Some might say that Arsenal don't have the squad to win the Premier League. If given a choice, most Gooners would lean towards the other major trophy on offer - the one less reliant on a big squad - the Champions League.
Arsenal's history does not yet include a triumph in Europe's premier club competition - the closest they have come was as runners-up to a brilliant Barcelona in 2006 - but have Arsene Wenger's men progressed enough since then to go one step further?
The debate is wide open. It's a squad of outstanding technical ability and room to improve, but not one with too many world-beaters or physically imposing players.
The cliches have been screamed all season long. We're now in February - the official 'business end' of the season has begun - and there can be no better time to assess the best and worst of what Wenger has to offer at the highest level.
So, we bring you, in order, the three most likely to propel Arsenal to (admittedly improbable) glory, as well as those who are could cost them. Porto will provide the first hurdle this evening, but even if Arsenal do get past this relatively kind draw, who of their key men could make or break their chances of any degree of Champions League success?
Makers:
1. Cesc Fabregas
Star Qualities:
* Even more scintillating as a liberated attacking midfielder in 4-3-3
* Averages a goal or an assist every 84 minutes so far this season
* Proven in big CL clashes against Milan, Juventus, Madrid
Potential Weakness: During the challenging domestic four-game run against Aston Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool, his body language appeared - at times - dejected. When his side are swimming against the tide, as captain, he needs to lead and inspire.
2. William Gallas
Star Qualities:
* Has proved impressive in tandem with new signing Thomas Vermaelen
* Since losing captaincy, has shown his true leadership credentials
* Uncanny ability to score crucial late goals
Potential Weakness: His tackle on Bolton Wanderers' Mark Davies attracted negative press in Britain. Arsenal need to toughen up, but the balance is always key - particularly with European referees in continental competition. Rash challenges will not be tolerated.
3. Alexandre Song
Star Qualities:
* Has developed more strength on the ball
* Has trust of Fabregas, which frees the captain offensively
* Brings ball out from back and is key in Arsenal maintaining possession
Potential Weakness: He has been cited as a passenger for some of Arsenal's key concessions in the year's big games and occasionally goes missing as the screener/guardian of the back four when Arsenal are hit on the break.
Breakers
1. Manuel Almunia
Weaknesses:
* Losing trust of his defense results in many nervy moments
* Lacks command of area and has exhibited some shaky shot-stopping
* Vs Man City, Man Utd and Chelsea, he received 14 shots, conceded nine goals
Saving Grace: It can't get any worse for Almunia. The only way is up and he could yet rediscover his form - especially if he has to fight for his place.
2. Nicklas Bendtner
Weaknesses:
* Expectation to fill Robin van Persie's boots as main striker may be too much
* Doesn't have full trust of Wenger and is often deployed out wide
* Has struggled to perform in big games as a starter
Saving Grace: His height and physicality could prove pivotal in bringing his team-mates into play. During his absence, Andrey Arshavin led the line yet scored just once in a dozen appearances. Bendtner could prove an asset on the right of Arsene Wenger's three-pronged attack, where he would win aerial battles against shorter defenders.
3. Gael Clichy
Weaknesses:
* Positioning and decision-making abilities seem in considerable decline
* Has come up short in most big-game encounters of the season
* Isn't yet looking likely to finish season without another injury lay-off
Saving Grace: Unlike Almunia, Clichy is not suffering from a lack of confidence. He has not lost the crowd. In recent interviews he has spoken of his delight at playing for both the Arsenal, and the fans, and a return to the form that helped elevate his status could only be around the corner.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
I expect English sides to progress
Arsène Wenger expects all three English sides to advance to the Quarter-Finals of the Champions League, though he warns that progression is far from guaranteed.
Arsenal are in Porto for the first leg of their Round of 16 clash this evening, while Chelsea take on Inter Milan in the San Siro next week.
Manchester United defeated AC Milan 3-2 in the first leg of their Champions League clash last night, and Arsenal manger Wenger believes the English trio will all be in the draw for the next round.
"I expect the three English teams to go through, yes, but I'm not a fool. I know that it will be difficult for all the three teams," he said.
"Maybe Man United have a small advantage over Milan, but in the other two games it will be very tight."
However, the Frenchman has warned English clubs against complacency, pointing out that other teams in Europe are constantly improving.
"It is normal that people become a little bit complacent," he said. "You are so used to going through: if it is not Arsenal it's Chelsea, you don't care because you travel anyway.
"But I mean you are used to having the teams in the latter stages, so you can be demanding. I don't have a problem with that. But, if you look across Europe, the other teams invest as well. More sometimes. So it's not guaranteed that you have success."a
Arsenal are in Porto for the first leg of their Round of 16 clash this evening, while Chelsea take on Inter Milan in the San Siro next week.
Manchester United defeated AC Milan 3-2 in the first leg of their Champions League clash last night, and Arsenal manger Wenger believes the English trio will all be in the draw for the next round.
"I expect the three English teams to go through, yes, but I'm not a fool. I know that it will be difficult for all the three teams," he said.
"Maybe Man United have a small advantage over Milan, but in the other two games it will be very tight."
However, the Frenchman has warned English clubs against complacency, pointing out that other teams in Europe are constantly improving.
"It is normal that people become a little bit complacent," he said. "You are so used to going through: if it is not Arsenal it's Chelsea, you don't care because you travel anyway.
"But I mean you are used to having the teams in the latter stages, so you can be demanding. I don't have a problem with that. But, if you look across Europe, the other teams invest as well. More sometimes. So it's not guaranteed that you have success."a
Talented Fabianski 'only needs experience
Arsène Wenger has faith in Lukasz Fabianski.
A finger injury to Manuel Almunia means Arsenal must rely on the young Polish keeper in Porto on Wednesday night.
The Champions League Knockout Round first leg tie will be just the fourth European appearance the 22-year-old has made for the Club and only his 30th start overall. Wenger admits that Fabianski still needs experience on the biggest stage but, in terms of ability, he lacks for nothing.
“I have complete faith in Fabianski,” said the manager. “He has shown that he has talent.
“In some games he has shown that he lacks a little bit of experience as well. For example against Chelsea [in the FA Cup Semi-Final]. But that day he did not make a typical goalkeeper’s mistake. It was more about deep balls played through that he was keen to come for. And we encouraged him to do that because he has always had a good reading of the game.
“So overall, for me, he is a very talented goalkeeper. Don’t forget that one of the greatest keepers ever seen in England was David Seaman. If you watched him at 22 or 23 then he would make some mistakes. It is part of the learning process. I believe Lukasz is a very intelligent goalkeeper so he will have learned from those mistakes.”
A finger injury to Manuel Almunia means Arsenal must rely on the young Polish keeper in Porto on Wednesday night.
The Champions League Knockout Round first leg tie will be just the fourth European appearance the 22-year-old has made for the Club and only his 30th start overall. Wenger admits that Fabianski still needs experience on the biggest stage but, in terms of ability, he lacks for nothing.
“I have complete faith in Fabianski,” said the manager. “He has shown that he has talent.
“In some games he has shown that he lacks a little bit of experience as well. For example against Chelsea [in the FA Cup Semi-Final]. But that day he did not make a typical goalkeeper’s mistake. It was more about deep balls played through that he was keen to come for. And we encouraged him to do that because he has always had a good reading of the game.
“So overall, for me, he is a very talented goalkeeper. Don’t forget that one of the greatest keepers ever seen in England was David Seaman. If you watched him at 22 or 23 then he would make some mistakes. It is part of the learning process. I believe Lukasz is a very intelligent goalkeeper so he will have learned from those mistakes.”
Sol was signed for this situation
Sol Campbell was brought back to Arsenal for pressure situations like the game at Porto on Wednesday night, according to Arsène Wenger.
The England international was the Club's only acquisition in the January transfer window. It was considered to be a gamble given Campbell’s only game of the season had been at Morecambe in September during a brief, ill-fated spell with Division Two side Notts County.
However the beauty of bringing in the experienced 35-year-old is that Wenger does not have to worry about his temperament in difficult, hostile occasions such as Wednesday’s encounter at the Estadio do Dragio.
William Gallas has been left behind with a calf complaint and could be missing for ten days. If Campbell gets the nod over Mikael Silvestre in Portugal then he could be set for a little run in the side. His manager knows it will not faze him.
“Sol has experience,” said Wenger at Tuesday’s press conference. “That was one of the key reasons why we re-signed him.
“I thought that, if he needs to come in, he can give that to us. He has done well already and coped well with situations.
“We have Silvestre too who can come in, too, but the difference is that if Silvestre plays then we have two left-footed players at centre half. We’ll see tomorrow.”
If he features, the Porto game will be Campbell’s first Champions League tie since he so nearly won the trophy with Arsenal in 2006. His first-half header put Wenger’s side ahead despite being down to ten men. However Barcelona bit back with two goals in the final 13 minutes.
“A lot has happened since then,” admitted Wenger. “Certainly, he didn’t think that, when he signed for Notts County six months ago, he would be involved in a Champions League game now. But that’s football. Six months ago he was playing at Morecambe. However when you have quality you can always come back.”
The England international was the Club's only acquisition in the January transfer window. It was considered to be a gamble given Campbell’s only game of the season had been at Morecambe in September during a brief, ill-fated spell with Division Two side Notts County.
However the beauty of bringing in the experienced 35-year-old is that Wenger does not have to worry about his temperament in difficult, hostile occasions such as Wednesday’s encounter at the Estadio do Dragio.
William Gallas has been left behind with a calf complaint and could be missing for ten days. If Campbell gets the nod over Mikael Silvestre in Portugal then he could be set for a little run in the side. His manager knows it will not faze him.
“Sol has experience,” said Wenger at Tuesday’s press conference. “That was one of the key reasons why we re-signed him.
“I thought that, if he needs to come in, he can give that to us. He has done well already and coped well with situations.
“We have Silvestre too who can come in, too, but the difference is that if Silvestre plays then we have two left-footed players at centre half. We’ll see tomorrow.”
If he features, the Porto game will be Campbell’s first Champions League tie since he so nearly won the trophy with Arsenal in 2006. His first-half header put Wenger’s side ahead despite being down to ten men. However Barcelona bit back with two goals in the final 13 minutes.
“A lot has happened since then,” admitted Wenger. “Certainly, he didn’t think that, when he signed for Notts County six months ago, he would be involved in a Champions League game now. But that’s football. Six months ago he was playing at Morecambe. However when you have quality you can always come back.”
'It will be a hostile place for Arsenal'
A goalless draw with Leixoes on Saturday saw Porto extend their unbeaten run to 12 games in all competitions.
However, they remain nine points off leaders Benfica in the Portuguese Liga and their domestic struggles mean they are putting even more emphasis on the Champions League this season.
Ahead of Arsenal's trip to Porto we spoke to Matilde Dias from Correio da Manha, Portugal's biggest-selling daily newspaper. She explained just how desperate the Portuguese champions are to overcome the Gunners.
FOCUS - CUP FEVERCHAMPIONS LEAGUE FEVER
"They are not doing so well in the Portuguese Liga, so for them the Champions League is a priority. They will give everything they have got against Arsenal. All their motivation will be for this game. They will give everything."
FOCUS - IMPRESSIONS OF ARSENALIMPRESSIONS OF ARSENAL
"For them Arsenal are a strong team, they respect the players. They really rate them highly and respect the playing style of Arsène Wenger, he is one of the most romantic coaches in Europe. I don't think they are thinking too much about previous games against Arsenal. They are focused on what they can do this season and for them this is a vital game, they just have to win, especially in the first leg because they know how strong Arsenal are at Emirates Stadium."
