In a very predictable weekend, with wins for Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs at the top, a lot of media
attention focused back on the ongoing gossip surrounding several coaches.
The big one in Europe is that Jose Mourinho is gearing up to take over at Real Madrid after almost a year in the wilderness.
But in England the back pages are persisting in the rumoured “imminent” resignation of Jurgen Klopp!
It all feels a bit far-fetched to me?
Why would someone who’s just reinstated Liverpool as European champions and potentially ending a 30-year league title drought even consider it?
He’s built a team over the last few years that looks like it’s set to stay at the top for some time given that Man City are the only realistic competition.
Could there be any truth to the notion that he’s achieved the top honour and wants to leave on a high, rather than slogging it out with City boss Pep Guardiola?
It feels to me like the press have devised a great story and are going to keep milking it with various angles.
The latest being that the German FA have offered him a contract to turn around the national team’s fortunes.
Could the patriotic lure of guiding a nation back to its glory days supersede the godlike status he commands on Merseyside?
I’d suggest that he’s on a winning wicket and that’s how he sees it. His plan has more than exceeded all expectations and I’d bet we won’t be seeing the back of him for some time?
But it must be a huge worry for everyone associated with Liverpool. I mean, who could possibly take over?
Could there be a huge twist approaching us? If you are being taken in by the chit-chat, perhaps this could all be leading to the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino? Now here’s a story that has a bit of weight behind it.
There’s no doubt that post the disastrous Champions League final things just ain’t been the same at Spurs.
Confidence seems shot and dressing room frustrations were (apparently) compounded last week as the Argentinian ripped into the squad following the loss to Colchester in the League Cup.
SWAK: Germany’s Toni Kroos and Serge Gnabry. Picture: David Hecker/EPA.
Poch’s attempts to dispel rumours of discontent following a slim victory over Southampton has largely fallen on deaf ears. And with this week’s talk of England manager Gareth Southgate being primed for the Spurs job, the focus is squarely on north London.
Not many will be more interested than Man Utd chairman Ed Woodward, who, like a nutty professor, will be plotting his next move to reinstate his club as a major player.
There’s no doubt in my mind (and most United fans) that ‘Ole at the Wheel’ is far from an ideal scenario and for me, a seasoned pro like Pochettino could be the man to stop the rot?
Completing the circle, I wouldn’t be shocked if Jose took over at the Bernabeu and
Zinedine Zidane became top target at Old Trafford. That would be a Woodward-type move, don’t you think?
It would certainly tick the box as far as a big appointment goes, but would he be the right man for the job?
Personally, despite respecting him as one of the greatest players of all time, I look at what he’s done at Real in his second spell and find it all quite average considering the immense talent at his disposal.
Saying all that my money is on little or no movement this
season.
Yeah, Solskjaer is treading on thin ice and favourite for the chop, but he’ll probably make it until May before looking for a new job once Champions League non-qualification is confirmed.
On a much brighter subject and not just because my blood is blue, isn’t it wonderful to see Frank Lampard putting faith in youth at Stamford Bridge?
And week by week his faith in them is starting to pay
dividends.
So don’t dare compare him again to the deepening mess poor old Ole is finding himself in at Manchester United.
Massive football tonight and tomorrow as the Champions League returns (sorry to you Thursday nighters), with Tottenham v Bayern the pick of the bunch! Good luck Poch.