Given that Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup will signal the replacement of Giampiero Ventura as the Azzurri's manager, speculation has begun as to who might fill the journeyman boss's scarpe.
The press has already thrown the names of Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini and Massimiliano Allegri into the ring as possible candidates for the most important job in Italy; but the thing that strikes me is the sheer number of Italians so well qualified to take on the role.
Beyond the four esteemed names above, the powers that be might consider distinguished and seasoned veterans Marcello Lippi and Fabio Capello, current Inter manager and repeat Serie A Coach of the Year Luciano Spalletti, the mercurial Claudio Ranieri, or even Vincenzo Montella, one of a number of up-and-coming former players who very much impressed in his spell with Fiorentina.
Now some might discount one or two of these names based on their personal preferences, which is fair enough: I'm not arguing that everybody should agree that each of the aforementioned should be considered by all a worthy candidate. But each has pedigree and each has at least managed and impressed with one of Europe's top twenty clubs.
On the other hand, if England were to prematurely call time on the England managerial career of ex-Middlesborough, England U21 and, errrrr, nobody else boss Gareth Southgate, how many respectable English candidates would the FA have to choose from?
There are presently five Englishmen managing in the PL. Discounting David Unsworth and Roy Hodgson (for very different but hopefully quite obvious reasons), we have Eddie Howe, Sean Dyche and Paul Clement. Selecting any of the three at this stage in their very young careers would represent something of an optimistic punt (not that Southgate's appointment should have been considered any differently).
McClaren and Allardyce likely won't be reapplying for the role any time soon. Names like Garry Monk or Steve Bruce might even be considered, but they have hardly demonstrated that they can mix and compete with Europe's elite.
So where has it all gone wrong for the English in football management? Given the PL's history of attempting to lure Europe's finest coaches, should we have seen more English managers follow the paths of Bobby Robson and Hodgson in building their careers and reputations overseas? Or do we need to see more faith placed in young English managers by the top half PL sides?
And who do people think is the right candidate to bring through the next wave of young Italian talent as we see a host of veterans hang up their boots?
Italy's Next Top Manager
posted on 14/11/17
comment by rossobianchi (U17054)
posted 1 second ago
comment by Irishred (U2539)
posted 58 minutes ago
As someone mentioned earlier I reckon Chris Hughton could do a job at a "bigger" club. He was doing a good job at Newcastle until he was shafted by Ashley.
Also he has done a fine job at Brighton.
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I like Hughton too.
I'd like to see him get a crack at managing a top six side, but I can imagine fans of any of those clubs chucking their toys out if he was given the role at their club.
Are the fans possibly partly to blame too?
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Good shout on the fans Rosso.
The modern success at all costs and right now attitude of some of today's fans is one of the reasons I don't have the same interest in the game as I did when I was younger.
posted on 14/11/17
Are the fans possibly partly to blame too?
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Good shout on the fans Rosso
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It's them Irish Liverpool fans, I tell you.
posted on 14/11/17
comment by Vidicschin (U3584)
posted 4 minutes ago
Are the fans possibly partly to blame too?
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Good shout on the fans Rosso
................
It's them Irish Liverpool fans, I tell you.
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Fook you VC
posted on 14/11/17
i think sean dyche would be a good choice for a young and hungry english team. throw him into the fire and see what happens. do england really have anything to lose.
posted on 14/11/17
Morning Irish.
posted on 14/11/17
comment by Vidicschin (U3584)
posted 45 seconds ago
Morning Irish.
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Morning VC heart attack stuff tonight
posted on 14/11/17
Following on from a thread below... Graham Potter at Ostersunds fk... Too early yet, but could be worth watching
Making a name for himself in Sweden and in the Europa this year... People say about working abroad etc, he's going the Woy route
posted on 14/11/17
Shock move for Jose to manage Italy? Oh wait, he can't spend billions there.
posted on 15/11/17
Coaching ability at senior level in the UK is stifled by the way that the juniors are technically ruined at school age.
not just the junior level coaches fault. They have to contend with the most difficult to circumvent set of parents in the world.
Any good junior coach will tell you that trying to reconstruct the technical aspects of a players game (all technical aspects) is incredibly difficult. It's difficult when the primary carers of each child - because of their own weak psyche - instills a negative impression about creativity, patience, intelligence, teamwork, health (mental as well as physical).
It happens elsewhere, but it is definitely a defining anglo saxon issue.
posted on 15/11/17
ny good junior coach will tell you that trying to reconstruct the technical aspects of a players game (all technical aspects) is incredibly difficult. It's difficult when the primary carers of each child - because of their own weak psyche - instills a negative impression about creativity, patience, intelligence, teamwork, health (mental as well as physical).
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Not here. Unless you are lucky. Otherwise, it's he's big, pick him. That short dude who can do amazing things with the ball, he's to small. Lump it to the big guy.