FOCUS - REASONS TO BE CHEERFULREASONS TO BE CHEERFUL
"The stadium will be full. They always like to see English teams because it is exciting football. The stadium is always a difficult place [for visiting teams]. Porto are very strong at home. When the stadium is full the supporters provide a good atmosphere, it will be a hostile place for Arsenal."
FOCUS - MAN OF THE MOMENTMAN OF THE MOMENT - STRIKER FALCAO
"For Porto it is a priority to reach the Quarter-Finals because they are not going well domestically. This is their big fight. Striker Falcao will be a big problem for Arsenal. His partnership with Hulk will be the biggest danger for the Gunners."
FOCUS - THE ONE TO WATCHTHE ONE TO WATCH
"Hulk will also be a problem for Arsenal. He has not been playing due to a domestic suspension but he is coming back for this game and he is willing to show his importance to the team. He will come back and I believe he will boost the team's confidence going forward. When he plays Porto are a different team, they are more dynamic."
However, they remain nine points off leaders Benfica in the Portuguese Liga and their domestic struggles mean they are putting even more emphasis on the Champions League this season.
Ahead of Arsenal's trip to Porto we spoke to Matilde Dias from Correio da Manha, Portugal's biggest-selling daily newspaper. She explained just how desperate the Portuguese champions are to overcome the Gunners.
FOCUS - CUP FEVERCHAMPIONS LEAGUE FEVER
"They are not doing so well in the Portuguese Liga, so for them the Champions League is a priority. They will give everything they have got against Arsenal. All their motivation will be for this game. They will give everything."
FOCUS - IMPRESSIONS OF ARSENALIMPRESSIONS OF ARSENAL
"For them Arsenal are a strong team, they respect the players. They really rate them highly and respect the playing style of Arsène Wenger, he is one of the most romantic coaches in Europe. I don't think they are thinking too much about previous games against Arsenal. They are focused on what they can do this season and for them this is a vital game, they just have to win, especially in the first leg because they know how strong Arsenal are at Emirates Stadium."
FOCUS - REASONS TO BE CHEERFULREASONS TO BE CHEERFUL
"The stadium will be full. They always like to see English teams because it is exciting football. The stadium is always a difficult place [for visiting teams]. Porto are very strong at home. When the stadium is full the supporters provide a good atmosphere, it will be a hostile place for Arsenal."
FOCUS - MAN OF THE MOMENTMAN OF THE MOMENT - STRIKER FALCAO
"For Porto it is a priority to reach the Quarter-Finals because they are not going well domestically. This is their big fight. Striker Falcao will be a big problem for Arsenal. His partnership with Hulk will be the biggest danger for the Gunners."
FOCUS - THE ONE TO WATCHTHE ONE TO WATCH
"Hulk will also be a problem for Arsenal. He has not been playing due to a domestic suspension but he is coming back for this game and he is willing to show his importance to the team. He will come back and I believe he will boost the team's confidence going forward. When he plays Porto are a different team, they are more dynamic."
'Almunia has been playing through pain'
Manuel Almunia has been playing through the pain barrier for the past few weeks.
The Arsenal keeper has not travelled to Porto for this evening’s Champions League tie after suffering a second injury to his hand. The problem is likely to keep him out for the weekend game against Sunderland too and, in his pre-match press conference, Arsène Wenger also revealed that, but for pain-killing injections, the Spaniard would have missed most of this month.
“At first he twisted the top of his finger [above the joint],” said the manager.
“But then he did the other, lower part of the finger in training three or four days ago.
“He had an injection to play against Manchester United, and played through the pain against Chelsea and Liverpool.
“I don’t think the injury hampered him. As long as it’s only the top part of the finger, you can use the finger. But when it’s the lower joint, you can’t play with that.
“He himself wanted to play in this game. He was keen. But the ball flies so much, particularly the Champions League ball, you need that flexibility in the finger to parry it.”
The Arsenal keeper has not travelled to Porto for this evening’s Champions League tie after suffering a second injury to his hand. The problem is likely to keep him out for the weekend game against Sunderland too and, in his pre-match press conference, Arsène Wenger also revealed that, but for pain-killing injections, the Spaniard would have missed most of this month.
“At first he twisted the top of his finger [above the joint],” said the manager.
“But then he did the other, lower part of the finger in training three or four days ago.
“He had an injection to play against Manchester United, and played through the pain against Chelsea and Liverpool.
“I don’t think the injury hampered him. As long as it’s only the top part of the finger, you can use the finger. But when it’s the lower joint, you can’t play with that.
“He himself wanted to play in this game. He was keen. But the ball flies so much, particularly the Champions League ball, you need that flexibility in the finger to parry it.”
Bendtner can repay my faith in him
Arsène Wenger believes Nicklas Bendtner can repay his manager's faith in him and deliver on the big stage tonight.
The Danish striker missed 18 games after hobbling out of the North London derby on October 31 with a groin problem but is easing his way back to full fitness and is expected to start the first leg of Arsenal's Champions League tie in Porto.
Wenger spent much of Bendtner's lay-off extolling his player's virtues, insisting that the 22-year-old could fill the void left by the injured Robin Van Persie when he returned from his own spell on the sidelines.
Now he's back, Wenger wants Bendtner to show what he can do.
"He can prove me right!" declared the Frenchman.
"I believe he is a boy who has a big potential. He arrived at the age of 15 and we work very hard with these players to get them to a level where they are today.
"Of course, we do not believe in a player for four or five years and then suddenly stop because people say you should buy a striker. We have a line of conduct and we keep believing in what we have done up until now and we hope they pay us back."
Wenger knows a thing or two about world-class strikers after transforming Thierry Henry into exactly that after taking the French star to Highbury in 1999. Bendtner has a very long way to go to emulate Henry but his manager believes he has time on his side.
"I would remind you that Thierry Henry arrived at Arsenal at 23 years old and he made a massive career. So Nicklas is still young," said Wenger.
"But I think we will see the best of him now. He was born in 1988 so he is getting to the best age for a striker now. Of course, he will still improve and learn a lot but at 22, you have to start to play at the top level."
The Danish striker missed 18 games after hobbling out of the North London derby on October 31 with a groin problem but is easing his way back to full fitness and is expected to start the first leg of Arsenal's Champions League tie in Porto.
Wenger spent much of Bendtner's lay-off extolling his player's virtues, insisting that the 22-year-old could fill the void left by the injured Robin Van Persie when he returned from his own spell on the sidelines.
Now he's back, Wenger wants Bendtner to show what he can do.
"He can prove me right!" declared the Frenchman.
"I believe he is a boy who has a big potential. He arrived at the age of 15 and we work very hard with these players to get them to a level where they are today.
"Of course, we do not believe in a player for four or five years and then suddenly stop because people say you should buy a striker. We have a line of conduct and we keep believing in what we have done up until now and we hope they pay us back."
Wenger knows a thing or two about world-class strikers after transforming Thierry Henry into exactly that after taking the French star to Highbury in 1999. Bendtner has a very long way to go to emulate Henry but his manager believes he has time on his side.
"I would remind you that Thierry Henry arrived at Arsenal at 23 years old and he made a massive career. So Nicklas is still young," said Wenger.
"But I think we will see the best of him now. He was born in 1988 so he is getting to the best age for a striker now. Of course, he will still improve and learn a lot but at 22, you have to start to play at the top level."
Amodu fails to show up for work
Shuaibu Amodu failed to report for duty at the NFF, despite being scheduled to resume work last Monday.
Amodu was last week demoted from his position as coach of the Super Eagles and assigned to train the CHAN team comprising exclusively of domestic league players.
The team were directed to move into camp immediately under the direction of Amodu and his assistants. But the coach failed to report to the Glass House all of last week, and the NFF were forced to release a list of 34 players without the coach.
NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire said that the action was taken because the NFF were unsure whether or not Amodu would take up his new assignment.
“We don’t know if he will take the job or not, and we cannot hold up our preparations while we wait for him,” Olajire said. “The interim coaches, led by Erasmus Onuh, will train the team for now.”
Sources close to the coach, however, said that he is yet to receive a formal letter from the NFF notifying him of his redeployment.
Amodu was last week demoted from his position as coach of the Super Eagles and assigned to train the CHAN team comprising exclusively of domestic league players.
The team were directed to move into camp immediately under the direction of Amodu and his assistants. But the coach failed to report to the Glass House all of last week, and the NFF were forced to release a list of 34 players without the coach.
NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire said that the action was taken because the NFF were unsure whether or not Amodu would take up his new assignment.
“We don’t know if he will take the job or not, and we cannot hold up our preparations while we wait for him,” Olajire said. “The interim coaches, led by Erasmus Onuh, will train the team for now.”
Sources close to the coach, however, said that he is yet to receive a formal letter from the NFF notifying him of his redeployment.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp clears path for Gunners return after earning coaching badges
Dennis Bergkamp has taken a step towards returning to Arsenal by gaining his coaching badges in Holland.
The former hot shot, who spent 11 glorious years in north London after signing from Inter Milan in 1995, has made no secret of his desire to train the Gunners' strikers.
And Arsene Wenger left the door open for a future link-up recently when he tipped Bergkamp to be a 'very good coach'.
Bergkamp completed his course with the Dutch FA alongside former international team-mates Phillip Cocu, Patrick Kluivert and Michael Reiziger.
'I wouldn't rule out (working for Arsenal),' the 40-year-old said last year. 'I really love this club and the country and I love working here.
'I would advise everyone to work in England, as a player or a coach, it just breathes football. It is fantastic for the game.
'I want to work and train a team in England. Not as a head coach but instead as a member of staff, where I could work specifically with the strikers.
'Being a coach means you have to work 24 hours a day and that does not suit me. You have to watch matches at home, travel to see other teams, prepare training - it is something that I am not ready to do.'
The former hot shot, who spent 11 glorious years in north London after signing from Inter Milan in 1995, has made no secret of his desire to train the Gunners' strikers.
And Arsene Wenger left the door open for a future link-up recently when he tipped Bergkamp to be a 'very good coach'.
Bergkamp completed his course with the Dutch FA alongside former international team-mates Phillip Cocu, Patrick Kluivert and Michael Reiziger.
'I wouldn't rule out (working for Arsenal),' the 40-year-old said last year. 'I really love this club and the country and I love working here.
'I would advise everyone to work in England, as a player or a coach, it just breathes football. It is fantastic for the game.
'I want to work and train a team in England. Not as a head coach but instead as a member of staff, where I could work specifically with the strikers.
'Being a coach means you have to work 24 hours a day and that does not suit me. You have to watch matches at home, travel to see other teams, prepare training - it is something that I am not ready to do.'
Wrighty: I still love Palace
The Eagles gave Wright his big break when they plucked him from non-league Greenwich Borough in 1985.
He went on to fire the club to the FA Cup final in 1990 before joining Arsenal for £2.5million.
And Wrighty admits he would be tempted by a coaching role if former Palace owner Ron Noades rescues the cash-strapped Championship outfit.
The former England striker said: "I hear Ron is thinking about getting involved again and so is Steve Coppell.
"What Palace need is people who love the club and people the fans can trust.
"The fans have been left in the wilderness by the people who are running Palace — and now look where they are.
"I don't think the supporters realise how much Ron has done for the club, or how much he loves it.
"The fact he wants to go back in again to help out in some capacity with Steve is good news, very good news.
"I do love Palace, it's the place where it happened for me.
"I still look up to Ron a lot and if I was going to go there under his leadership, with Steve there as well, then yeah, I'd consider doing something."
Palace are currently just a point off the Championship drop zone after being slapped with a 10-point deduction for slipping into administration.
Former owner Simon Jordan had been trying to offload the club before the administrators moved in and not even the sale of talented youngster Victor Moses to Wigan last month was enough to keep them afloat.
He went on to fire the club to the FA Cup final in 1990 before joining Arsenal for £2.5million.
