The week Capello walked away from one of the most prestigious jobs in world football also welcomed in our new daughter, Alexis Laurina. I, foolishly assumed the world would return to a comforting equilibrium with the FA offsetting their drama with West Ham United's cutest and newest member to the clan. You make the choice on the more news worthy story:
Yes - I am serious. Results in a couple of weeks...
Alexis is very cute and sleeps a lot. She is only slightly chubbier than Harry Rednapp. The first 4 songs she heard were all 'I'm forever blowing bubbles..'
Fabio Capello's resignation came hot on the heels of a strange exchange between the FA, John Terry and the media. I am sure you are familiar with the story - I want to add that the timing of the courts clearing Harry Rednapp of tax evasion with Capello's departure was entertaining. Firstly, I am sad to see the FA put the preparations for Euro 2012 in such a deep hole so close to the competition. I do not agree with the manner in which they handled the removal of John Terry as the England captain, however I do agree he should not hold the position based on the accusations of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand. I feel some sympathy for John Terry - he may understand the politics behind this decision, but it is unfair to have it taken away twice. Capello, by the player's statements, is a very good coach. Yet his planned departure after Euro 2012 was strange - especially for the players to process without a valid reason. If Capello was 75, had the role for 20 years and with a great track record you could see it working. Otherwise the psychology of planned turnover has a negative impact on the team.
GQ's 2010 Intrerview with Capello - interesting read.
So, England is left without a coach or captain. It will be interesting to see who is expected to a) coach and b) wear the armband. I expect Harry Rednapp to take over at the end of the domestic season - but in a temporary role. I struggle more to guess who the captain should be. My choice? Scott Parker. There is no doubt that Spurs' season took off as Parker arrived. Talk from West Ham United's training ground was that Parker was a model professional, a leader and supported the club's youth program. Just for kicks, here are the others, well some of them and why (for me) they are tricky choices....
1) Rio Ferdinand. Done it before, important to have the captaincy include diversity and representative of the English people. But has Rio's 'status' lost traction?
2) Frank Lampard. A good choice but it generates a selection issue, re.....
3) Steven Gerrard. If you give him the armband you've got to play him. Lampard & Gerrard selection stress ensues.
4) Wayne Rooney. Ok, I was just messing with you.
5) David Beckham. No, actually I am deadly serious. A leader on and off the field.
6) The rest - all still in diapers.
Maybe the solution is to settle for a predictable choice for the next 2/3 years and build the team for Brazil 2014 and beyond. I think we've lost track of what was said post South Africa 2010. The next crop of talent is several years away. I would be happy with Jack Willshire as captain by 2016.
What next?
The devil may be in the details. Here is a summary taking a look at the statistics over the last 50 years:
Based on winning percentage, the top three...(with number of games in charge)
66.7% Capello (42)
61.1% Ramsey (113)
60.1% Hoodle (28)
All three were sacked or forced to resign.
Most successful in competitions
Eriksson - quarter finals in all 3 (the only coach to qualify for all competitions)
Ramsey - '66 World Cup winners, '68 Euro 3rd, '70 World Cup quarters
Robson - '86 World Cup quarters, '88 Euor qualified, '90 World Cup 4th
Classic Memories we would love to see again....(somewhat objective, I know)
Terry Venables, '3 Lions' and crushing Holland at Euro '96
Sven in Munich needing a win - and handing the Germans a 5-1 defeat.
Sir Bobby Robson and Italia World Cup '90. Gascoigne, Lineker....
So, in summary. It is the hardest job in football. Managers and coaches only have the players, logistics and environment they are handed. A more detailed look at the development of the game, overseen by the FA, will show a correlation between national success and backward technical leadership. The top clubs have to take some of the blame for poor performance at international level - their priority is club before country - a philosophy Sir Alex Ferguson instils with a iron fist. Huge financial rewards at club level for successful participation in the Premier League and Champions League take priority. An over scheduled playing season without a winter break or real recuperation in the summer results in jaded players. And then we have the 'national psyche' to throw in. That glass of water is always half empty. We, in England know a penalty shoot-out v Germany means booking the flight home - I often wondered if a nations' culture, expectations and self-belief has an impact. Here's my point - 8:30 in England is 'half past eight' in Germany it's half to nine' - it's a more postitive mindset and that counts during those 'make or break moments.
