Does Van Gaal Fit The Mould?

Yesterday we were informed of the sacking of David Moyes from Manchester United after just 10 months in the job. As well as leaving the board in a pickle over who to appoint, those pesky ITK accounts on Twitter had a field day, linking every manager from under the sun to the vacant post, one of which was Louis Van Gaal. Ladbrokes tip the Dutchman as the favourite to succeed Moyes at 8/11 but until the permanent manager is announced, United man Ryan Giggs remains as interim manager.

All these rumours whether Louis Van Gaal will be United manager or Spurs manager next season must not be aiding his preparations for the upcoming World Cup. Currently with the Dutch National side, it has been reported that he will be resigning at the end of the competition in June. Tutored under the philosophy of Total Football, surely the Dutchman will be able to restore flair and speed to United's game? 

Throughout his illustrious career, Van Gaal has remained devout to the idea of playing attractive attacking football, using a 4-3-3 formation. I am positive that his appointment will excite many of the United faithful, and it too gets me on the edge of my seat thinking about it. However, is playing 3 in the midfield a good idea? I would not want to risk playing 3 in midfield against the might of City or Chelsea, they would overpower us, particularly if the are unable to strengthen due to the Glazer's incompetence. However Liverpool showed us that beating City is possible with a 4-3-3 counter attack formation

If the Dutchman were to deploy this tactic, the 2 wide-men will need to track back and help the midfield out. Antonio Valencia would thrive under this formation due to his high defensive and offensive work rate. With this strategy, I am struggling to find out a position in the team for Rooney, Mata or Kagawa - neither of which are as effective out wide than through the middle. One of this trio could be leaving in the summer because of this. It is evident that there are both positives and negatives to this argument.

"If they're good enough, then they're old enough" is a cliché that Van Gaal places his faith in. On this sole reason alone, it gives Van Gaal a good chance of being awarded the post. At Ajax, Van Gaal was responsible for the rise of figures such as Edwin Van Der Sar, Edgar Davids and Patrick Kluivert. It is safe to say that the Dutchman has the evidence to suggest that the empty post at Old Trafford. Adnan Januzaj has proved that United do have fresh talent within their youth ranks, and with the correct treatment, they could be nurtured into future first team players. The U-18s sit 6th in their league while the the U-21s are 4th showing that there is potential among them.

As well as possessing some of the most prized traits in a football manager, he also has a glittering CV to add to it. Van Gaal has 7 league titles over 3 countries including Holland, Germany and Spain. He was a cog in the wheel behind a successful Ajax team of the 90s which won 2 European titles, showing that he is more than capable of competing among Europe's elite. While on paper it seems that he had an enjoyable time at the Blaugrana, the Spanish media and Barca fans never warmed to the Dutchman, and he left after just 2 seasons in charge. It was Jose Mourinho's Internazionale that prevented Van Gaal from completing a famous treble with Bayern Munich after they defeated the Germans in the Champions League Final. He can do it in 3 European countries, so why can't he do it in England?

The colourful Dutchman is known to lose his temper

While at Bayern, comparisons were made between Van Gaal and Felix Magath, who rules with an iron fist. This may be what is needed in the United dressing room as they fight to control the growing egos inside. Having read some crazy stories about the Dutch manager, it would be of no surprise to me if Louis Van Gaal is they type of person to stand in front of the mirror every morning with an approving look upon his face. Adjectives used to describe him can range from egotistical to narcissistic - two words in which I would associate with Mr. Mourinho. Van Gaal seems to be a character in the dressing room and will stand for no nonsense from the players.

Overall, Louis Van Gaal, appears to be a good shout for the next manager of Manchester United. However, the few character descriptions I have implied, could turn the tables against him, and a parallel situation as to what happened at Barcelona. At 63 years old, he will not have many more years left in him and this could be his final club, particularly if it goes well. While the board knuckle down to appoint a new manager, we have Ryan Giggs at the helm, and a solid conclusion to the season is imperative at Old Trafford.

Top 10 Managers

The following managers contained in this blog are, who I think, the best managers in the world. They are not ranked in any particular order.

Carlo Ancelotti

Whoever says great players don't make great managers is lying. Carlo Ancelotti has won the league in France, Italy and England during his career and is art of a unique club of players that have won the Champions League as a player and a manager. He will be most known for his success at AC Milan from 2001-2009.  During his 8 years at the Milan club, Ancelotti won 8 trophies, most notably a 2007 Champions League victory over Liverpool. Now at Real Madrid, I expect him to be able to knock rivals Barcelona off their perch and reclaim the number 1 spot of Barcelona in the long run. A man that always instructs his team to play attacking football and forbids his team to take the foot off the gas deserves to be named in my top 10 managers.

