Sven, Sven Goran Eriksson
It is a long believed truth that in July 2006, whether success of failure hits during the World Cup across the shore in Germany, The FA will be looking for a new manager.
For over a year now, the doom-merchant press have predicted that the Swede will either be shown the door by his employers or delighting sections of the media he will quit - not a day too soon according to the press who have doubted the head coach since day one.
Being touted by the same reporters, calling for his head as the savior of English football, the Swede has constantly been fighting a battle which it seems he can no longer win. A daily fight since 2001 first over his nationality, then over his private life and most recently over his tactics and team selection.
Despite beliefs to the contrary, whether he wins the Jules Rimet trophy in ten months or not, Sven Goran Eriksson in four years has become one of the most successful English managers in history. The impact he has had with our nation’s football team is unquestionable.
Back when Eriksson’s name was first mentioned for the management job, an aging group of players traveled to Finland for a must win game, under the management of Howard Wilkinson, a manager from the old school who believed that defense’s win matches. That night his theory was proved correct as England picked up a point and little praise after a dreadfully dull draw against their group opponents.
It may not seem that we have moved far but the rollercoaster ride which has seen us at the present day has seen highs which could not have been visualized during the last game at Wembley or the aforementioned game in Helsinki.
Whether the performances against Wales and N. Ireland were abysmal or not, the fact is four years ago we would have most likely picked up one or no points not three. Our results may have been well below the standard which we expect from our national team but maybe it is time we started to realize that despite having some or the most recognized names in football, they do not play well as a team and we’re not as good as we think we are anymore.
Starting the job with a friendly against Spain the Scandinavian manager set the tone and showed that he was willing to give the unsung hero a chance, picking the likes of Chris Powell, Ugo Ehiogu and Michael Ball, a method which he has continued to use giving chances to Darren Bent, Peter Crouch and Luke Young in recent games, meaning that you no longer have to play for one of the top four to be picked for your country.
After France ’98 and Euro 2000, pundits highlighted England’s lack of technical ability and insisted that playing the same we had done in the last two tournaments we would never prosper.
Under Sven this seems no longer to be the case as passing, crossing and excellent team plays are now on the agenda and part of England’s flowing attacks and solid defense.
Not only as a team but individuals have had their games developed the likes of Lampard, Joe Cole and even helped improve the games of experienced players such a Beckham, Ferdinand and the ever improving Wayne Rooney.
It is impossible to argue that Sven gets results, his almost flawless qualifying record as England manager proves the impact which he has made during his time as boss. Only narrow defeats in normal time to Brazil and France blotch his permanent record during his reign in major tournaments this shows that as a team we have learnt to apply ourselves more regularly and do what is required.
That seems to be the problem however, England come across as a team willing to do what is required and this is where Sven receives most of his detractors. Against the ‘lesser’ nations England do not satisfy the hungry fans appetite. Victories like the one last month over Wales gives the press ammunition to attack Sven, with people picking on the fact that Eriksson believes that in 2006 we are expected to put up a challenge to win back what is rightfully ours.
At the moment most are in agreement that this doesn’t look likely to happen.
Constantly being highlighted is the Swedes apparent lack of passion and his ‘relaxed’ approach towards management to seems as though the most popularly thought of ‘most difficult job in the world’ has become harder during his reign. The fact is everyone has their own methods and up until now his is proving to be as successful as the stereotypical ranting and raving, tracksuit clad manager.
At the time when England needed a manger the Swede was the only outstanding candidate and it is typical of English folk to turn on their chosen man when things are not going so well.
If it does come to picking another manager next year, it seems that the press will yet again nominate their chosen ‘messiah’ and it seems as if at the moment they have no shortage of names to put forward, with obituaries already being written for Sven, the Premiership seems to provide candidates in Allerdyce, Curbishly and McClaren seem favourites.
But how long before the press picks fault with their management styles, tactics or opens up their private lives to the public domain.
The question is what of Sven?
