26 November 2007
The Next England Manager
Though the decision may take a while and some have supposedly ruled themselves out, here is this sites analysis of all the major contenders, discussing their attributes and how they might fair with the biggest, richest and most poisoned of all chalices.
The new coach is going to have to be a lot of things; a motivator, great tactician, domineering character, good with the press and most importantly, someone who can wash away the Champions League dominated selection process and the mentality of an acceptable face to defeat.
In reverse order then and ordered by Blue Square’s latest odds, I give you the contenders:
Sam Allardyce 66/1
The current Newcastle manager is not exactly Mr. Popular on Tyneside and a combination of his dour playing style, new (and impatient) club owner and poor results mean that he will probably be sacked either this season or next. Interestingly, he was my first choice last time round given the ill-fated and ill-considered “English only” policy that has wisely been left out this time.
At Bolton, he showed himself as a man capable of motivating even the most travel-weary of journeymen and his preparation techniques were innovative and effective. His stock has since fallen though and the time he would need to be a success at Newcastle will not be given to him.
Pros:
· English (not really a pro)
· Innovative
· Prepares players well
· Intimidating presence
· Will be available soon
Cons:
· Not respected enough
· Little experience outside the Premiership
· Abrasive personality
· About to be sacked
Likely headline:
“Big Sam’s Last Roll of the Dyce”, before England go into their final qualifier needing a win by two goals away to Croatia.
Conclusion:
Highly unlikely, he has ‘ruled himself out’ in a fit of pique after being overlooked last time round. Might turn it down if it were to be offered (which it will not). Only ever going to get an offer in extreme desperation.
Grade: D
Alan Curbishley 50/1
Holds the distinction of being the subject of the first article on this site. Has little else to be proud of in his career. Stagnated at Charlton who were relegated when he left (which is actually seen as a positive for Curbishley) and is now in charge at West Ham where he was collected he finest collection of injury-prone players ever seen.
Pros:
· English (still not a real ‘pro’)
· Not facing imminent sacking (though it will come)
· Cheap
Cons:
· Exceedingly average manager
· Rated poorly by some players (Tevez was desperate to get away from him)
· No presence or respect.
· Atrocious grammar.
Likely headline:
“Kicked to the Curb” after failing to qualify for World Cup 2010 in the fewest matches ever.
Conclusion:
Madness. No ability, no presence, no man-management. No go.
Grade: F-
Gus Hiddink 50/1
Current Russia manager who has a real talent for tactical organisation and making teams play greater than the sum of their parts – something England routinely fails do to.
Pros:
· Excellent tactically
· Extensive international experience
· Highly respected by players
· Speaks English and is good with the media
· Galvanises teams
Cons:
· Journeyman manager
· Currently employed
Likely Headline:
“No Hiddink Place for England” after England lose on penalties to eventual winners Brazil in the quarterfinals.
Conclusion:
Decent appointment although just another notch on his managerial CV. England will qualify for every tournament under him and will have at least a few good performances in the tournaments.
Whether he is good enough to overhaul the mental problems the English have is hard to tell since he has never actually won a major tournament.
Grade: B
Gerard Houllier 40/1
Bug-eyed Frenchman with 12 major club honours and experience with the French national team. Well-known in England and knows the English game well, he has a reputation for nurturing young players.
Pros:
· Reasonably well respected
· Decent coach
· Experienced
Cons:
· Possible health concerns (exacerbated by the English press)
· Career on a downward plane
· Uninspiring
Likely Headline:
“Swift Kick to the Ghoulliers” as England suffer extra time heartache to Argentina in the second round.
Conclusion:
Not really the most exciting of appointments and I do not believe he high on anyone’s list.
Grade: C
Stuart Pearce 33/1
Passionate Englishman with a cannon of a left foot. Failed miserably at Manchester City but doing fairly well with the England U21s.
Pros:
· English (sigh)
· Passionate
· Would do it for free
· Could inspire terror amongst the playing staff
Cons:
· No record of managerial success
· Anything more than passion?
· Would not get to use his left foot (to kick the ball, anyway)
Likely Headline:
“Psyc-over and Out” as Stuart resigns on live television following an embarrassing first round exit.
Conclusion:
Like Kevin Keegan only without a track record. He would actually have been a decent appointment last time round though I doubt he would have gone far in a tournament once tactics were required and his passionate team talks wore thin.
Grade: D
Steve Coppell 28/1
Took Reading to the Premiership and stability. Won Manager of the Year and has extensive experience
Pros:
· English (oh, come on)
· Experienced
· Doesn’t suffer fools (bye bye Stevie G)
· Impressive personality
Cons:
· No real reputation amongst top players
· Only been swimming in a small pond
Likely Headline:
“Not Much Copp” as England fans endure a dour 0-0 at home to Kazakhstan.
Conclusion:
Again, not a sexy appointment and is more of a ‘flavour of the month’ candidate as Allardyce and Pearce were last time.