Jose Mourinho

No top 10 managers list is complete without the self-proclaimed 'Special One'. Jose Mourinho's record speaks for itself. Arguably one of the most influencial managers in history, Mourinho has notched up no less than 20 titles and countless individual honours throughout his career. His finest hour would likely be the treble winning year of 2009/2010 at Inter Milan. At only 51 years of age, the man from Setubal is expected to gather even more titles. Personally, I will admit that he is one of the best managers in the world, even though I have a low opinion of him. Already, I would expect Mourinho to have his eyes on accumulating numerous trophies, in an attempt to surpass Sir Alex. 

                         

       

Jurgen Klopp

Nobody can forget the anger vented at the officials by Dortmund manager, Jurgen Klopp in a 2-1 defeat to Napoli, and the leaps and bounds he has brought the North Rhine side is incredible. He guided Dortmund to their first Bundesliga title in 9 years back during the 2010/2011 and followed that up with a league double the following season. Always instructing his team to play fast flowing, attractive football, Klopp has been a giant of the managing world over the past year, and deserves to be on my list as hopes to string together a run of good results in order to challenge Leverkusen for the second place.

       

Rudi Garcia

If anyone reading this post is a Serie A lover, then you will know why he is on this list. Out of nowhere, he has announced himself on managerial scene with aplomb by sending Roma to a 17 match unbeaten run. The Giallorossi have found themselves a surprise package this year lying in a respectable 2nd position behind Juventus. As for Garcia, his managerial success began at French club Lille when he claimed the domestic double in the 2010/2011 season as well as bagging the French Manager of the Year Award in 2011 and 2013. He has remodelled a team from the brink of turmoil to one challenging Juve for the Serie A title.

      

Diego Simeone

A highly decorated player and also a highly decorated manager. Renowned for his time in Atletico Madrid, he has delivered a myriad of trophies to a club that has been living in the shadow of their Real neighbours. A manager who utilizes his wingers to great effect, finds himself touted as the manager for the Argentinian National team. I rate Simeone exceedingly highly, as, although he doesn't have the finances or manpower as Barcelona or Real Madrid, he is adding another team to the short list of contenders for the Liga BBVA title.

       

Antonio Conte

A fantastic player and now a fantastic manager. At the age of 44, Antonio Conte is trying to replicate his illustrious playing career in the dugout as a manager. Currently working with the best team in Italy, Juventus, he has guided the 'Old Lady' to the last 2 Serie A titles and is on course to record a 3rd consecutive one. He has created a formidable Juventus side, using talented players Carlos Tevez and Paul Pogba to name a few, that has every possibility of mimicking the days when the Old Lady was Champions of Europe. Juve through and through, the Italian is heading for a long time managing the Italian giants.

        

Louis Van Gaal

Having been educated in possibly the best traditions of the 'Total Football' by Ajax and the Netherlands in the 70s, it is to no surprise that he is a fanatical advocate of the fast, free-flowing football that we all love to watch. While being generally labelled a slow starter, he managed the all-conquering Ajax team of the early 90s. Often described as blunt towards the press, the Dutchman deserves recognition on my list of top 10 managers due to the numerous titles he has won at Barcelona, Ajax and Bayern Munich. Currently in hi second spell as manager of the Netherlands, Van Gaal will be hoping for a better run in the World Cup compared to Euro 2012 and their failure to qualify for the 2002 World Cup.

       

Arsene Wenger

A terrific servant to Arsenal FC, Arsene Wenger is the longest manager in charge of a club, currently in the Premier League. During his 17 years at Arsenal, he has amassed 3 Premier League titles, 4 FA Cups and 4 Community Shields. Although regularly overlooked, he holds a Ligue One title and One Coupe de France trophy from his time at Monaco. Over the past few years, I feel his has been wrongly on the end of abuse from Arsenal fans at the lack of money spent. Even when he has not been spending money, the Gunners always find themselves in the Champions League positions, come the end of the season. Famed for his advocating of youth, Wenger now possesses a strong Arsenal team poised to challenge for the title.

       

Luis Felipe Scolari

While Luiz Felipe Scolari may not be on most people's top 10 managers list but he is definitely on mine. Famous for his short fuse and tantrums on the sideline, the 65 year old has managed a list of clubs and nations the length of my arm. 'Big Phil' has enjoyed success all over the world most notably, Kuwait, Uzbekistan and Brazil. Internationally, Scolari has enjoyed an array of success - and upsets. In 2002, he led a team with characters such as Kaka, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Roberto Carlos, to a World Cup, before enduring the shock of the century with Portugal, losing in the Euro 2004 final to Greece. At a club level, Scolari has won the Copa do Brasil on numerous occasions and also the Brazilian equivalent to the Champions League, the Copa Libertadores.

