Managerial merry-go-round
Carlo Ancelotti
There’s an air of excitement in Europe, even though the title race is over in major leagues. The potential changes in managerial positions at a few major clubs have kept fans hooked to news sites. It’s understandable because no one defines a club better than their manager. Players may come and go but bosses remain there for some time if they are successful or lucky.
The out-of-the-blue decision of Alex Ferguson to call time on his illustrious tenure at Manchester United is the pick of news. United have taken a huge gamble by opting for David Moyes who hasn’t won anything other than the hearts of the Everton faithful in his career. The continent that matters most in football is in the grip of a managerial merry-go-round. Even the most prescient pundit can’t predict the result of the high-stakes game.
Is Jose Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge imminent? Where will Rafa Benitez go after keeping the seat warm for the Special One? Is Roberto Mancini’s English sojourn over? Are PSG not happy with the services of Carlo Ancelotti? Is monsieur Arsene Wenger being tempted by a return to his homeland after spending 16 years across the Channel?
Meanwhile, there seems to be a Teutonic battle for the signatures of Jupp Heynckes and Jurgen Klopp. Reaching the final of the Champions League by playing eye-catching football has ramped up the value of the German coaches who are at the two ends of the age spectrum. If Heynckes succeeds in winning a treble with Bayern Munich, the heat will be on Pep Guardiola even before the amiable Spaniard takes charge of the most powerful sporting institution in Germany. Klopp is a character. His youthful exuberance and achievements at Borussia Dortmund are forcing clubs across Europe to cast an envious eye on him. Clubs that are flush with money aren’t easy to manage. It’s difficult to define success in some places. Style is wanted if trophies are won and the stress is on success when there is plenty of flair on the field.
There is a sense in Spain that Mourinho’s three-year tenure at Real Madrid is an unqualified failure as the 10th European Cup has proved to be elusive. Real didn’t break bank to win La Liga once in a while. The big-eared cup is the Holy Grail for them. Mourinho knows it and that is why he is talking about being loved these days.
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