And Wrighty admits he would be tempted by a coaching role if former Palace owner Ron Noades rescues the cash-strapped Championship outfit.
The former England striker said: "I hear Ron is thinking about getting involved again and so is Steve Coppell.
"What Palace need is people who love the club and people the fans can trust.
"The fans have been left in the wilderness by the people who are running Palace — and now look where they are.
"I don't think the supporters realise how much Ron has done for the club, or how much he loves it.
"The fact he wants to go back in again to help out in some capacity with Steve is good news, very good news.
"I do love Palace, it's the place where it happened for me.
"I still look up to Ron a lot and if I was going to go there under his leadership, with Steve there as well, then yeah, I'd consider doing something."
Palace are currently just a point off the Championship drop zone after being slapped with a 10-point deduction for slipping into administration.
Former owner Simon Jordan had been trying to offload the club before the administrators moved in and not even the sale of talented youngster Victor Moses to Wigan last month was enough to keep them afloat.
Egypt FA want to clarify Nigeria interest in Shehata
The Egypt Football Association (EFA) would like to clarify the Nigeria interest in their coach Hassan Shehata.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) need a coach to lead their side at June's World Cup after demoting Shaibu Amodu.
Shehata is one of several candidates on the NFF's preferred list.
The EFA President Samir Zaher will now approach his counterpart at the NFF Sani Lulu to find what sort of a deal they are proposing.
Shehata has declared an interest in coaching Nigeria, but only if the NFF could secure permission from his employers.
It is something of a turn around for the EFA who had said last week they would not let Shehata consider another role at the moment.
The 60-year-old led Egypt to their third consecutive Africa Cup of Nations trophy in January.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) need a coach to lead their side at June's World Cup after demoting Shaibu Amodu.
Shehata is one of several candidates on the NFF's preferred list.
The EFA President Samir Zaher will now approach his counterpart at the NFF Sani Lulu to find what sort of a deal they are proposing.
Shehata has declared an interest in coaching Nigeria, but only if the NFF could secure permission from his employers.
It is something of a turn around for the EFA who had said last week they would not let Shehata consider another role at the moment.
The 60-year-old led Egypt to their third consecutive Africa Cup of Nations trophy in January.
AC Milan not scared of in-form Wayne Rooney - Flamini
AC Milan star Mathieu Flamini says his side will not make special plans for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney in Tuesday's Champions League tie.
Rooney has been in inspired form this season but former Arsenal midfielder Flamini said Milan can cope with him.
"Fear is not the word. Of course we have to be careful because we know he is a great player who can score at any time," Flamini told BBC Sport.
"There are no special plans for Rooney, just to concentrate and be strong."
Rooney has scored 24 goals for club and country this season, turning in a series of superb performances along the way as United battle to hold on to their Premier League crown and reach a third consecutive Champions League final.
However, Flamini, who played against Rooney several times during his time in England's top flight with the Gunners, said Milan coach Leonardo would not make the mistake of underestimating United's other attacking talents.
"We have to focus on him but also on the rest of the team because Manchester United attack with many players," he added.
But United manager Sir Alex Ferguson could not speak highly enough of Rooney's contribution this season and believes the England striker is in the best form of his already impressive career.
"We build up heroes very quickly," stated Ferguson.
"We are peculiar because the players, like David Beckham, who come through the ranks are always viewed as better than those you buy.
"But Rooney is also regarded as that kind of player. Although he came from Everton, the fans will always look at him as one of the players who has grown up with us.
"He has been fantastic this season and, without doubt, his form this season has brought him to the high point of his career.
Rooney has been in inspired form this season but former Arsenal midfielder Flamini said Milan can cope with him.
"Fear is not the word. Of course we have to be careful because we know he is a great player who can score at any time," Flamini told BBC Sport.
"There are no special plans for Rooney, just to concentrate and be strong."
Rooney has scored 24 goals for club and country this season, turning in a series of superb performances along the way as United battle to hold on to their Premier League crown and reach a third consecutive Champions League final.
However, Flamini, who played against Rooney several times during his time in England's top flight with the Gunners, said Milan coach Leonardo would not make the mistake of underestimating United's other attacking talents.
"We have to focus on him but also on the rest of the team because Manchester United attack with many players," he added.
But United manager Sir Alex Ferguson could not speak highly enough of Rooney's contribution this season and believes the England striker is in the best form of his already impressive career.
"We build up heroes very quickly," stated Ferguson.
"We are peculiar because the players, like David Beckham, who come through the ranks are always viewed as better than those you buy.
"But Rooney is also regarded as that kind of player. Although he came from Everton, the fans will always look at him as one of the players who has grown up with us.
"He has been fantastic this season and, without doubt, his form this season has brought him to the high point of his career.
For The First Time Ever I Want Manchester United To Lose
AC Milan midfielder David Beckham is relishing the chance to meet his former club Manchester United in the Champions League this week, and admits that wanting Sir Alex Ferguson's team to lose is unusual for him.
Beckham made his name with the Red Devils before leaving for Real Madrid in 2003 and admitted he remains a supporter of the club, meaning Tuesday night's clash will be an occasion to tug at the heartstrings.
"It is going to be an emotional game, but as a Manchester United fan, it's the first time I am going to want United to lose," he told reporters at a press conference on Monday.
"As an AC Milan player I want to beat Manchester United and to say that as a Man Utd fan is quite difficult."
Despite the personal resonance of the match for him, the England midfielder also insisted that his professional focus was very much on beating United and progressing the Champions League.
"As much as it is emotional for me personally, it is important that we win the game," he added.
"I am a Milan player and I want us to play well in the game and progress to the next stage."
Beckham made his name with the Red Devils before leaving for Real Madrid in 2003 and admitted he remains a supporter of the club, meaning Tuesday night's clash will be an occasion to tug at the heartstrings.
"It is going to be an emotional game, but as a Manchester United fan, it's the first time I am going to want United to lose," he told reporters at a press conference on Monday.
"As an AC Milan player I want to beat Manchester United and to say that as a Man Utd fan is quite difficult."
Despite the personal resonance of the match for him, the England midfielder also insisted that his professional focus was very much on beating United and progressing the Champions League.
"As much as it is emotional for me personally, it is important that we win the game," he added.
"I am a Milan player and I want us to play well in the game and progress to the next stage."
Wenger - Why I'm against play-off proposal
Arsène Wenger has serious doubts over proposals to introduce a play-off for England's fourth Champions League place.
At present, the top four finishers in the Premier League enter Europe's premier competition. However, if 14 of England's 20 top-flight clubs can reach a consensus, the teams who finish from fourth to seventh could compete for the final berth via a mini-tournament.
Any change would not come into force for three years as the next TV rights deal is already in place, but Wenger would rather the idea never saw the light of day. He explained why before heading to Porto for the first leg of Arsenal's Champions League tie.
"It's an idea, I don't know who brought that up, but I think when you are fourth in the League after 38 games, you do not want necessarily to battle with the team that finished 10 points behind you," he said.
"That's why the table is there - to justify why teams qualify and why they don't qualify. I am not a big fan of the idea but I do not make the decisions in the Premier League."
The play-off system is already used in the Championship with the top two winning automatic promotion to the Premier League while the next four teams battle it out for the final place. However, Wenger believes that a similar format in the top flight could damage the integrity of the Premier League.
"In the Championship it is to get up to the Premier League and I believe as well that it is a completely different problem," said the Arsenal manager.
"Imagine if the team is qualified already for example for the play-offs with five or seven games to go, they could completely disrupt the Premier League and influence the teams who qualify for the Europa League and the teams who go down.
"They know if they are fourth they cannot be eighth anymore and with five or six games to go they can rest all their players and disrupt the Premier League. I believe the League has to be organised in the way that everybody fights until the last game of the season."
At present, the top four finishers in the Premier League enter Europe's premier competition. However, if 14 of England's 20 top-flight clubs can reach a consensus, the teams who finish from fourth to seventh could compete for the final berth via a mini-tournament.
Any change would not come into force for three years as the next TV rights deal is already in place, but Wenger would rather the idea never saw the light of day. He explained why before heading to Porto for the first leg of Arsenal's Champions League tie.
"It's an idea, I don't know who brought that up, but I think when you are fourth in the League after 38 games, you do not want necessarily to battle with the team that finished 10 points behind you," he said.
"That's why the table is there - to justify why teams qualify and why they don't qualify. I am not a big fan of the idea but I do not make the decisions in the Premier League."
The play-off system is already used in the Championship with the top two winning automatic promotion to the Premier League while the next four teams battle it out for the final place. However, Wenger believes that a similar format in the top flight could damage the integrity of the Premier League.
"In the Championship it is to get up to the Premier League and I believe as well that it is a completely different problem," said the Arsenal manager.
"Imagine if the team is qualified already for example for the play-offs with five or seven games to go, they could completely disrupt the Premier League and influence the teams who qualify for the Europa League and the teams who go down.
"They know if they are fourth they cannot be eighth anymore and with five or six games to go they can rest all their players and disrupt the Premier League. I believe the League has to be organised in the way that everybody fights until the last game of the season."
Arsenal hit by injuries ahead of Porto trip
Arsenal must negotiate a tough Champions League trip to Porto without a number of first-team regulars.
Andrey Arshavin and Alex Song picked up injuries during last week's win over Liverpool and they have not recovered in time for the first leg against the Portuguese champions. What's more, they have been joined on the sidelines by William Gallas and Manuel Almunia. Meanwhile Eduardo, tipped for a return on Wednesday night, is still unavailable.
Arsène Wenger ran through his list of walking wounded before his 18-man squad boarded their flight to Portugal on Tuesday afternoon.
"William Gallas has a calf injury. Alex Song has a knee injury. Andrey Arshavin has a hamstring injury," said Wenger.
"Manuel Almunia has a finger injury, and the hand is quite useful for goalkeepers. He had already a twisted finger and he made it worse and I didn’t want to take a gamble on it. Eduardo has a recurrence of his hamstring injury."
Long-term absentees Robin Van Persie, Kieran Gibbs and Johan Djourou are also absent but Carlos Vela returns from a knee injury.
Arsenal squad:
Lukasz Fabianski
Vito Mannone
Nicklas Bendtner
Carlos Vela
Theo Walcott
Samir Nasri
Denilson
Aaron Ramsey
Tomas Rosicky
Abou Diaby
Cesc Fabregas
Gael Clichy
Thomas Vermaelen
Emmanuel Eboue
Mikael Silvestre
Sol Campbell
Armand Traore
Bacary Sagna
Andrey Arshavin and Alex Song picked up injuries during last week's win over Liverpool and they have not recovered in time for the first leg against the Portuguese champions. What's more, they have been joined on the sidelines by William Gallas and Manuel Almunia. Meanwhile Eduardo, tipped for a return on Wednesday night, is still unavailable.
Arsène Wenger ran through his list of walking wounded before his 18-man squad boarded their flight to Portugal on Tuesday afternoon.
"William Gallas has a calf injury. Alex Song has a knee injury. Andrey Arshavin has a hamstring injury," said Wenger.
"Manuel Almunia has a finger injury, and the hand is quite useful for goalkeepers. He had already a twisted finger and he made it worse and I didn’t want to take a gamble on it. Eduardo has a recurrence of his hamstring injury."
Long-term absentees Robin Van Persie, Kieran Gibbs and Johan Djourou are also absent but Carlos Vela returns from a knee injury.
Arsenal squad:
Lukasz Fabianski
Vito Mannone
Nicklas Bendtner
Carlos Vela
Theo Walcott
Samir Nasri
Denilson
Aaron Ramsey
Tomas Rosicky
Abou Diaby
Cesc Fabregas
Gael Clichy
Thomas Vermaelen
Emmanuel Eboue
Mikael Silvestre
Sol Campbell
Armand Traore
Bacary Sagna
I Don't Care Who My Chelsea Players Sleep With
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has brushed off the latest tabloid rumours surrounding one of his players and insisted that his players' personal lives are none of his business.