Grade: C-
Marcelo Lippi 25/1
Has won; 5 Italian League titles, 1 Italian cup, 4 Italian Supercups, 1 European Cup, 1 European Supercup, 1 Intercontinental cup and of course, 1 World Cup. One of the true greats of football management.
Pros:
· Tactical genius
· Great man manager
· Proven track record at club and country
· Absolute, undeniable presence and aura would command instant respect
· Knows what is required to win a World Cup
Cons:
· Has all but ruled himself out
· Does not speak English
· Can revert to Catenaccio
· Never managed outside Italy
· Nothing left to prove or win?
Likely Headline:
“Lip Lip Hooray!” as England progress to the 2010 World Cup Final with a 2-0 victory over the Spaniards after they concede two own-goals.
Conclusion:
There are a handful of genuine world class managers and Lippi is one. He has however already stated that not speaking English would be a big problem thereby suggesting he is not interested or does not believe he could bring success. As such, his appointment would be very unlikely.
Grade: A
Luiz Scolari 20/1
Mad Portuguese manager who won the World Cup with Brazil. Aggressive, abrasive and brave. Was the early favourite last time but refuse to dump his present employers for England.
Pros:
· Tactically good
· Domineering character
· Does not appreciate underperformance
· Will withdraw anyone who is not playing well enough
· Knows what is required to win a World Cup
Cons:
· Unlikely to get on well with the English press
· Likely to fall out with anyone
· May punch opposing players
Likely Headline:
“Big Phil Chins Prescott” Scolari floors former deputy Prime Minister John Prescott after he suggested that replacing Joe Cole after seven minutes was “bloody stupid”.
Conclusion:
Would have been the best choice last time round but perhaps not this. Has not really done a great deal with an equally talented Portuguese squad other than losing to Greece at home and for all the aggravation he would bring, may not be worth it.
Grade: B
Rafa Benitez 16/1
The soon-to-be-ex Liverpool manager had a great reputation at Valencia which has neither improved nor diminished while at Liverpool. Won one Champions League final and lost another and having spent a fortune on new players has fallen out with the new owners over asking for yet more money.
Pros:
· Tactical genius
· Can organise practically any group of players
· Will be available soon
Cons:
· Would have to work with what he has rather than buy in what he wants
· Bad goatee
· Not managed to over throw the Arsenal/Manchester Premiership dominance
· Never picks the same team twice
Likely Headline:
“Rafa Ride Ahead” after finishing second in their group, England come up against tournament favourites, Brazil in the second round.
Conclusion:
He only said he was interested in the job because he is angry with the Liverpool owners.
Grade: C+
Alan Shearer 12/1
Passionate Englishman with a soporific voice. The main thing he seems to have going for him is that Jürgen Klinsmann and Marco van Basten are both former international forwards who managed their countries without any experience. The rumour is however that Klinsmann (who had home advantage in every match) did his ‘wonders’ with a strong backroom staff – and how hard is it to organise the most organised nation in Europe playing at home? Van Basten was heavily criticised in the 2006 World Cup and fans say that his team still do not play attractive football. As for Shearer, he has precisely the same amount of experience as he does charisma.
Pros:
· English (ho hum)
· May command some respect
Cons:
· No experience whatsoever
· Boring
· Uninspiring
· Expert in English failure techniques
Likely Headline:
“Shear Horror” having lost in Croatia, the manager inspires an insipid performance to lose 3-2 at home when a draw would have seen us make the playoffs.
Conclusion:
Choice of the desperate. There is no single, compelling reason why Shearer should even be considered before he has shown he has even an ounce of management ability.
Grade: E
Jurgen Klinsmann 12/1
“Did well” for Germany in the last World Cup (held in Germany). Knows the English game after two stints at Tottenham. Has international experience only.
Pros:
· Some experience
· Builds a strong team and staff
· Has won the World Cup as a player
· Affable
· Spurs fans will love him
Cons:
· Possibly overrated
· Unlikely to spend much time in England
· Unlikely to be a long term appointment
· Arsenal fans may not love him
Likely Headline:
“Over and Kraut”, The Sun reports on an early exit for England and suggests that Klinsmann takes the first (U)boat home to Germany (or Florida).
Conclusion:
For the hassle and price there are many better options. His reputation is disproportionate to his achievements.
Grade: C
Harry Redknapp 7/1
The sort of guy who would crawl on his hands and knees through broken glass to be considered for the job. Also he is not the type of person to rule himself out in a fit of pique (Allardyce). Has been successful at West Ham and Portsmouth but never been given a bigger offer.
Pros:
· English (oh ffs)
· Plays attractive football
· Builds teams
· Keenest of all contenders
Cons:
· Never managed a top team
· Strong suggestions of corruption
Likely Headline:
“Ngole Camara Qualifies for England”, after an extensive scouting mission to Africa, Harry discovers an entire Maasai tribe who qualify for England on a technicality. Several appear in the English team at the same time as several large deposits appear in Harry’s bank account.
