Hugo Sanjeev

Guardiola is a highly talented manager, there is no doubt about that. However, when things are not going as expected, not only does he tend not to have a "Plan B," but he has very little interest in changes things and has got a reputation for being stubborn as a result. Whereas someone like Mourinho (not turning this into a pro or anti Mourinho discussion, especially in relation to LFC) is willing to change things when they aren't going according to plan. He is more than willing to make several changes at half time in a snap, for example.

Rodolfo Borrell's reaction after the Newcastle defeat...I like the cut of his jib - frank, doesn't want to high behind excuses, demanding high standards, regardless of their age, and wants to win: [YOUTUBE]op1eAsOllT8[/YOUTUBE]

Great read. Thanks a lot for posting that mate. :thumbsup: Also, the more you learn about Guardiola, the more impressive he comes across.

Sorry for going off topic, but as I originally thought this thread maybe about this particular person (daft I know), any idea what's happened to StevieH, as he hasn't posted for a while?

Anyone who interested, there are some interesting and contrasting views from C Palace fans on Zaha on this forum: Wilfried Zaha - is he actually any good ? - Crystal Palace FC Supporters' Website - The Holmesdale Online

If there is genuine interest in Sinclair, as Steve Clarke will know him well from their Chelsea days, I wonder what input he would've had in this.....

Sinclair did well for most of the numerous clubs Chelsea loaned him out to in the lower divisions. I think he is technically sound, but his primary asset is his pace. Even though he was signed by Chelsea from Bristol Rovers as a 16 year old, I guess he really didn't stand out among the plethora of stars they had. From what I can recall, Chelsea fans/followers in the media weren't that surprised or disappointed with his departure. In fairness, in recent years, Chelsea hasn't exactly been renowned for having a "long term" view and nurturing talent.

What is his exact/best position and what are his qualities? Does he remind you of any past or present established footballers with his style of play? Thanks.

I don't think Downing would actually be a bad signing, even though he doesn't really excite me. I think he could turn out to be effective with the right players, in the right system, the way a Stuart Ripley and Jason Wilcox were for Blackburn. However, rather than spending £18 mill on Downing, I would much rather spend around £25 mill for both N'Zogbia and Xherdan Shaqiri.

Disagree with that. Especially, as FSG sought his input on Kenny's appointment and he would have a significant voice on future managerial appointments. In the future, Comolli can still have a say on Kenny's fate as manager, whether FSG act on it, is a different matter altogether. But, I doubt if Kenny can have any say on Comolli's position at the club or the DOF role. J Henry appointed him to be pretty much his eyes and ears on football related matters; and to influence the tone of the club - style of play/philosophy. FSG will never ignore the standing Kenny has among the fans and his status, generally, in the world of football. Regardless, I don't think a power struggle between Kenny or Comolli will arise. But, I do think that Comolli has their ear to a greater extent than Kenny; and even before appointing Kenny, just by the pure nature of football, generally, J Henry probably expected Comolli to be the one constant as far as the football staff went when he appointed him. Whether Comolli deserves such a powerful position is a different debate...

I think he is more knowledgeable and tactically astute than Ferguson, for example. He also has excellent man-management skills. I don't think he has got the hunger of a Ferguson though. Ferguson will go down as an all time great, however distasteful that may sound. I think Hiddink is more talented than Ferguson in purely footballing terms. But obviously other factors come into it such as personal attributes (hunger, desire, ambition etc) and this is where he falls short. So, in that sense I think you are correct - and of course being a great manager isn't just about one or two attributes - but, I think he has got the natural talent, knowledge and tactical acumen to have achieved truly great things. I think winning the European Cup with PSV in 1988, their only E Cup triumph (albeit on penalties), and securing the treble in the process, is indicative of this. Due to personality flaws and choices, he hasn't achieved what his ability warrants and what some inferior managers have. I guess, you could also say this about plenty of footballers who had the talent to be truly great and remembered as such, but fell short in the personality aspect. We did catch a glimpse of what Hiddink could do in his short spell as Chelsea manager, when he was able to make an instant impact, galvanize and unite the players. In years gone by, I would've been happy with him as LFC manager; but he would only have been a short term option, as he could've done great things over a period of 3 years; but don't think he has the will to do this for 5-10 years. I guess, to prove yourself as an all time great, longevity or sustained period of success at a club is also important. This is where he falls short and I think associating the word "potentially" is fair. I think his talent is beyond doubt, though.

Hiddink's career and choices have been truly bizarre - undoubtedly one of THE most talented managers in the game today; and although has still got a lot to show on his CV, he could've/should've gone down as one of the all time greats.

That's strange, if true. Apparently it was Porto who were pushing for the deal with Chelsea because the clause in his contract means that they can command £13mill in compensation for him, whereas, if he chose to leave next summer, he can do so without them getting any compensation.

I had already beat you to that! Don't agree about Kenny necessarily being the best person to implement the "Liverpool Philosophy" in terms of style of play on the pitch. I don't think that is exclusive to someone who has LFC connections. Guardiola could do it, possibly even better than Kenny. Not to mention the fact that he already has links with Borrell and Segura. Barcelona's philosophy and style of play which is being epitomized by Guardiola's side - better than its' ever been at the club - is based on the Ajax model imported by Cruyff.

If you read my previous posts on this thread, I think you'll find I do. I have the same feelings towards the King as you. I also rate him highly as a manager. But if I was open to someone else as manager, that doesn't mean I'm disrespecting Kenny or undermining him personally or diminishing his legend status, though, does it mate? However, I don't think "legend" status per say should play a part in appointing a manger. In Kenny's case, he obviously has the ability to match. Most of them don't, though.