Blues skipper John Terry has been the subject of intense media focus in the last few weeks after revelations of an alleged affair with Wayne Bridge's girlfriend surfaced.
Ashley Cole has also been in the tabloid spotlight this week after allegations of marital infidelity and 'sex texting' were published.
But the Chelsea manager will not be taking any action against his players as long as they continue to perform on the pitch.
"I don't care who my captain or troops go to bed with, but what ideas they wake up with in the morning," Ancelotti told La Stampa.
Meanwhile, the Blues face Inter and Jose Mourinho in the Champions League. Ancelotti had a long-running feud with the 'Special One' whilst he was manager at Inter's neighbours Milan prior to becoming Chelsea boss.
He is looking forward to renewing acquaintance with his old rival when the west Londoners lock horns with the Italian giants.
"We're level. In the derby last year, we won 1-0 in the first leg and it was 2-1 to him in the return," Ancelotti quipped.
"Jose is a great coach who I respect a lot. I know what he has given to Inter and I know what he left Chelsea: even the coat that is in the club's museum.
"But the match won't be about us. It will be about the players."
Blues skipper John Terry has been the subject of intense media focus in the last few weeks after revelations of an alleged affair with Wayne Bridge's girlfriend surfaced.
Ashley Cole has also been in the tabloid spotlight this week after allegations of marital infidelity and 'sex texting' were published.
But the Chelsea manager will not be taking any action against his players as long as they continue to perform on the pitch.
"I don't care who my captain or troops go to bed with, but what ideas they wake up with in the morning," Ancelotti told La Stampa.
Meanwhile, the Blues face Inter and Jose Mourinho in the Champions League. Ancelotti had a long-running feud with the 'Special One' whilst he was manager at Inter's neighbours Milan prior to becoming Chelsea boss.
He is looking forward to renewing acquaintance with his old rival when the west Londoners lock horns with the Italian giants.
"We're level. In the derby last year, we won 1-0 in the first leg and it was 2-1 to him in the return," Ancelotti quipped.
"Jose is a great coach who I respect a lot. I know what he has given to Inter and I know what he left Chelsea: even the coat that is in the club's museum.
"But the match won't be about us. It will be about the players."
Winning The Champions League Will Be Hard
Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti has said winning the Champions League becomes more difficult each year because teams are becoming increasingly competitive.
Ancelotti has won the trophy twice as a coach with Milan in 2003 and 2007. But, with increasing competitiveness, winning has become more difficult than ever before.
"We are in the phase of the Champions League which gives you the most adrenalin. Before the Champions League used to be easier to win, but now there is more competition," he told La Stampa.
Ancelotti takes his Chelsea team to the San Siro next week to face Inter, and former Blues boss Jose Mourinho. Ancelotti recognises that the smallest of factors can decide a team's fate.
"Mourinho is right when he said it's a tournament of details. Many things depend on luck and certain episodes.
"But, we start on an equal terms [against Inter] just like the [Milan] derbies last season."
The Italian coach agrees with Mourinho, who said Chelsea were his own.
"He is right to say that some of this Chelsea was his team as many of the players he had are still here.
"I don't think the battle will be between me and Mourinho, but between the players," he concluded.
Ancelotti has won the trophy twice as a coach with Milan in 2003 and 2007. But, with increasing competitiveness, winning has become more difficult than ever before.
"We are in the phase of the Champions League which gives you the most adrenalin. Before the Champions League used to be easier to win, but now there is more competition," he told La Stampa.
Ancelotti takes his Chelsea team to the San Siro next week to face Inter, and former Blues boss Jose Mourinho. Ancelotti recognises that the smallest of factors can decide a team's fate.
"Mourinho is right when he said it's a tournament of details. Many things depend on luck and certain episodes.
"But, we start on an equal terms [against Inter] just like the [Milan] derbies last season."
The Italian coach agrees with Mourinho, who said Chelsea were his own.
"He is right to say that some of this Chelsea was his team as many of the players he had are still here.
"I don't think the battle will be between me and Mourinho, but between the players," he concluded.
Beckham: Rooney Is As Good As Ronaldinho
AC Milan star David Beckham says Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is as good as two-time World Player of the Year Ronaldinho.
Beckham and Rooney will line up in opposition when Milan face United in the Champions League last-16 on Tuesday, and the former England captain told BBC Sport the 24-year-old is now "without a doubt" on a par with the Brazilian ace, who was named the best player in the world in 2004 and 2005.
"I've always said Wayne is one of the best goalscorers in football," said Beckham, who will face his old side for the first time since his acrimonious departure in 2003.
"He is at a great club like Manchester United and he's doing what he does best - scoring goals."
Rooney has enjoyed his finest goalscoring season to date, netting 23 times in 32 appearances for United this term, and Beckham believes his England colleague's form will make it difficult for Milan when the two sides meet at San Siro.
"It's one of the biggest games for me personally. But the most important thing is the team going through and beating United which I hope we do," he said.
"United are on fire, they're playing well. Wayne is scoring goals like he can. It's going to be a tough game."
Beckham and Rooney will line up in opposition when Milan face United in the Champions League last-16 on Tuesday, and the former England captain told BBC Sport the 24-year-old is now "without a doubt" on a par with the Brazilian ace, who was named the best player in the world in 2004 and 2005.
"I've always said Wayne is one of the best goalscorers in football," said Beckham, who will face his old side for the first time since his acrimonious departure in 2003.
"He is at a great club like Manchester United and he's doing what he does best - scoring goals."
Rooney has enjoyed his finest goalscoring season to date, netting 23 times in 32 appearances for United this term, and Beckham believes his England colleague's form will make it difficult for Milan when the two sides meet at San Siro.
"It's one of the biggest games for me personally. But the most important thing is the team going through and beating United which I hope we do," he said.
"United are on fire, they're playing well. Wayne is scoring goals like he can. It's going to be a tough game."
Andrey Arshavin Wants Cesc Fabregas To Stay At Arsenal
Arsenal playmaker Andrey Arshavin understands that Cesc Fabregas must make a tough decision regarding his future soon but wants the club captain ti stay at the club.
The Russian insists that it is essential for the Gunners' hopes of future success that his team-mate shuns the offers from Barcelona that are reportedly set to come his way soon.
"If he goes to Barcelona, I will understand his choice. But as an Arsenal player, I really don't want this to happen," Arshavin told Russian newspaper Sport Express.
"I remember when there were rumors of his departure last summer, he said half-jokingly, half seriously: 'I'll stay at least a year or two, I want to play with you.'"We joke about this topic again now. But Cesc is a grown man and only he can decide."
Meanwhile, Arshavin is also unhappy about being deployed as an emergency target man in recent weeks after the Gunners' well-documented injury problems.
The Russian highlighted his dissatisfaction with the situation in public recently, something that many observers perceived as inappropriate.
The player himself feels that the problem is so obvious though that there can be no issue with him pointing it out.
"What is there to hide if everyone can see that this is the case?" he asserted.
"It is clear that putting me in the centre forward position makes life difficult. In particular, we are deprived of the option of playing long balls.
"A big striker can receive a long ball, but for me it is vitually impossible against powerful defenders.
"This gives the team fewer options, not only because of my size, but also because I don't have the skills to play in this position."
Arshavin also insists that the Gunners will keep fighting until the end in the title race, though he feels that Chelsea have a better chance of claiming the Premier League crown than Manchester United.
"Experience tells me we should not go crazy (over recent defeats)," he said.
"We have to train, to give 100 per cent in matches, then success is sure to follow.
"Manchester United outplayed us in midfield, controlling the ball and not allowing us to attack, but Chelsea were a more experienced and more powerful team, compared to who we were physically inferior.
"If you choose only between those two, then Chelsea will be champions."
The Russian insists that it is essential for the Gunners' hopes of future success that his team-mate shuns the offers from Barcelona that are reportedly set to come his way soon.
"If he goes to Barcelona, I will understand his choice. But as an Arsenal player, I really don't want this to happen," Arshavin told Russian newspaper Sport Express.
"I remember when there were rumors of his departure last summer, he said half-jokingly, half seriously: 'I'll stay at least a year or two, I want to play with you.'"We joke about this topic again now. But Cesc is a grown man and only he can decide."
Meanwhile, Arshavin is also unhappy about being deployed as an emergency target man in recent weeks after the Gunners' well-documented injury problems.
The Russian highlighted his dissatisfaction with the situation in public recently, something that many observers perceived as inappropriate.
The player himself feels that the problem is so obvious though that there can be no issue with him pointing it out.
"What is there to hide if everyone can see that this is the case?" he asserted.
"It is clear that putting me in the centre forward position makes life difficult. In particular, we are deprived of the option of playing long balls.
"A big striker can receive a long ball, but for me it is vitually impossible against powerful defenders.
"This gives the team fewer options, not only because of my size, but also because I don't have the skills to play in this position."
Arshavin also insists that the Gunners will keep fighting until the end in the title race, though he feels that Chelsea have a better chance of claiming the Premier League crown than Manchester United.
"Experience tells me we should not go crazy (over recent defeats)," he said.
"We have to train, to give 100 per cent in matches, then success is sure to follow.
"Manchester United outplayed us in midfield, controlling the ball and not allowing us to attack, but Chelsea were a more experienced and more powerful team, compared to who we were physically inferior.
"If you choose only between those two, then Chelsea will be champions."
Chelsea Have 'Suffered' Since I Left Stamford Bridge-Jose
Inter coach Jose Mourinho has taken a swipe at his former employers Chelsea, claiming that the road has only been downhill for the west London club since he headed out of Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have won only an FA Cup since the 'Special One' left England. Now plying his trade with the Serie A giants, the Portuguese manager maintains that his former employers have sorely missed his presence.
"Chelsea have suffered in the last two years, and it's no coincidence that their decline happened after I left," Mourinho said, according to The Mirror.
"We had a unique relationship as a manager, players and fans, and when you break that, it's not easy to fix. They've had a lot of coaches since and maybe some didn't have the mentality for the club. Maybe they tried to change too much of what we put in place.
"I knew there was no time for a long-term plan with the owner they have at Stamford Bridge. You must win the title in your first season or say bye-bye. I gave them what they needed but I always knew it wasn't a job that would last forever. Maybe they would've been better off sticking with me than changing manager when they did."
Of the three managers before Carlo Ancelotti to take the reins of the club following the departure of the former Porto boss, only Guus Hiddink managed to guide the club to silverware in the form of an FA Cup triumph last season.
Mourinho also told Nuts magazine: "Inter have asked me to try to win the Champions League for them, and I'll attempt to give them this – so they're stuck with me for a little while yet! Now we have to play an important couple of matches against Chelsea and this is obviously a very special game for me."
And concerning the Blues' Italian manager - with whom he shared a frosty relationship during Carletto's Serie A days - Mourinho couldn't resist adding: "But I'm a part of Chelsea's history forever and they'll always be a big part of me. Let's see if Ancelotti can finish his time at Chelsea with a record as good as mine!"
Inter host Chelsea at the San Siro on Wednesday, 24 February, in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.
The Blues have won only an FA Cup since the 'Special One' left England. Now plying his trade with the Serie A giants, the Portuguese manager maintains that his former employers have sorely missed his presence.
"Chelsea have suffered in the last two years, and it's no coincidence that their decline happened after I left," Mourinho said, according to The Mirror.
"We had a unique relationship as a manager, players and fans, and when you break that, it's not easy to fix. They've had a lot of coaches since and maybe some didn't have the mentality for the club. Maybe they tried to change too much of what we put in place.