Conclusion:
I would not be averse to him taking over however success is not that likely. Of all the English candidates, he is the one that makes the most sense however one of his great skills is in finding unknown players (in Africa) and turning them into Premiership quality players.
Grade: B-
Martin O’Neill 13/2
Turned down last time and is widely thought of as having ruled himself out this time. However if you read the actual transcripts of the interview, he did not specifically state that he did not want the job rather emphasising that he has a job and he is fully focused on that. Would require a concerted effort from the FA but I am sure he could be convinced.
Pros:
· Englishish
· Strong reputation
· Commands respect
· Good organiser
· Decent tactician
· Has stated he would like the job in the past
Cons:
· Would need the cap in hand treatment
· Scares the FA for some reason
· Good candidate but not the best manager
Likely Headline:
“O’Neill and Pray”, England go into their semi final against Argentina with a raft of metatarsal injuries to crucial players.
Conclusion:
The rumour is that O’Neill was Barwick’s first choice last time round and I am convinced that if he says to O’Neill’s face that he is his number one choice this time that he will say yes. Still, though he is a good candidate can he be considered in the same class as Lippi, Mourinho or Capello?
Grade: B+
Jose Mourinho 5/1
Jobless Portuguese man-manager extraordinaire. Conflicting reports as to whether he does or does not want the job. If I were him I would not consider it before he has fulfilled his ambition of coaching in Italy and Spain.
Pros:
· Exception man-manager
· Tactically very good
· Brave
· Priceless character
· Commands instant respect
Cons:
· May not want the job
· Will not have as much time to build a team spirit
· Still learning as a coach
Likely Headline:
“The Special Ones”, The Mail waxes lyrical as England dumps Germany out of the World Cup at the quarterfinal stage.
Conclusion:
A manager who would be almost universally loved and would command real loyalty from the players. He has no experience in building a team with so little time to galvanise a group of players and would cost more than any of the other candidates but who seriously would not want him?
Grade: A
Fabio Capello 11/4
The first to throw his hat into the ring and a track record like no other; has won the league title with every club he has ever managed. Has the capability of building a team from almost anything. He has already described the England job as both “exciting” and “beautiful”. Unfortunately, he described it in Italian.
Pros:
· Peerless track record
· Tactical genius
· Supreme man-manager
· Galvanises any team
· Everything to prove at international level
· Absolute, undeniable presence and aura would command instant respect
· Wants it
Cons:
· Does not speak English
· Can be an abrasive character (though I suspect the English would not find him so)
Likely Headline:
“England Wins World Cup!” scenes of joy and celebration engulfs England as Ledley King holds aloft 6.175 kilograms of 18 carat gold and malachite thereby restoring a nation’s love and pride. The beautiful game comes home at last.
Conclusion:
The question is simply this, is the language barrier an insurmountable one? If it is not, then he has to be the man.
Grade: A+
Hmmm … how about Bruce Arena? Look at what he did for the US in 2002!
Ok seriously - looks like Mourinho is showing some interest. Fabio Capello would be ideal but for the fact that he plays boring football, is as stoic as Sven and I suspect that even with results will not be treated fairly. Especially if his statements will have to be translated. Any unexpected result - even in a friendly - the press would have a field day misrepresenting his tone.
I hope Mourinho’s interest is not in maximising his next club contract. I find myself genuinely missing the man and whether or not he could translate his club abilities into International football or not, it would be massively entertaining.
Let’s not forget though that he himself doesn’t play the world’s most aesthetic brand of football (has his last team was even described as “Super-Bolton” here http://cwoff.com/blog/sport/football/2007-07-18/mourinho-and-abramovich-are-friends-again/ )
Capello is the best bet for a major tournament win. If we failed to get him simply because his football is perceived as ‘boring’ then frankly we don’t deserve to win a tournament. I’m not entirely sure that is the case though, being sacked from Real doesn’t necessarily mean that that board knew what they were doing… and I now read that Schuster is being criticised for being boring!
As for mistranslation, I somehow doubt Capello would lose any sleep over that, hire a PR consultant, whiten his teeth etc.
You have a point though, I can see him giving a press conference with a translator and people translating what Capello himself says and comparing it with what the translator said…
yes - Madrid have no clue - they make sacking the manager more of a sport than the football. I simply wonder if he, or even Mourinho, would be given the lattitude they need to operate. I don’t have a long history of understanding the inner workings of the FA, but I would suspect that a “root and branch” examination of the politics of the FA would reveal something along the lines of the corruption of your typical South American government.
But would a root and branch examination conducted by the FA themselves reveal this?
They’d maybe implement a few programs at academies, an additional managing certification or so, and blame the rest on McClaren. Pass the buck … err quid. It’s the first law of job security.
NIce.. Looks like you’re highest rated manager is gonna be picked.
I think he has the biggest desire from all the managers but still his national team managerial capability is not yet tested.
Maybe the England fans will protest about his defensive playing style.
But his man management skills and strategy will provide the results which will cover his deficiencies.