Arshavin Looks like a good footballer Maybe his Age ia a major factor but all in all
a good player ..
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Anyways The Germans Were lucky Today
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Lahm was poor today I thought, but he is atop player must say!
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RR; I have checked the Guardian too. It’s really unfortunate. What will somebody have to do to get the full version of this game for their dvd collection. This was disgraceful. They should have backup systems and extra generators in case of lightning strikes. I know this is what happens in the US for the NFL in big games.
WOW! Philip Lahm goes from semi-goat to hero in a matter of two minutes. He was undressed on the sidelines which led to the second Turkish goal but his offensive prowess, and overlapping ability really made up for it with a great winner. A wonderful 1,2 with Hitzlesperger and a fantastic finish for a fullback.
Germany were rubbish today and they still won. They truly are a relentless and difficult machine to beat because they don’t panic and they never get down on themselves. Credit to Turkey for showing a lot of heart and desire and taking advantage of Germany’s slow footed central defenders to cause the Germans one Hell of a scare. They play a little dirty for my liking but they get a grad “A” for passion and the willingness to attack. They never acted nor did they play like second best and for that they get my respect and admiration. Trust me, not easy coming from a Greek.
TurkishRed; My sympathies go out to you as your team has now been eliminated. Ironic that they lost by getting a dose of their own medicine. Germany does have a flair for late heroics historically and they showed tonight.
As for tomorrow, I predict Russia will defeat Spain 2-1 and then I am going to commit personal blasphemy and betrayal and pick Russia to beat Germany in the final by a shocking 3-1 score. There is no way this German team is going to beat that Russian juggernaut with the way Russia is playing and how fast they are with their fantastic 1.2 passing and strong finishing. Russia has players like Zhirkov and Semak who can exploit Germany wide and get around the defense and Arshavin will constantly rove around and make life miserable for the, Pavlyuchenko will be hard to contain but Russia’s speed will win this game. They will play just like Turkey except that they have just a bit more class and finish than the Turks and they are lethal when given a chance. THe secret for Germany is to contain Arshavin and Zhirkov. I cannot see Friedrich, a traditional CB playing R being able to contain Zhirkov on the left wing.
For Germany to win they have to contain the speed of Russia and they have to take advantage of the one major weakness in the Russian game, which is defending direct and indirect free kicks. They are weak in the air and in their box in general on indirect balls similar to the way Portugal got dismantled by the Germans. Schweinsteiger and Ballack will have to be world class + for them to win. I love my Germans but I just can’t see them beating Russia. So now that I say that watch, Spain will win tomorrow. Spain has speed and quality forwards too but they don’t nearly scare me as much. I also think they have gotten worse as the tournament has progressed. If they make it to the final, Germany will win 2-1.
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I hate the Germans, but fuck me you have to give them credit, never loose attitude is unbelieveable. England Should be ashamed of themselves, all on holiday and smoking (sorry cant get over that!!) you could argue England are a better side on paper but would loose 9 times out of 10 to the Germans. Why better attitude simple!
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No doubt about it Grognard, if I was into donkey racing I would hire you as a talent scout,
Toni, Gomes and Klose would be the first into the stables
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Q. What do you get when you see a rising star?
A. His agent starts babbling.
Proof: Arshavin’s agent begins the pimping. Prepare for an interesting summer
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Fair enough Stephen but lets not forget that over the years Germany hve had some very good world class players. Those goals don’t always go in just because of attitude. They still have skill on offense and defense to do what they have done historically. Lahm’s goal as well as Schweinsteiger sublime redirection shows just how skillful they are. Arguably the two Turk goals were gifts. Germany earned their three with class and finish. As well, Podolski and Hitlesperger were unlucky not to get a goal. Although Turkey were a little unlucky too I must say. At leas the match was a credit to the game and a goals scoring feast. ITALY, were you watching, you fucking tossers? Germany are in the final and Italy is home where they belong for lowering the tournament and playing like a bunch of cowards. Fortunately the teams left in the tournament are a credit to the game and will represent the game for all it’s greatness, not for it’s ugly side which of course has roots in Italy. To all Italians, the truth must hurt.