"I knew there was no time for a long-term plan with the owner they have at Stamford Bridge. You must win the title in your first season or say bye-bye. I gave them what they needed but I always knew it wasn't a job that would last forever. Maybe they would've been better off sticking with me than changing manager when they did."
Of the three managers before Carlo Ancelotti to take the reins of the club following the departure of the former Porto boss, only Guus Hiddink managed to guide the club to silverware in the form of an FA Cup triumph last season.
Mourinho also told Nuts magazine: "Inter have asked me to try to win the Champions League for them, and I'll attempt to give them this – so they're stuck with me for a little while yet! Now we have to play an important couple of matches against Chelsea and this is obviously a very special game for me."
And concerning the Blues' Italian manager - with whom he shared a frosty relationship during Carletto's Serie A days - Mourinho couldn't resist adding: "But I'm a part of Chelsea's history forever and they'll always be a big part of me. Let's see if Ancelotti can finish his time at Chelsea with a record as good as mine!"
Inter host Chelsea at the San Siro on Wednesday, 24 February, in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.
Guus Hiddink To Sign Turkey Deal On Friday
According to several reports from Turkey, Dutch coach Guus Hiddink is on the verge of signing a contract with the Turkish Football Association. The 63-year-old is expected to travel to Turkey on Friday in order to sign a contract.
The former Chelsea manager announced on Saturday that he will not extend his expiring contract with the Russian Football Association and has since been linked with several clubs and national teams.
North Korea and Nigeria were already among the candidates to make a move for Hiddink, whilst Ivory Coast joined the race for the Dutchman's signature on Monday.
However, it appears as if Hiddink has now made his decision. The reports suggest that the former PSV chief will stay with Russia until the end of his contract on June 30 before signing a deal with Turkey running until after Euro 2012.
The former Chelsea manager announced on Saturday that he will not extend his expiring contract with the Russian Football Association and has since been linked with several clubs and national teams.
North Korea and Nigeria were already among the candidates to make a move for Hiddink, whilst Ivory Coast joined the race for the Dutchman's signature on Monday.
However, it appears as if Hiddink has now made his decision. The reports suggest that the former PSV chief will stay with Russia until the end of his contract on June 30 before signing a deal with Turkey running until after Euro 2012.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Why Trapattoni would suit Nigeria
Of all the candidates on Nigeria's wish-list to lead the Super Eagles to the World Cup, one of the names that stands out is that of the vastly experienced Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni.
The current Republic of Ireland manager is contracted to remain with the Irish until 2012, and would already be heading for South Africa, were it not for the infamous events in Paris in November surrounding Thierry Henry's handball, which saw France qualify at Ireland's expense.
While it would further break Irish hearts to see a man they have adopted as one of their own swap Dublin for Abuja, Trapattoni may see this as possibly his last tilt at a World Cup.
And while the 70-year-old has said that he would ideally like to end his long and chequered career by leading the "boys in green" to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, he may yet decide that a more immediate challenge with the other men in green may be an opportunity worth grasping now.
The former Italian national coach must feel on a personal level that he still has some unfinished business of his own on the world stage, after the Azzurri were controversially knocked out of the World Cup in 2002 by co-hosts South Korea, after seeing a late goal dubiously disallowed.
That decision cost 'Trap' and his men a place in the quarter-finals of that tournament, which was seen as something of a blot on the Italian's CV.
But there is no doubting what he has achieved with an Irish team that, like Nigeria, were extremely short on confidence and a tactical game-plan when he took them over in 2008.
Trapattoni replaced Steve Staunton as Ireland boss, after the former Irish captain had overseen a disastrous period that would make Shaibu Amodu's reign and treatment by the Nigerian media seem favourable by comparison.
The former Juventus and Bayern Munich boss immediately turned around the fortunes of a team that only months previously had been slumping to results such as a 5-2 battering by Cyprus, and transformed them into an organised tactical outfit that quickly learned how to win again.
Recognising he had a fairly limited group of players at his disposal, with the exception of a handful of talented names such as Robbie Keane, Damien Duff and Shay Given, Trapattoni executed a well-organised game-plan that would see the Irish progress as the only unbeaten team in the World Cup play-off draw.
What followed in Paris is history, but for the fans who watched Ireland dominate the former World Cup winners on their own turf, Trapattoni would remind many that night that he can turn any side into an organised and at times thrilling attacking outfit.
The current Republic of Ireland manager is contracted to remain with the Irish until 2012, and would already be heading for South Africa, were it not for the infamous events in Paris in November surrounding Thierry Henry's handball, which saw France qualify at Ireland's expense.
While it would further break Irish hearts to see a man they have adopted as one of their own swap Dublin for Abuja, Trapattoni may see this as possibly his last tilt at a World Cup.
And while the 70-year-old has said that he would ideally like to end his long and chequered career by leading the "boys in green" to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, he may yet decide that a more immediate challenge with the other men in green may be an opportunity worth grasping now.
The former Italian national coach must feel on a personal level that he still has some unfinished business of his own on the world stage, after the Azzurri were controversially knocked out of the World Cup in 2002 by co-hosts South Korea, after seeing a late goal dubiously disallowed.
That decision cost 'Trap' and his men a place in the quarter-finals of that tournament, which was seen as something of a blot on the Italian's CV.
But there is no doubting what he has achieved with an Irish team that, like Nigeria, were extremely short on confidence and a tactical game-plan when he took them over in 2008.
Trapattoni replaced Steve Staunton as Ireland boss, after the former Irish captain had overseen a disastrous period that would make Shaibu Amodu's reign and treatment by the Nigerian media seem favourable by comparison.
The former Juventus and Bayern Munich boss immediately turned around the fortunes of a team that only months previously had been slumping to results such as a 5-2 battering by Cyprus, and transformed them into an organised tactical outfit that quickly learned how to win again.
Recognising he had a fairly limited group of players at his disposal, with the exception of a handful of talented names such as Robbie Keane, Damien Duff and Shay Given, Trapattoni executed a well-organised game-plan that would see the Irish progress as the only unbeaten team in the World Cup play-off draw.
What followed in Paris is history, but for the fans who watched Ireland dominate the former World Cup winners on their own turf, Trapattoni would remind many that night that he can turn any side into an organised and at times thrilling attacking outfit.
NFF chief explains Amodu sacking
The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has said coach Shaibu Amodu was sacked because of public pressure for a foreign manager.
He was ditched despite the team qualifying for the World Cup and making the semi-finals of the Nations Cup.
Several big names from overseas, including Guus Hiddink and Hassan Shehata have been linked with the job.
"We are sensitive to the demands of passionate Nigerians," Sani Lulu Abdullahi told BBC Sport.
"They have called for the appointment of a manager who will drive the team to play professionally and with discipline as the World Cup finals approach."
It is the second time Amodu has been axed from his position as national coach after leading the team to World Cup qualification.
His tactics and leadership were severely criticised in Nigeria during the recent Nations Cup in Angola and he has paid the price for that pressure.
"I must admit that the leadership of the football federation is open to constructive analyses of our football, I really do," Lulu said.
"Football is the pride of the nation, we just hope the fans and everyone concerned will give the team and officials the needed support.
"Importantly, the technical committee now have a short-list of coaches not only capable but [who will] hopefully turn things around for the team."
Bayern Munich coach Louis Van Gaal has already ruled himself out of the job but Guus Hiddink, Bruno Metsu, Hassan Shehata, Peter Taylor and Ratomir Dujkovic are all on the NFF's wishlist.
Nigeria are in Group B at South Africa 2010, alongside Argentina, Greece and South Korea.
He was ditched despite the team qualifying for the World Cup and making the semi-finals of the Nations Cup.
Several big names from overseas, including Guus Hiddink and Hassan Shehata have been linked with the job.
"We are sensitive to the demands of passionate Nigerians," Sani Lulu Abdullahi told BBC Sport.
"They have called for the appointment of a manager who will drive the team to play professionally and with discipline as the World Cup finals approach."
It is the second time Amodu has been axed from his position as national coach after leading the team to World Cup qualification.
His tactics and leadership were severely criticised in Nigeria during the recent Nations Cup in Angola and he has paid the price for that pressure.
"I must admit that the leadership of the football federation is open to constructive analyses of our football, I really do," Lulu said.
"Football is the pride of the nation, we just hope the fans and everyone concerned will give the team and officials the needed support.
"Importantly, the technical committee now have a short-list of coaches not only capable but [who will] hopefully turn things around for the team."
Bayern Munich coach Louis Van Gaal has already ruled himself out of the job but Guus Hiddink, Bruno Metsu, Hassan Shehata, Peter Taylor and Ratomir Dujkovic are all on the NFF's wishlist.
Nigeria are in Group B at South Africa 2010, alongside Argentina, Greece and South Korea.
Nigerian : The Bizarre Search For A Foreign Coach
Like a stack of domino tiles falling on each other, the NFF (Nigerian Football Federation) just cannot stop its descent into oblivion, even when it seems harder to fall. The much delayed search for a world class coach to tutor the Nigerian soccer team to the FIFA World Cup in South Africa has yet again exposed the pervasive incompetence that litters Football House.
While many soccer pundits had called for the removal of Shuaibu Amodu as head coach of the team a long time ago, the administrators at the glass house insisted on “swimming and sinking” with the technically bereft gaffer.
With the larger chunk of soccer loving Nigerians now in unison as to the inability of Amodu to credibly discharge his duties without making a mockery of the Nigerian national team, the NFF finally decided to jump from the “sinking” ship they had hitherto promised to go down with! A laughable set of demagogues doing just what they know best.
The timing of the eventual sacking of Amodu portends dangerous consequences for the national team’s chances at the summer tournament in South Africa.
The technical department of the NFF had been hoping against hope itself, believing that Amodu would suddenly transform into a knowledgeable tactician overnight, even though the facts of the matter were constantly sprawled on the pitch of play for all to see; they were wishing for a pig to fly! Had the NFF taken the needed step when it ought to have, we would have had a team gearing up for the 2010 World Cup by now.
Sadly we have been thrown into further disarray by a set of befuddled football administrators who still cannot distinguish between a world class coach and a foreign coach.
Head of the technical committee of the NFF, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi and the spokesman for Football House, Ademola Olajire recently revealed that the board had shortlisted six “foreign” coaches for the vacant position hitherto held by Amodu, even though the list has insidiously expanded to 10 over the past two days.
This is an act of flippancy at the very least, and without shame we are exposing our retrogressive nature to the world. By publicly shortlisting different coaches with different coaching styles, technical abilities and varied nationalities, the NFF technical team has clearly stated that it lacks understanding of what needs to be done to get the Eagles on their feet.
This is a clear indictment on the NFF and its technical committee, and it shows just how much they really understand football administration.
Prior to the hiring of the last foreign technical adviser of the team, Berti Vogts, the NFF technical committee had gone on a spendthrift sojourn to Europe without the littlest idea of what they wanted. They eventually ended up with the German tactician, whose style and brand of football was not in tandem with the available qualities of players in the team, and gave him a contract that saw him spend more time with his family in Germany than with the national team.
Eventually they had to unceremoniously sack the former German national coach after the Eagles laboured to the quarter-final stage of the 2008 edition of the African Nations Cup.
The NFF are once again ambling along that path and it would appear that we will end up in the same sad state we were in after the 2008 Nations Cup. Giovanni Trapattoni, Guus Hiddink, Loius Van Gaal, Bruno Metsu, Ratomir Djukovic, Hassan Shehata, Peter Taylor, Claude Leroy, Herve Renard, Sven Goran Ericson, Bonfere Jo etc.
The list keeps populating and the confusion grows thicker! Who do we really need to fully explore the potentials of the Nigerian team?
The NFF has also decided to hire a coach on a short-term basis, just for the World Cup. How well can we develop as a nation with these short-term and myopic strategies that will eventually boomerang in our faces. After every disastrous outing of the team since 1998, the NFF informs us that it will return to the proverbial “drawing board” to make changes and long term plans, yet we keep spiraling down and down the drain.
