Written By Robert Amanze
Everyone’s
got what they want. England
once again has an Englishman, managing the national team. The fans, players, media and FA are all
happy. We can rejoice.
Well
actually, not quite. The Englishman now in charge isn’t the one that the fans,
players and media originally wanted. The FA threw a red herring and landed a
kipper.
Harry
Redknapp was the popular choice. A talented manager, who has resurrected the
fortunes of Tottenham Hotspur in recent years. Redknapp, was the England
manager-elect. Surprisingly ignored, when the vacancy was last available in
2008. Surely the FA wouldn’t deny good old Harry this time? Let’s just say that
the FA are acutely aware, of Redknapp’s ‘extra-curricular activities’ (for want
of a better term). His face just does not fit, at the Wembley headquarters. So
rightly or wrongly, the FA has plumped for Roy Hodgson.
Let’s
take a look at Roy Hodgson. 64 years of age. Has had an extensive club and
international managerial career. Highlights include, guiding the Switzerland national team to the last 16 of the 1994 World Cup, and
reaching the UEFA and Europa League finals (with Inter Milan and Fulham
respectively). To say that Roy Hodgson is qualified for the job of England manager
is a huge understatement. His 36 years of managerial experience testify to
that. However, I can’t help thinking that the FA has got this appointment
wrong, very wrong.
Imagine
the scenario.
A
reputable global business clinches a deal, on a brand new multi-million
project. Months before the start of the project, the team leader resigns due to
an alleged bust-up with the board. This particular team leader was the
businesses’ top salesperson, for the last 5 years. So what do the board do?
- Do they appoint the number 2 salesperson in the
company, with a slightly questionable past?
- Or instead opt for the reliable guy who’s been with
the company for 20 years, but never really amounted to much?
Ok,
all this might be a little harsh on Roy.
However, the rational and logic by the FA is still highly questionable. They’ve
hounded out a man with a proven track record (Capello), and ignored the
credentials of a suitable replacement, due to ‘off-field’ concerns. The FA
believe that they’ve got their man. Most of the football fraternity think
differently.
On
February 8th 2012, Fabio Capello resigned as England manager. The reasons behind
his resignation are still unclear. However, many believe the removal of John
Terry as England
captain (without Capello’s consent) was the main contributing factor. I
personally like Capello. He’s a winner with a forthright opinion. Very clear on
his objectives, and how he wants to go about them.
However,
the media and certain sections of the English public, never quite understood
Fabio. Some blamed his accent, and occasional jumbled grasp of the English
language (very xenophobic in truth). Others would criticise his stand-offish
nature, with the English media. It is here where Capello’s downfall started. He
didn’t give the media, the sound bites they craved. They would often complain
about his reported £6 million a year salary, and pick holes in his team
selections, and press conferences. Capello was constantly ridiculed, and
undermined.
The
performances of the England
team however, meant that Capello was virtually untouchable. His win percentage
of 66.7%, is the highest of any England
post-war manager. Like I said previously, Capello is a winner. Yes, he made
mistakes such as some of his decisions at the 2010 World Cup. Sources say that
Capello treated the players like children. Calls were being heard that he was too
controlling, rigid, a disciplinarian etc. Players being were being confined to
their hotel rooms, on days off.
However,
lessons were learned from that experience. Let’s not forget, it was Capello’s
first foray into international tournament football. He admitted post the 2010
World Cup debacle, that change was needed. Fluidity and flexibility crept into England’s style
of play, during the 2012 European championship qualifiers. We also saw a number
of debutants during this time, like Jack Wilshire, Andy Carroll, Phil Jones and
Danny Welbeck. Change was certainly taking place. I am sure Capello wouldn’t
make the same mistakes at Euro 2012. Unfortunately, we will never get the
chance to find out.
On
the eve of a major tournament, England
head to Poland and Ukraine with a
manager who has only had 2 games in charge. The squad has been decimated by
injury and an unplanned absentees, English optimism is now at an all-time low.
Could you imagine this type of disarray happening anywhere else?
So
roll on Euro 2012. The nation doesn’t expect, we just hope.