      

Fabio Capello

A manager that is almost forgotten about on Top 10s, is the Russian National team manager, Fabio Capello. A proven player and manager, Capello holds a trophy cabinet that most fans would die for. Managing no less than 5 clubs, the 67 year old has won numerous Serie A titles, La Liga titles, Supercoppa Italiana and the prized UEFA Champions League with AC Milan. In addition to this, he won the Serie A Coach of the Year in 2005 and BBC Sports Personality Coach of the Year award in 2009.

Those are my opinions on the best managers in the world currently. Another manager that gets a glowing report from myself is fellow Ulsterman Brendan Rodgers. Rodgers honed his skills under the wing of Jose Mourinho and will no doubt feature on this list eventually, if he has a long, distinguished career on Merseyside.

Champions League Semi Final

UEFA have treated us to another spectacular Champions League Semi Final line-up. Two very different ties sees a tactical battle between Atletico Madrid and Chelsea, while Real take on Bayern in a match that promises free flowing, end to end football.

Real Madrid v Bayern Munich

Gareth Bale v Arjen Robben. Cristiano Ronaldo v Franck Ribery. Real v Bayern. Surely there cannot be a more mouth-watering tie than this? Could Real Madrid reach the final for the first time since 2002? So many questions need answered, yet we need to wait until 29 April to find the answers for them. Both teams have impressive attacking options, but also may concede goals, as proved by Dortmund in Real's 2-0 defeat away leg and Bayern's 3-0 humiliation at home. 

At the start of the season, I tipped Bayern to be the first team to win the Champions League back to back, but now I'm not too sure. Even though I still think they will win, weaknesses were highlighted during the games against Manchester United, particularly when players like Danny Welbeck were running at the centre backs.  In addition to this, Real have scored 32 goals already in this competition, which included a 6-1 romp of Schalke, while Bayern have scored 8 less than the Madristas. There certainly will be plenty of goals. The wide men are the key opponents to look out for. If Bale, Ronaldo, Ribery or Robben are anonymous throughout the tie, then it could have a pivotal effect on the outcome of the game.

It promises to be an exhilarating tie and ever since it was announced, it had the world gripped with Champions League fever. Even though I am beginning to doubt myself with recent results, I still feel that Bayern Munich will be able to reach the final for the third time in a row.

Atletico Madrid v Chelsea 

Atletico Madrid and Chelsea make up the other semi final. A battle between 2 tacticians of the highest order in Mourinho and Simeone. On paper Atletico would have been the opposition Chelsea fans would have wanted, I'm not convinced that this is what Mourinho would have wanted. Unlike Real and Bayern, Atletico pose their threat through their very efficient counter attack, much like Chelsea. This means that Chelsea will be less able to rely on this tactic than if they had been drawn with Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. On a more positive side for Jose, Chelsea have the second leg at home, enabling them to sit back in the first leg, hoping that they may nick a goal, and finish the job at Stamford Bridge. 

Chelsea do certainly have a chance in this tie, though their lack of a star striker could prove their downfall. This match sees Chelsea come up against one of their transfer targets, Diego Costa. It has been widely tipped that he will be a Chelsea player by the summer and that he will form the new Chelsea attack, as it has been rumoured that all four of Chelsea's strikers are heading out the door in the summer. 

Two very tactically driven teams could create a tentative tie, but will no doubt provide no less excitement than the other tie. This tie is very difficult to call, as either team has the ability to go through, but I have to predict that Mourinho will be able to out fox Simeone and get revenge from that Copa Del Rey defeat last year.

Only Chelsea are flying the flag for the English teams while the possibility of a Spanish final in Lisbon is not out of the question. The first legs are to be played on 22/23 April respectively while the second legs are on 29/30 April.

Clash of the Titans

It's a huge weekend in deciding the direction for the Premier League title this year. Super Sunday includes a clash of the titans match as Liverpool aim to beat Manchester City while Chelsea travel to South Wales to meet Swansea City.

This year will be another exciting run in, both at the top of the table and at the bottom. As it stands, Liverpool are on top of the pile with 74 points, closely tailed by Chelsea with 72 and City a further 2 behind, but with 2 games in hand on the other contenders.