The few coaches that have succeeded in Nigeria have worked with the team for at least three years. Westerhoff, Bonfere Jo and even Samson Siasia have had a relatively lengthy period to study the teams they have had to work with. They had ample time to monitor several players that could fit into their game plan, and one noticeable feature was that at every point they had at least two players for every position - very much unlike Amodu who could not do without his trusted “injured” players.
If the NFF insists on hiring a “foreign” coach on a short-term basis, then soccer loving Nigerians should be ready for further heartbreak and soccer disaster.
The probable candidates and their pros and cons
Giovanni Trapattoni: Too old to handle the shenanigans of the Nigerian football administrators, his success lies in club football not with national team sides. He has very little to show for his stints with Italy and Ireland. He is a “world class” coach undoubtedly, but not the sort of coach that can effectively manage a complicated country like Nigeria. Rating: **
Hassan Shehata: The record-breaking coach of the Pharaohs of Egypt extended his contract with the Egyptian FA last week, so he may not be coming to Nigeria after all. His preferred style of football, which makes use of quick counter-attacks and a winged attacking formation would adapt quite well with the Nigerian team. I am, however, skeptical of his ability to adapt properly to the politics and tactics of soccer in sub-Saharan Africa, as he has spent his entire managerial career in the northern part of Africa and Oman. Rating:**
Louis van Gaal: The Dutchman at present appears too committed to Bayern Munich to want to leave. He would also not be able to understand the devious politics of the Nigerian Football Federation. Van Gaal has not succeeded with any national team before, despite his many successes at club level, and even failed to qualify the Netherlands to the 2002 World Cup. He has absolutely no experience in handling an African side! He would always be attracted to European club football and as such would not stay to build a team after the World Cup. Not a good choice. Rating:*
Guus Hiddink: Hiddink is undoubtedly one of the top choices for the position, as his pedigree needs no further repetition. His name speaks for itself, his experiences at the World Cup make him a top candidate for the position. However he has little understanding of the African soccer terrain. He would find the NFF an impossible organization to work with.
The Dutch tactician may however flee a few weeks before the tourney kicks off. His penchant for discipline would put him at constant loggerheads with the Nigerian FA. He is currently still under contract with the Russian FA, he might not be allowed to leave by the European side, and even at that he would definitely not be available to build the Nigerian team after the World Cup ends. Tough call! Rating:**
Bruno Metsu: Sojourned too far away from African football, but his tactical strength is indisputable. Many Africans have not heard of the Kenny G lookalike since his exploits with Senegal at the 2002 World Cup. His ability to read games deeply is what would probably be his strongest point in getting called to the position.
His successes with Al Ain FC (United Arab Emirates) and Al Gharafa (Qatar) were quite legendary. He currently coaches the Qatari national team. Metsu would be a good candidate for the position, having coached Guinea and Senegal, giving him some considerable exposure to the arduous politics prevalent in the continent’s soccer administration. Rating:***
Bonfere Jo: Yes, he understands the Nigerian FA politics, but does he still have the technical prowess to handle a psychologically demoralised team? I think not. Rating:*
Sven Goran Eriksson: Only learned a few hours ago that he dropped in his resume with the NFF. I really don’t think he qualifies as a “world class” coach. A foreign coach? Yes! But definitely not a “world class” coach. He did not have a particularly successful time with the English national team, and his time with Mexico was woeful! His best periods are well behind him, during his time at Italian giants Lazio. His current “charity work” with Notts County, an English League 2 club, best describes the level of demand placed on him. Rating:*
Ratomir Dujkovic: His ability to navigate “harsh” terrains would no doubt count well for the Serbian tactician. He has been in Venezuela and Myanmar achieving modest success before coming into Rwanda and giving the country a name on the African soccer scene. He qualified the Wasps to their first African Nations Cup in 2004, knocking out Ghana from the qualifying race. His team performed well at the tourney held in Tunisia, where they almost made it through to the quarter-final stage.
He moved to Ghana that same year, where he helped the team qualify for the 2006 World Cup. But the Serbian has a game plan that would not appeal well to Nigerians. His formation takes on a sedentary form, always waiting to absorb pressure from the opponents and hitting them on the break. Nigerians do not want another Amodu, so they might not like the Serbian. However, Dujkovic knows how to play the politics of African soccer federations and he would really appeal to the NFF. Bad for Nigerian football if you ask me! Rating:****
Peter Taylor: Are you kidding me? Rating: No way!
While many soccer pundits had called for the removal of Shuaibu Amodu as head coach of the team a long time ago, the administrators at the glass house insisted on “swimming and sinking” with the technically bereft gaffer.
With the larger chunk of soccer loving Nigerians now in unison as to the inability of Amodu to credibly discharge his duties without making a mockery of the Nigerian national team, the NFF finally decided to jump from the “sinking” ship they had hitherto promised to go down with! A laughable set of demagogues doing just what they know best.
The timing of the eventual sacking of Amodu portends dangerous consequences for the national team’s chances at the summer tournament in South Africa.
The technical department of the NFF had been hoping against hope itself, believing that Amodu would suddenly transform into a knowledgeable tactician overnight, even though the facts of the matter were constantly sprawled on the pitch of play for all to see; they were wishing for a pig to fly! Had the NFF taken the needed step when it ought to have, we would have had a team gearing up for the 2010 World Cup by now.
Sadly we have been thrown into further disarray by a set of befuddled football administrators who still cannot distinguish between a world class coach and a foreign coach.
Head of the technical committee of the NFF, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi and the spokesman for Football House, Ademola Olajire recently revealed that the board had shortlisted six “foreign” coaches for the vacant position hitherto held by Amodu, even though the list has insidiously expanded to 10 over the past two days.
This is an act of flippancy at the very least, and without shame we are exposing our retrogressive nature to the world. By publicly shortlisting different coaches with different coaching styles, technical abilities and varied nationalities, the NFF technical team has clearly stated that it lacks understanding of what needs to be done to get the Eagles on their feet.
This is a clear indictment on the NFF and its technical committee, and it shows just how much they really understand football administration.
Prior to the hiring of the last foreign technical adviser of the team, Berti Vogts, the NFF technical committee had gone on a spendthrift sojourn to Europe without the littlest idea of what they wanted. They eventually ended up with the German tactician, whose style and brand of football was not in tandem with the available qualities of players in the team, and gave him a contract that saw him spend more time with his family in Germany than with the national team.
Eventually they had to unceremoniously sack the former German national coach after the Eagles laboured to the quarter-final stage of the 2008 edition of the African Nations Cup.
The NFF are once again ambling along that path and it would appear that we will end up in the same sad state we were in after the 2008 Nations Cup. Giovanni Trapattoni, Guus Hiddink, Loius Van Gaal, Bruno Metsu, Ratomir Djukovic, Hassan Shehata, Peter Taylor, Claude Leroy, Herve Renard, Sven Goran Ericson, Bonfere Jo etc.
The list keeps populating and the confusion grows thicker! Who do we really need to fully explore the potentials of the Nigerian team?
The NFF has also decided to hire a coach on a short-term basis, just for the World Cup. How well can we develop as a nation with these short-term and myopic strategies that will eventually boomerang in our faces. After every disastrous outing of the team since 1998, the NFF informs us that it will return to the proverbial “drawing board” to make changes and long term plans, yet we keep spiraling down and down the drain.
The few coaches that have succeeded in Nigeria have worked with the team for at least three years. Westerhoff, Bonfere Jo and even Samson Siasia have had a relatively lengthy period to study the teams they have had to work with. They had ample time to monitor several players that could fit into their game plan, and one noticeable feature was that at every point they had at least two players for every position - very much unlike Amodu who could not do without his trusted “injured” players.
If the NFF insists on hiring a “foreign” coach on a short-term basis, then soccer loving Nigerians should be ready for further heartbreak and soccer disaster.
The probable candidates and their pros and cons
Giovanni Trapattoni: Too old to handle the shenanigans of the Nigerian football administrators, his success lies in club football not with national team sides. He has very little to show for his stints with Italy and Ireland. He is a “world class” coach undoubtedly, but not the sort of coach that can effectively manage a complicated country like Nigeria. Rating: **
Hassan Shehata: The record-breaking coach of the Pharaohs of Egypt extended his contract with the Egyptian FA last week, so he may not be coming to Nigeria after all. His preferred style of football, which makes use of quick counter-attacks and a winged attacking formation would adapt quite well with the Nigerian team. I am, however, skeptical of his ability to adapt properly to the politics and tactics of soccer in sub-Saharan Africa, as he has spent his entire managerial career in the northern part of Africa and Oman. Rating:**
Louis van Gaal: The Dutchman at present appears too committed to Bayern Munich to want to leave. He would also not be able to understand the devious politics of the Nigerian Football Federation. Van Gaal has not succeeded with any national team before, despite his many successes at club level, and even failed to qualify the Netherlands to the 2002 World Cup. He has absolutely no experience in handling an African side! He would always be attracted to European club football and as such would not stay to build a team after the World Cup. Not a good choice. Rating:*
Guus Hiddink: Hiddink is undoubtedly one of the top choices for the position, as his pedigree needs no further repetition. His name speaks for itself, his experiences at the World Cup make him a top candidate for the position. However he has little understanding of the African soccer terrain. He would find the NFF an impossible organization to work with.
The Dutch tactician may however flee a few weeks before the tourney kicks off. His penchant for discipline would put him at constant loggerheads with the Nigerian FA. He is currently still under contract with the Russian FA, he might not be allowed to leave by the European side, and even at that he would definitely not be available to build the Nigerian team after the World Cup ends. Tough call! Rating:**
Bruno Metsu: Sojourned too far away from African football, but his tactical strength is indisputable. Many Africans have not heard of the Kenny G lookalike since his exploits with Senegal at the 2002 World Cup. His ability to read games deeply is what would probably be his strongest point in getting called to the position.
His successes with Al Ain FC (United Arab Emirates) and Al Gharafa (Qatar) were quite legendary. He currently coaches the Qatari national team. Metsu would be a good candidate for the position, having coached Guinea and Senegal, giving him some considerable exposure to the arduous politics prevalent in the continent’s soccer administration. Rating:***
Bonfere Jo: Yes, he understands the Nigerian FA politics, but does he still have the technical prowess to handle a psychologically demoralised team? I think not. Rating:*
Sven Goran Eriksson: Only learned a few hours ago that he dropped in his resume with the NFF. I really don’t think he qualifies as a “world class” coach. A foreign coach? Yes! But definitely not a “world class” coach. He did not have a particularly successful time with the English national team, and his time with Mexico was woeful! His best periods are well behind him, during his time at Italian giants Lazio. His current “charity work” with Notts County, an English League 2 club, best describes the level of demand placed on him. Rating:*
Ratomir Dujkovic: His ability to navigate “harsh” terrains would no doubt count well for the Serbian tactician. He has been in Venezuela and Myanmar achieving modest success before coming into Rwanda and giving the country a name on the African soccer scene. He qualified the Wasps to their first African Nations Cup in 2004, knocking out Ghana from the qualifying race. His team performed well at the tourney held in Tunisia, where they almost made it through to the quarter-final stage.
He moved to Ghana that same year, where he helped the team qualify for the 2006 World Cup. But the Serbian has a game plan that would not appeal well to Nigerians. His formation takes on a sedentary form, always waiting to absorb pressure from the opponents and hitting them on the break. Nigerians do not want another Amodu, so they might not like the Serbian. However, Dujkovic knows how to play the politics of African soccer federations and he would really appeal to the NFF. Bad for Nigerian football if you ask me! Rating:****
Peter Taylor: Are you kidding me? Rating: No way!