So, what's the takeaway here? Our daughter is beautiful. Capello has gone. Get your umbrella out this summer and get ready for the rain, if you're still an England fan.
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| Alexis Laurina |
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| Fabio Capello |
Alexis is very cute and sleeps a lot. She is only slightly chubbier than Harry Rednapp. The first 4 songs she heard were all 'I'm forever blowing bubbles..'
Fabio Capello's resignation came hot on the heels of a strange exchange between the FA, John Terry and the media. I am sure you are familiar with the story - I want to add that the timing of the courts clearing Harry Rednapp of tax evasion with Capello's departure was entertaining. Firstly, I am sad to see the FA put the preparations for Euro 2012 in such a deep hole so close to the competition. I do not agree with the manner in which they handled the removal of John Terry as the England captain, however I do agree he should not hold the position based on the accusations of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand. I feel some sympathy for John Terry - he may understand the politics behind this decision, but it is unfair to have it taken away twice. Capello, by the player's statements, is a very good coach. Yet his planned departure after Euro 2012 was strange - especially for the players to process without a valid reason. If Capello was 75, had the role for 20 years and with a great track record you could see it working. Otherwise the psychology of planned turnover has a negative impact on the team.
GQ's 2010 Intrerview with Capello - interesting read.
So, England is left without a coach or captain. It will be interesting to see who is expected to a) coach and b) wear the armband. I expect Harry Rednapp to take over at the end of the domestic season - but in a temporary role. I struggle more to guess who the captain should be. My choice? Scott Parker. There is no doubt that Spurs' season took off as Parker arrived. Talk from West Ham United's training ground was that Parker was a model professional, a leader and supported the club's youth program. Just for kicks, here are the others, well some of them and why (for me) they are tricky choices....1) Rio Ferdinand. Done it before, important to have the captaincy include diversity and representative of the English people. But has Rio's 'status' lost traction?
2) Frank Lampard. A good choice but it generates a selection issue, re.....
3) Steven Gerrard. If you give him the armband you've got to play him. Lampard & Gerrard selection stress ensues.
4) Wayne Rooney. Ok, I was just messing with you.
5) David Beckham. No, actually I am deadly serious. A leader on and off the field.
6) The rest - all still in diapers.
Maybe the solution is to settle for a predictable choice for the next 2/3 years and build the team for Brazil 2014 and beyond. I think we've lost track of what was said post South Africa 2010. The next crop of talent is several years away. I would be happy with Jack Willshire as captain by 2016.
What next?
The devil may be in the details. Here is a summary taking a look at the statistics over the last 50 years:
Based on winning percentage, the top three...(with number of games in charge)
66.7% Capello (42)
61.1% Ramsey (113)
60.1% Hoodle (28)
All three were sacked or forced to resign.
Most successful in competitions
Eriksson - quarter finals in all 3 (the only coach to qualify for all competitions)
Ramsey - '66 World Cup winners, '68 Euro 3rd, '70 World Cup quarters
Robson - '86 World Cup quarters, '88 Euor qualified, '90 World Cup 4th
Classic Memories we would love to see again....(somewhat objective, I know)
Terry Venables, '3 Lions' and crushing Holland at Euro '96
Sven in Munich needing a win - and handing the Germans a 5-1 defeat.
Sir Bobby Robson and Italia World Cup '90. Gascoigne, Lineker....
So, in summary. It is the hardest job in football. Managers and coaches only have the players, logistics and environment they are handed. A more detailed look at the development of the game, overseen by the FA, will show a correlation between national success and backward technical leadership. The top clubs have to take some of the blame for poor performance at international level - their priority is club before country - a philosophy Sir Alex Ferguson instils with a iron fist. Huge financial rewards at club level for successful participation in the Premier League and Champions League take priority. An over scheduled playing season without a winter break or real recuperation in the summer results in jaded players. And then we have the 'national psyche' to throw in. That glass of water is always half empty. We, in England know a penalty shoot-out v Germany means booking the flight home - I often wondered if a nations' culture, expectations and self-belief has an impact. Here's my point - 8:30 in England is 'half past eight' in Germany it's half to nine' - it's a more postitive mindset and that counts during those 'make or break moments.
So, what's the takeaway here? Our daughter is beautiful. Capello has gone. Get your umbrella out this summer and get ready for the rain, if you're still an England fan.
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