If he wins the World Cup will people still be calling for his head or will he quit in style with his mission complete and England back on top of the world.
For over a year now, the doom-merchant press have predicted that the Swede will either be shown the door by his employers or delighting sections of the media he will quit - not a day too soon according to the press who have doubted the head coach since day one.
Being touted by the same reporters, calling for his head as the savior of English football, the Swede has constantly been fighting a battle which it seems he can no longer win. A daily fight since 2001 first over his nationality, then over his private life and most recently over his tactics and team selection.
Despite beliefs to the contrary, whether he wins the Jules Rimet trophy in ten months or not, Sven Goran Eriksson in four years has become one of the most successful English managers in history. The impact he has had with our nation’s football team is unquestionable.
Back when Eriksson’s name was first mentioned for the management job, an aging group of players traveled to Finland for a must win game, under the management of Howard Wilkinson, a manager from the old school who believed that defense’s win matches. That night his theory was proved correct as England picked up a point and little praise after a dreadfully dull draw against their group opponents.
It may not seem that we have moved far but the rollercoaster ride which has seen us at the present day has seen highs which could not have been visualized during the last game at Wembley or the aforementioned game in Helsinki.
Whether the performances against Wales and N. Ireland were abysmal or not, the fact is four years ago we would have most likely picked up one or no points not three. Our results may have been well below the standard which we expect from our national team but maybe it is time we started to realize that despite having some or the most recognized names in football, they do not play well as a team and we’re not as good as we think we are anymore.
Starting the job with a friendly against Spain the Scandinavian manager set the tone and showed that he was willing to give the unsung hero a chance, picking the likes of Chris Powell, Ugo Ehiogu and Michael Ball, a method which he has continued to use giving chances to Darren Bent, Peter Crouch and Luke Young in recent games, meaning that you no longer have to play for one of the top four to be picked for your country.
After France ’98 and Euro 2000, pundits highlighted England’s lack of technical ability and insisted that playing the same we had done in the last two tournaments we would never prosper.
Under Sven this seems no longer to be the case as passing, crossing and excellent team plays are now on the agenda and part of England’s flowing attacks and solid defense.
Not only as a team but individuals have had their games developed the likes of Lampard, Joe Cole and even helped improve the games of experienced players such a Beckham, Ferdinand and the ever improving Wayne Rooney.
It is impossible to argue that Sven gets results, his almost flawless qualifying record as England manager proves the impact which he has made during his time as boss. Only narrow defeats in normal time to Brazil and France blotch his permanent record during his reign in major tournaments this shows that as a team we have learnt to apply ourselves more regularly and do what is required.
That seems to be the problem however, England come across as a team willing to do what is required and this is where Sven receives most of his detractors. Against the ‘lesser’ nations England do not satisfy the hungry fans appetite. Victories like the one last month over Wales gives the press ammunition to attack Sven, with people picking on the fact that Eriksson believes that in 2006 we are expected to put up a challenge to win back what is rightfully ours.
At the moment most are in agreement that this doesn’t look likely to happen.
Constantly being highlighted is the Swedes apparent lack of passion and his ‘relaxed’ approach towards management to seems as though the most popularly thought of ‘most difficult job in the world’ has become harder during his reign. The fact is everyone has their own methods and up until now his is proving to be as successful as the stereotypical ranting and raving, tracksuit clad manager.
At the time when England needed a manger the Swede was the only outstanding candidate and it is typical of English folk to turn on their chosen man when things are not going so well.
If it does come to picking another manager next year, it seems that the press will yet again nominate their chosen ‘messiah’ and it seems as if at the moment they have no shortage of names to put forward, with obituaries already being written for Sven, the Premiership seems to provide candidates in Allerdyce, Curbishly and McClaren seem favourites.
But how long before the press picks fault with their management styles, tactics or opens up their private lives to the public domain.
The question is what of Sven?
If he wins the World Cup will people still be calling for his head or will he quit in style with his mission complete and England back on top of the world.