Nigerian : The Bizarre Search For A Foreign Coach
Like a stack of domino tiles falling on each other, the NFF (Nigerian Football Federation) just cannot stop its descent into oblivion, even when it seems harder to fall. The much delayed search for a world class coach to tutor the Nigerian soccer team to the FIFA World Cup in South Africa has yet again exposed the pervasive incompetence that litters Football House.
While many soccer pundits had called for the removal of Shuaibu Amodu as head coach of the team a long time ago, the administrators at the glass house insisted on “swimming and sinking” with the technically bereft gaffer.
With the larger chunk of soccer loving Nigerians now in unison as to the inability of Amodu to credibly discharge his duties without making a mockery of the Nigerian national team, the NFF finally decided to jump from the “sinking” ship they had hitherto promised to go down with! A laughable set of demagogues doing just what they know best.
The timing of the eventual sacking of Amodu portends dangerous consequences for the national team’s chances at the summer tournament in South Africa.
The technical department of the NFF had been hoping against hope itself, believing that Amodu would suddenly transform into a knowledgeable tactician overnight, even though the facts of the matter were constantly sprawled on the pitch of play for all to see; they were wishing for a pig to fly! Had the NFF taken the needed step when it ought to have, we would have had a team gearing up for the 2010 World Cup by now.
Sadly we have been thrown into further disarray by a set of befuddled football administrators who still cannot distinguish between a world class coach and a foreign coach.
Head of the technical committee of the NFF, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi and the spokesman for Football House, Ademola Olajire recently revealed that the board had shortlisted six “foreign” coaches for the vacant position hitherto held by Amodu, even though the list has insidiously expanded to 10 over the past two days.
This is an act of flippancy at the very least, and without shame we are exposing our retrogressive nature to the world. By publicly shortlisting different coaches with different coaching styles, technical abilities and varied nationalities, the NFF technical team has clearly stated that it lacks understanding of what needs to be done to get the Eagles on their feet.
This is a clear indictment on the NFF and its technical committee, and it shows just how much they really understand football administration.
Prior to the hiring of the last foreign technical adviser of the team, Berti Vogts, the NFF technical committee had gone on a spendthrift sojourn to Europe without the littlest idea of what they wanted. They eventually ended up with the German tactician, whose style and brand of football was not in tandem with the available qualities of players in the team, and gave him a contract that saw him spend more time with his family in Germany than with the national team.
Eventually they had to unceremoniously sack the former German national coach after the Eagles laboured to the quarter-final stage of the 2008 edition of the African Nations Cup.
The NFF are once again ambling along that path and it would appear that we will end up in the same sad state we were in after the 2008 Nations Cup. Giovanni Trapattoni, Guus Hiddink, Loius Van Gaal, Bruno Metsu, Ratomir Djukovic, Hassan Shehata, Peter Taylor, Claude Leroy, Herve Renard, Sven Goran Ericson, Bonfere Jo etc.
The list keeps populating and the confusion grows thicker! Who do we really need to fully explore the potentials of the Nigerian team?
The NFF has also decided to hire a coach on a short-term basis, just for the World Cup. How well can we develop as a nation with these short-term and myopic strategies that will eventually boomerang in our faces. After every disastrous outing of the team since 1998, the NFF informs us that it will return to the proverbial “drawing board” to make changes and long term plans, yet we keep spiraling down and down the drain.
The few coaches that have succeeded in Nigeria have worked with the team for at least three years. Westerhoff, Bonfere Jo and even Samson Siasia have had a relatively lengthy period to study the teams they have had to work with. They had ample time to monitor several players that could fit into their game plan, and one noticeable feature was that at every point they had at least two players for every position - very much unlike Amodu who could not do without his trusted “injured” players.
If the NFF insists on hiring a “foreign” coach on a short-term basis, then soccer loving Nigerians should be ready for further heartbreak and soccer disaster.
The probable candidates and their pros and cons
Giovanni Trapattoni: Too old to handle the shenanigans of the Nigerian football administrators, his success lies in club football not with national team sides. He has very little to show for his stints with Italy and Ireland. He is a “world class” coach undoubtedly, but not the sort of coach that can effectively manage a complicated country like Nigeria. Rating: **
Hassan Shehata: The record-breaking coach of the Pharaohs of Egypt extended his contract with the Egyptian FA last week, so he may not be coming to Nigeria after all. His preferred style of football, which makes use of quick counter-attacks and a winged attacking formation would adapt quite well with the Nigerian team. I am, however, skeptical of his ability to adapt properly to the politics and tactics of soccer in sub-Saharan Africa, as he has spent his entire managerial career in the northern part of Africa and Oman. Rating:**
Louis van Gaal: The Dutchman at present appears too committed to Bayern Munich to want to leave. He would also not be able to understand the devious politics of the Nigerian Football Federation. Van Gaal has not succeeded with any national team before, despite his many successes at club level, and even failed to qualify the Netherlands to the 2002 World Cup. He has absolutely no experience in handling an African side! He would always be attracted to European club football and as such would not stay to build a team after the World Cup. Not a good choice. Rating:*
Guus Hiddink: Hiddink is undoubtedly one of the top choices for the position, as his pedigree needs no further repetition. His name speaks for itself, his experiences at the World Cup make him a top candidate for the position. However he has little understanding of the African soccer terrain. He would find the NFF an impossible organization to work with.
The Dutch tactician may however flee a few weeks before the tourney kicks off. His penchant for discipline would put him at constant loggerheads with the Nigerian FA. He is currently still under contract with the Russian FA, he might not be allowed to leave by the European side, and even at that he would definitely not be available to build the Nigerian team after the World Cup ends. Tough call! Rating:**
Bruno Metsu: Sojourned too far away from African football, but his tactical strength is indisputable. Many Africans have not heard of the Kenny G lookalike since his exploits with Senegal at the 2002 World Cup. His ability to read games deeply is what would probably be his strongest point in getting called to the position.
His successes with Al Ain FC (United Arab Emirates) and Al Gharafa (Qatar) were quite legendary. He currently coaches the Qatari national team. Metsu would be a good candidate for the position, having coached Guinea and Senegal, giving him some considerable exposure to the arduous politics prevalent in the continent’s soccer administration. Rating:***
Bonfere Jo: Yes, he understands the Nigerian FA politics, but does he still have the technical prowess to handle a psychologically demoralised team? I think not. Rating:*
Sven Goran Eriksson: Only learned a few hours ago that he dropped in his resume with the NFF. I really don’t think he qualifies as a “world class” coach. A foreign coach? Yes! But definitely not a “world class” coach. He did not have a particularly successful time with the English national team, and his time with Mexico was woeful! His best periods are well behind him, during his time at Italian giants Lazio. His current “charity work” with Notts County, an English League 2 club, best describes the level of demand placed on him. Rating:*
Ratomir Dujkovic: His ability to navigate “harsh” terrains would no doubt count well for the Serbian tactician. He has been in Venezuela and Myanmar achieving modest success before coming into Rwanda and giving the country a name on the African soccer scene. He qualified the Wasps to their first African Nations Cup in 2004, knocking out Ghana from the qualifying race. His team performed well at the tourney held in Tunisia, where they almost made it through to the quarter-final stage.
He moved to Ghana that same year, where he helped the team qualify for the 2006 World Cup. But the Serbian has a game plan that would not appeal well to Nigerians. His formation takes on a sedentary form, always waiting to absorb pressure from the opponents and hitting them on the break. Nigerians do not want another Amodu, so they might not like the Serbian. However, Dujkovic knows how to play the politics of African soccer federations and he would really appeal to the NFF. Bad for Nigerian football if you ask me! Rating:****
Peter Taylor: Are you kidding me? Rating: No way!
While many soccer pundits had called for the removal of Shuaibu Amodu as head coach of the team a long time ago, the administrators at the glass house insisted on “swimming and sinking” with the technically bereft gaffer.
With the larger chunk of soccer loving Nigerians now in unison as to the inability of Amodu to credibly discharge his duties without making a mockery of the Nigerian national team, the NFF finally decided to jump from the “sinking” ship they had hitherto promised to go down with! A laughable set of demagogues doing just what they know best.
The timing of the eventual sacking of Amodu portends dangerous consequences for the national team’s chances at the summer tournament in South Africa.
The technical department of the NFF had been hoping against hope itself, believing that Amodu would suddenly transform into a knowledgeable tactician overnight, even though the facts of the matter were constantly sprawled on the pitch of play for all to see; they were wishing for a pig to fly! Had the NFF taken the needed step when it ought to have, we would have had a team gearing up for the 2010 World Cup by now.
Sadly we have been thrown into further disarray by a set of befuddled football administrators who still cannot distinguish between a world class coach and a foreign coach.
Head of the technical committee of the NFF, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi and the spokesman for Football House, Ademola Olajire recently revealed that the board had shortlisted six “foreign” coaches for the vacant position hitherto held by Amodu, even though the list has insidiously expanded to 10 over the past two days.
This is an act of flippancy at the very least, and without shame we are exposing our retrogressive nature to the world. By publicly shortlisting different coaches with different coaching styles, technical abilities and varied nationalities, the NFF technical team has clearly stated that it lacks understanding of what needs to be done to get the Eagles on their feet.
This is a clear indictment on the NFF and its technical committee, and it shows just how much they really understand football administration.
Prior to the hiring of the last foreign technical adviser of the team, Berti Vogts, the NFF technical committee had gone on a spendthrift sojourn to Europe without the littlest idea of what they wanted. They eventually ended up with the German tactician, whose style and brand of football was not in tandem with the available qualities of players in the team, and gave him a contract that saw him spend more time with his family in Germany than with the national team.
Eventually they had to unceremoniously sack the former German national coach after the Eagles laboured to the quarter-final stage of the 2008 edition of the African Nations Cup.
The NFF are once again ambling along that path and it would appear that we will end up in the same sad state we were in after the 2008 Nations Cup. Giovanni Trapattoni, Guus Hiddink, Loius Van Gaal, Bruno Metsu, Ratomir Djukovic, Hassan Shehata, Peter Taylor, Claude Leroy, Herve Renard, Sven Goran Ericson, Bonfere Jo etc.
The list keeps populating and the confusion grows thicker! Who do we really need to fully explore the potentials of the Nigerian team?
The NFF has also decided to hire a coach on a short-term basis, just for the World Cup. How well can we develop as a nation with these short-term and myopic strategies that will eventually boomerang in our faces. After every disastrous outing of the team since 1998, the NFF informs us that it will return to the proverbial “drawing board” to make changes and long term plans, yet we keep spiraling down and down the drain.
The few coaches that have succeeded in Nigeria have worked with the team for at least three years. Westerhoff, Bonfere Jo and even Samson Siasia have had a relatively lengthy period to study the teams they have had to work with. They had ample time to monitor several players that could fit into their game plan, and one noticeable feature was that at every point they had at least two players for every position - very much unlike Amodu who could not do without his trusted “injured” players.
If the NFF insists on hiring a “foreign” coach on a short-term basis, then soccer loving Nigerians should be ready for further heartbreak and soccer disaster.
