john68 wrote:Zurich/Piccs,
I don't doubt that Laudrup has the makings of bbeing a great manager, please don't think I was.
Where I think you are falling into a trap Roger is that your opinion regarding Mancini was formed quite early in his reign, and since, you have become quite forensic in your analysis of his mistakes. In that respect, I think your argument has lacked balance. You have been quick to criticise and jump on him for errors but have offered him much less credit for his successes.
I also think that you have lumped the blame for any losses onto his head without regard to the circumstances around him. I pointed out to you a long time ago that Mancini's record is far better than the great Joe Mercer and is also far ahead of Taggart's record over a similar building period.
You mounted your high horse when I asked whether you would have sacked Mercer. Particularly in 1968-69, when as Champions, we spent large chunks of the season wondering whether we were relegation candidates. A far worse record than we are now experiencing.
Are you surprised that our nearest rival who we sneaked past in the last minute last season has now overtaken us, having strengthened with Van Penis? Or that Chelsea despite having bought Hazard and Oscar are closer to us?
If you think Mancini is so poor, then what about the other 18 managers struggling behind us?
Or is this to with higher expectations and money?...Not a jibe, but a serious question.
Of course its to do with higher expectations. And the nature of the modern game.
As we have discussed in great detail when referring to FFP, money has a direct link with succeas now. I have said for many years, that for the shite to miss the top four would be as poor a season as say, Villa getting relegated. We are now in that bracket with them.
At the start of the season there was to be a two horse race and we are many furlongs back in that. In fact missing out on the top four has looked more likely than retaining our title. Thankfully that spectre was banished last night I'd guess.
And so yes, its bloody unfair and irrelevent to compare Bob with Mercer. So stop it!
Not forgetting our failings in Europe. Yes we have had tough groups, but are dismal showing this year will probably see us back in pot 3 again next season and potentially getting lumped into another "group of death". Its important for the club's development we do well in the Chumps League.
As you know only too well though Mr68, my really gripe is the style we have gone about things with some really turgid displays, wasting some of the finest attacking talent in world football.
And John, it doesn't necessarily need to be Laudrup. You asked me for namres and so I gave you two examples, Martinez and Laudrup.
Finally, I think you should give over with this "how long would you give the next manager" line, as you well know that I usually take the "stability" course, and don't want to see change for changes sake.
When the day comes, and a new manager has us playing with vim and vigour, it will feel like a breath of fresh air. Mark my words.
And we'll all be able to see the difference.