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Ah not you too Fred.
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Oh no I agree when England beat the Germans 5.1 which we never hear the end of, it was the Germans who reeached the final, that is a attitude, I mean a good work ethic. The Germans obviously have has some of the best players in the world in the past, but they still win.
It is not always about how good you are it is how much you want it.
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@Grognard: just kiddin mate, all three are decent players at club level but I think the euros have shown their limitations, good, but not good enough for United in my humble but always correct opinion mate.
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You are not gonna like this Grognard but, in a way, Germany’s never say die attitude reminds me of Chelsea.
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That was some game. I thought Turkey had done it again scoring in the 86th minute but Germany came out and did it. Podolski and Schweinsteiger had good games again but Turkey were very good in the first half.
@Grognard: Lehmann again looked quite suspect on the 2 goals but i suppose he will no doubt be picked for the final. I said last week that I would love a Russia and Germany final but I kinda want Spain to make it now. I think that the hype machine has built up Russia and I think that although they will be a lot better than the first group game they will just fall short
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RR, you are right mate or similar to us to a degree, never know when we are beaten!!
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@Red Ranter: not a bad call there, unspectularly effective , if that makes sense
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Thought Lahm was poor defending tonight, thats a few times now Ive seen him get tortured, against Zenit in the semi final of the eufa cup he got skinned
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I never quite understood why Lahm is always lauded as the best full back in the world. I’m pretty sure that honour should go to our own Patrice Evra, as not only can he attack (admittedly not anywhere near the same level as Lahm) but he can actually DEFEND too!
Tonight’s game just highlighted what a shambles the German defence is, and in particular, the number of times Lahm was skinned by Sabri and (to a lesser extent) Kazim was pretty embarassing. To his credit though, he did redeem himself with an awesome finish for a full back for the winning goal. I also think Mertesacker is just a plain average centre back whose distribution was extremely poor tonight; Metzelder is not as bad, but much better in my opinion. Neither have great pace too, so I would bet on the winner of Euro 2008 coming from the other semi-final, as either Spain or Russia will definitely expose the cracks in the German defence for sure and run riot.
The Deutsch once again fluke their way to a final (bar the Portugal game), just like in 2002, (you just have to admire their resilience to be honest!) but I really do fear for them when they come up against the likes of Torres, Villa, Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas and especially Arshavin; all of whom have the capability to slice and dice the Teutonic defence into Bratwurst.
I do remember backing a Germany-Spain final on here a short while ago, so I’ll stick with that original prediction, and I’ll also stick my head out and say that Spain will romp to a comfortable victory in the final. Heres to the Germans proving me wrong though!
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Let’s just be kind to Lahm and say that he’s best on the opposing team’s half.
I gotta say that these germans impress me. They’re just tactically so clever. They know, they don’t have the individual skills that other teams (Portugal, Spain) have, so they just pump players into the area when needed. Their first goal was a classic example. Great rund from Bastian S. That’s how wingers should always play… making those runs into the box.
Having said that, I really hope we don’t end up with any of these germans in United… just don’t think they have the individual qualities. Maybe Gomez, I can’t really comment on him since I think’ he’s had an extraordinary poor tournament.
Two terrible goalies though… both teams’ second goals were big goalie mistakes. And Lehman just don’t know positioning (anymore – don’t know if he’s ever known).
This match could have gone either way, but then again… most matches that Germany win can go either way.
Grognard – Referring to comment 46, I think you should stop lecturing people, when they make general comments that you feel struck by. This is not the only time, you have done this. Should people list every name they address every time? Even though you’re stubborn
, I think you should let somethings go.
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Grognard – btw, I realised today that yellow cards were removed before the semis (referring to our discussion the other day on the suspension rule), so they have actually thought about the “getting-the-big-players-in-the-final” bit.
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