The three teams that are challenging for the title are there by no fluke. Chelsea have the best defensive record in the league, only conceding 24 goals, and are unbeaten at home, while City have been ruthless at the Etihad, scoring at least 3 goals on 10 occasions. Much like the Sky Blues, Liverpool have shown no mercy throughout this season, scoring 90 goals and may be hoping to beat Chelsea's record of 103 goals in a season.

On the weekend of the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough Disaster, the match at Anfield will kick off at 13:37 in commemoration of the 96 that lost their lives on at tragic day. Even though The Hillsborough Independent Panel concluded in 2012 that no Liverpool fan was responsible for the tragedy, families of the 96 still feel no closer in the case. The memorial will provide an extra incentive for a Liverpool victory and a deafening atmosphere inside the ground as the Liverpool faithful aim to spur their team on to a vital victory.

The odds may be tipped in favour of the Merseyside club as they have won their last 5 home games and are unbeaten at Anfield since the 1-0 defeat to Southampton. For the neutral, this has the making of an exhilarating, end to end affair with plenty of goals due to the explosive attacking options for either side and the, at times, suspect defending.

While many fans view this as the match in which the destination of the 2013/2014 title goes to, I feel it is far from over. No matter what the 'Special One' says, Chelsea are still in with a shout of winning title, and it is appearing increasingly more likely that this is an attempt to cover himself if Chelsea finish the season trophy-less. 

Chelsea take on Swansea who have had an indifferent season at the Liberty Stadium. Although Chelsea have lost their last 2 away games, you have to fancy the Blues to take maximum points from this tie. With Mourinho at the helm, never write Chelsea off, particularly as 4 out of their remaining 5 games involve clubs in the bottom half of the table.

We are set up for a very interesting and touching weekend ahead. There will definitely be emotion, chances and goals at both the Liberty and Anfield. A Liverpool victory would be a perfect tribute to the 96 who lost their lives at Hillsborough back in 1989, while City aim to claw back the deficit.

Do Football Fans take the Sport too Seriously?

I could put my life savings on the fact that none of you would have thought too much about this. Many fans don't. I don't them either. They just enjoy supporting their own club through the good times and bad times with no questions asked.  However only a small minority that give football a bad name, and when it comes to death threats, it's an issue I am very passionate about.

Most of you will probably remember the date May 6th 2009. Chelsea were playing Barcelona and were looking to secure the second successive final against Manchester United. The game was filled with controversy from the off with Chelsea having 4 penalty appeals turned down. Having watched the replays of the game, yes all 4 were stonewall penalties. Tom Henning Ovrebo was the unfortunate man in the middle that night. I'm not interested in what happened on the pitch, its what happened after the match that disappointed me.

Straight after the match, cameras caught Drogba swearing at the referee. Tensions were running high and there was a lot at stake, which is understandable, but not able to condone that behaviour. The British media reported that he was 'smuggled' out of England under police escort. This is what I'm not cool with. With a small minority of Chelsea fans obviously being a threat to his life, no one should be 'smuggled'. A word that almost dehumanises the individual. Why the fans couldn't respect the fact that they lost, albeit controversially, and that there would always be next year is beyond me. It's not just Chelsea that have these fans, I am positive that each English club will have this pocket of fans. No refereeing decision, no matter how severely wrong the ref got it, deserves death threats.

For Neil Lennon, death threats nearly ended his career. Controversy is just around the corner with this man, for all the wrong reasons. Parcel bombs and bullets have been sent to him on many separate occasions. In January 2011, Royal Mail intercepted packages containing bullets addressed to Lennon and 2 other Northern Irish footballers. 2 months later Lennon was sent a parcel bomb. The package was intercepted by the Royal Mail in Scotland and no damage was done. There is no room for sectarianism in football and it needs to stop.

Just last season, I was disappointed in Rio Ferdinand actions upon the final whistle at Old Trafford when United were playing Real Madrid in a hotly contested last 16 match last season. Rio proceeded to clap, mockingly, in front of the referee at the end of the match. Nani had been given a controversial red card for a dangerous challenge. Whether it was a deserved punishment or not, I'm not prepared to debate on the correct outcome, but just so you know my opinion, I think it was justified. 

Much like the Chelsea - Barca match, a lot was at stake, so maybe it was the heat of the moment. What infuriates me, is that these players are meant to be role-models. As FIFA are trying to instil a Respect for Referees campaign, it doesn't look good when one simple action could see kids repeating the same incident.

In answer to my question, no. Its just a few hooligans that go out at all costs to cause harm. As a budding referee, I am glad to see steps taken to protect the officials and hope to see changes in the future. So the next time you begin to abuse the ref, or an opponent, just think, what impact could this have on the person's life?