There’s a ton of stuff that I’ve thought to comment on lately, but for several reason haven’t gotten around to. So, forgive the lack of consistency, but here we go.
On the topic of managers…
Close to home, it looks as though we may have a coaching change at Toronto FC next season. Not to say that Mo will be leaving us, but there are rumours that he’s looking to assume the position of GM and have someone else take over the coaching gig. The rumoured targets for Mo are from the New England Revolution, as both their current head coach and their assistant coach have been linked with a move to TFC.
All this, however, is pretty unsubstantiated at this point, so I hesitate to say much more…
Oh, and also of note for TFC, Assistant Coach Bob Gansler has decided to leave the club. Widely regarded as a good coach, it stands to reason that he’s looking for a bigger role with another team, but it would also appear as though Mo wasn’t about to hand him the job. There’s probably more to the story, but we’re not like to know much more anytime soon.
Now, across the pond, big news in England.
After courting Josie Mourinho, who I would argue was being a big tease and leading the FA on, Fabio Capello has been appointed England’s shiny new manager. There are some interesting backstories to accompany the appointment:
- How will this affect Beckham’s desire for 100 caps?
David played under Fabio at Real Madrid and was quite publicly dropped from the first team upon his signing with the Galaxy while still under contract with RM. However, to everyone’s surprise, by the end of the season Becks had re-earned Fabio’s respect and was promoted back to the first team, leading RM to a league championship.
- How will supporter’s react to a foreigner leading their squad?
When Sven Goran Eriksson was appointed England manager in 2001, there was a large uproar from English fans and media over a non-English, non-British, manager assuming the reins of the National squad. However, after McClaren made such a mess of things, are the English people open to the idea so long as the results comes?
We’ll see. But, Fabio (and ya, it’s getting fun to write that) has already promised that he will lead them to a World Cup victory. Oh, and if he does, his contract is rumoured to be bumped to £17 million. Good incentive.
The title race in the Premiership is getting good. As it stands right now, the good guys are one point back of Arsenal (who I have to admit are playing some attractive football) following a super Sunday of sorts where Arsenal won at home to Chelsea and United won away at Liverpool. I have to say that the right teams got the right results and, going into the new year, I think that this will increasingly become a two horse race.
Some good reads at the Globe’s soccer blog and the Footy Blog.
Enjoy.