The probable candidates and their pros and cons
Giovanni Trapattoni: Too old to handle the shenanigans of the Nigerian football administrators, his success lies in club football not with national team sides. He has very little to show for his stints with Italy and Ireland. He is a “world class” coach undoubtedly, but not the sort of coach that can effectively manage a complicated country like Nigeria. Rating: **
Hassan Shehata: The record-breaking coach of the Pharaohs of Egypt extended his contract with the Egyptian FA last week, so he may not be coming to Nigeria after all. His preferred style of football, which makes use of quick counter-attacks and a winged attacking formation would adapt quite well with the Nigerian team. I am, however, skeptical of his ability to adapt properly to the politics and tactics of soccer in sub-Saharan Africa, as he has spent his entire managerial career in the northern part of Africa and Oman. Rating:**
Louis van Gaal: The Dutchman at present appears too committed to Bayern Munich to want to leave. He would also not be able to understand the devious politics of the Nigerian Football Federation. Van Gaal has not succeeded with any national team before, despite his many successes at club level, and even failed to qualify the Netherlands to the 2002 World Cup. He has absolutely no experience in handling an African side! He would always be attracted to European club football and as such would not stay to build a team after the World Cup. Not a good choice. Rating:*
Guus Hiddink: Hiddink is undoubtedly one of the top choices for the position, as his pedigree needs no further repetition. His name speaks for itself, his experiences at the World Cup make him a top candidate for the position. However he has little understanding of the African soccer terrain. He would find the NFF an impossible organization to work with.
The Dutch tactician may however flee a few weeks before the tourney kicks off. His penchant for discipline would put him at constant loggerheads with the Nigerian FA. He is currently still under contract with the Russian FA, he might not be allowed to leave by the European side, and even at that he would definitely not be available to build the Nigerian team after the World Cup ends. Tough call! Rating:**
Bruno Metsu: Sojourned too far away from African football, but his tactical strength is indisputable. Many Africans have not heard of the Kenny G lookalike since his exploits with Senegal at the 2002 World Cup. His ability to read games deeply is what would probably be his strongest point in getting called to the position.
His successes with Al Ain FC (United Arab Emirates) and Al Gharafa (Qatar) were quite legendary. He currently coaches the Qatari national team. Metsu would be a good candidate for the position, having coached Guinea and Senegal, giving him some considerable exposure to the arduous politics prevalent in the continent’s soccer administration. Rating:***
Bonfere Jo: Yes, he understands the Nigerian FA politics, but does he still have the technical prowess to handle a psychologically demoralised team? I think not. Rating:*
Sven Goran Eriksson: Only learned a few hours ago that he dropped in his resume with the NFF. I really don’t think he qualifies as a “world class” coach. A foreign coach? Yes! But definitely not a “world class” coach. He did not have a particularly successful time with the English national team, and his time with Mexico was woeful! His best periods are well behind him, during his time at Italian giants Lazio. His current “charity work” with Notts County, an English League 2 club, best describes the level of demand placed on him. Rating:*
Ratomir Dujkovic: His ability to navigate “harsh” terrains would no doubt count well for the Serbian tactician. He has been in Venezuela and Myanmar achieving modest success before coming into Rwanda and giving the country a name on the African soccer scene. He qualified the Wasps to their first African Nations Cup in 2004, knocking out Ghana from the qualifying race. His team performed well at the tourney held in Tunisia, where they almost made it through to the quarter-final stage.
He moved to Ghana that same year, where he helped the team qualify for the 2006 World Cup. But the Serbian has a game plan that would not appeal well to Nigerians. His formation takes on a sedentary form, always waiting to absorb pressure from the opponents and hitting them on the break. Nigerians do not want another Amodu, so they might not like the Serbian. However, Dujkovic knows how to play the politics of African soccer federations and he would really appeal to the NFF. Bad for Nigerian football if you ask me! Rating:****
Peter Taylor: Are you kidding me? Rating: No way!
Almunia - We came back with character
Manuel Almunia has praised Arsenal's strength of character after their 1-0 win over Liverpool on Wednesday night.
The Spanish keeper says the team accepted the criticism that came their way after recent defeats to Manchester United and Chelsea, and believes that negative analysis of recent performances can be good for the side.
The Gunners' togetherness was evident in the way they celebrated Abou Diaby's 72nd-minute winner against the Liverpool and Almunia says that ahead of the game the team had pulled together in their determination to show resolve.
"We were talking about our last two games," he explained. "We said to each other that it is not possible not to show character on the pitch. It is not possible for a team who want to be top of the table.
"From the dressing room before the game, everyone was switched on to the game and personally I am happy with the character of the team.
"We accept all the critics. Arsenal is a big club and we deserve to be criticised because we have been playing for many years without fighting for the title.
"Critics are good sometimes and we accept them. The team is growing up and everybody accepts it because we cannot say anything when we don't play well. We just go home and wait for the next game so we can win."
The Spaniard understands why Arsenal came in for the criticism and knows where the team must improve. However, having seen Manchester United and Chelsea drop points on Wednesday night, the 32-year-old says every team will be in that position at some point this season.
"Against United we were not on our game at any time," he admitted. "Against Chelsea we played well I thought but as soon as we switched off a bit, we lost. There are small points we need to improve, not technically or tactically but personally - little things that we have to show more.
"Every team will complain after they lost. Manchester and Chelsea will be not happy and in a few games they will come back. They will say they can win their next game and we top of the table.
"Every team has to improve. After the Manchester and Chelsea games, they showed they were better than us, but when they play against Everton and Aston Villa they were at the same level. We have to believe it."
The Spanish keeper says the team accepted the criticism that came their way after recent defeats to Manchester United and Chelsea, and believes that negative analysis of recent performances can be good for the side.
The Gunners' togetherness was evident in the way they celebrated Abou Diaby's 72nd-minute winner against the Liverpool and Almunia says that ahead of the game the team had pulled together in their determination to show resolve.
"We were talking about our last two games," he explained. "We said to each other that it is not possible not to show character on the pitch. It is not possible for a team who want to be top of the table.
"From the dressing room before the game, everyone was switched on to the game and personally I am happy with the character of the team.
"We accept all the critics. Arsenal is a big club and we deserve to be criticised because we have been playing for many years without fighting for the title.
"Critics are good sometimes and we accept them. The team is growing up and everybody accepts it because we cannot say anything when we don't play well. We just go home and wait for the next game so we can win."
The Spaniard understands why Arsenal came in for the criticism and knows where the team must improve. However, having seen Manchester United and Chelsea drop points on Wednesday night, the 32-year-old says every team will be in that position at some point this season.
"Against United we were not on our game at any time," he admitted. "Against Chelsea we played well I thought but as soon as we switched off a bit, we lost. There are small points we need to improve, not technically or tactically but personally - little things that we have to show more.
"Every team will complain after they lost. Manchester and Chelsea will be not happy and in a few games they will come back. They will say they can win their next game and we top of the table.
"Every team has to improve. After the Manchester and Chelsea games, they showed they were better than us, but when they play against Everton and Aston Villa they were at the same level. We have to believe it."
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Why Wenger won't rely on strikers for goals
Arsène Wenger has been in an unusual position during this transfer window.
Although he admits his side lack a striker, they are not in need of goals.
Consistency has been the key. While Chelsea may have smashed seven past Sunderland at the weekend and Spurs thumped nine against Wigan late last year, the Emirates Stadium side have been top of the scoring charts ever since they hit Everton for six on the opening day of the campaign.
Only Sunderland and Chelsea can truly claim to have shut-out a full-strength Arsenal this season. In the Premier League, Wenger’s men have 55 goals in 21 games via 16 different scorers.
You can attribute well over half to central midfield (Cesc Fabregas 10, Abou Diaby 5, Aaron Ramsey 3, Denilson 3, Alex Song 1) and the centre backs (Thomas Vermaelen 4, William Gallas 3).
Of course, this could be explained way with injuries – Robin Van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner and, to a lesser extent, Eduardo have all spent significant time on the treatment table. However Wenger feels there could be something more going on. The Frenchman suggests the relationship between the forward line and particularly the midfield may have changed in recent years.
It is no wonder that UEFA’s technical report into last season’s Champions League had chapter called ‘The Disappearing Striker’. It seems the days are gone when a No 9 and No 10 speadheaded a static 4-4-2 and scored 50 per cent of their team’s goals.
“It is a possible idea,” admitted Wenger. “But it depends on the personality and the quality of your midfielders. If you have many players who can score that is OK but overall I still believe that strikers are very, very important.
“Still we used to say the midfielders are the guys who bring the strikers alive but what is happening now is the strikers are the guys who can bring your midfielders alive. They come to score from deeper positions and you can really do that with one-man up front."
Wenger admits that, to him, a striker’s assists tally is now as important as his goals ratio.
“It is basically the efficiency of the team and the number of goals the team scores [that is important],” he said. “I believe if the whole side scores goals then, for me, the striker is good.
“[For example] Robin Van Persie, when he played we always scored three or four goals. He didn’t score too many [himself] but he made a lot. Not only with passing, but with movement and the quality of that movement. Strikers open walls for the deeper players. That is a big part in the modern game.”
Arshavin central role not a long-term option
Arsène Wenger will move Andrey Arshavin back to the flanks when he can.
The Russian has been operating as the pivotal striker in Arsenal’s 4-3-3 formation since the start of December after the Emirates Stadium side suffered a number of injuries up front.
Arshavin’s centralisation has had a major part in his team’s rise up the table. The 28-year-old has even played through the pain-barrier in recent weeks as Arsenal have closed the gap on the leaders.
They could reach the summit on Wednesday with a two-goal win over Bolton. However, despite his ability to prise openings in tight situations, Wenger will not persist with the ploy when he has more established strikers back.
“Andrey’s movement around the box is intelligent and, at the end of the day, how our strikers do that makes a difference for teams like us,” said the manager speaking before the weekend fixtures.
“In every game we have the ball 60 per cent of the time and when we do have it we play against 10 players in their own half. So what makes the difference is intelligence and movement around the box in the final third and [Andrey] is very good in the short space.
“He started very well up front but in the last few games he had a few more difficulties. He had a foot injury and could kick the ball properly. He is now coming back.
“But I do not deny as well that our plan in the future is to put him back where he was - playing on the left."
'Imagine where we would be without injuries'
Arsène Wenger can only imagine how much better Arsenal would be doing this season had they not suffered so badly with injuries.
A number of key players have been forced into long-term absences this season and Wenger currently has eight of his first-teamers unavailable.
Despite this the Gunners have an opportunity to go top of the Premier League on Wednesday evening and fans can only dream about where Arsenal could have been had they been hit by injuries.
"You can imagine but you can never prove," agreed Wenger. "But it gives a lot of credit to the players that despite all that has happened we are still there.
"That, when you are such a young team, is something very interesting for our Club to have."
In spite of Arsenal's current League position Wenger is not getting ahead of himself, pointing out that there is still almost half of the season remaining. However, he is confident that his side has what it takes to bring silverware to Emirates Stadium this season.
"We have won nothing yet," he warned. "But we have won some credibility. However, that is not enough.
"We want more but at least we are in a position to fight for it and have a go.
"I have the confidence that my team will give absolutely everything.
"I trust their hunger, I trust their appetite and I trust their spirit, knowing of course that there is a long way to go."
Wenger - Recovering players can give us boost
The prospect of new players may be a hot topic among Arsenal fans but the Arsenal manager is more concerned about getting his current players fit and available.
Arsène Wenger remains on the look-out for potential recruits while the January transfer window is open but, with the games coming thick and fast in the weeks to come, he is focused on trimming Arsenal's lengthy injury list.
Robin Van Persie, Kieran Gibbs, Johan Djourou, Nicklas Bendtner, Aaron Ramsey, Fran Merida, Samir Nasri and Jack Wilshere are all sidelined, leaving Wenger to juggle his remaining options against Bolton on Wednesday, at Stoke on Sunday, at Aston Villa next week and beyond.
And the Frenchman admits that transfer activity is taking a back seat while he works out who will return from injury - and when.
"We are not close to signing anybody at the moment and we are so focused on the game that we forget a little bit to speak about transfers," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.
"The other thing I must say is we have so many players out that our talks are more focused on 'when is he back, when he is back?' and it looks like any player we can get back is like a transfer because we have not seen some players this season, like Walcott, like Bendtner.
"One of them has played three games, the other five games. But they can be fresh for the second part of the season and they can give us a big push."
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