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Can you identify a skilled Premier League footballer who has successfully moved into a managerial position within the Premier League?
This is quite unlikely, as there appears to be none.
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Numerous iconic players from the league have attempted to transition into management – Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Vincent Kompany, Gianfranco Zola, and Tony Adams, as well as Alan Shearer during his time as interim manager at Newcastle.
Regrettably, none have achieved sustained success in top-tier management in England, all encountering challenges along the way.
The recent appointment of Ruud van Nistelrooy as Leicester’s new manager seems to be a risky move.
This evokes memories of when famous former players were presumed to effortlessly command authority merely by flaunting their achievements in the dressing room.
This assumption has proven, time and again, to be faulty, as highlighted by the failures listed above.
Simultaneously, Wayne Rooney’s managerial path is at risk of fading into obscurity at Plymouth Argyle – where they have conceded ten goals in their last two matches – even before he gets a chance to manage in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Lampard is expected to receive a warm welcome at Millwall this Saturday as he takes over at Championship club Coventry.
At 48, Van Nistelrooy has only completed one full season in management with PSV Eindhoven.
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That season was noteworthy, as PSV finished as runners-up in the Eredivisie and won the Dutch Cup, along with achieving some success as Manchester United’s caretaker, highlighted by a victory over Leicester.
Nevertheless, it’s clear that Van Nistelrooy likely wouldn’t be considered for a Premier League role were it not for his illustrious playing career – as a Premier League champion, a Golden Boot winner, and PFA Player of the Year at United.
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The 37-year-old Jamie Vardy is acutely aware of Van Nistelrooy’s legacy – having surpassed the Dutchman’s record for the most consecutive matches scored in the Premier League during Leicester’s remarkable title-winning campaign – but many younger players may know little about a career that peaked over two decades ago.
As often seen with many clubs, Leicester has generally disregarded the significance of a manager’s playing history – Brendan Rodgers and Steve Cooper have taken a coaching-focused route, while Enzo Maresca comes from Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff.
This latest appointment seems unconventional. Should he succeed at King Power, Van Nistelrooy could disrupt the established norm.
Managing Leicester is inherently demanding.
Long-time director of football Jon Rudkin shares a strong bond with owner Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha, while seasoned players like Vardy wield considerable influence.
A recent festive gathering among players in Copenhagen during Cooper’s dismissal suggested that discipline could be an issue.
Leicester’s Aspirations
The club narrowly avoided a points deduction under the Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules, primarily because they were in the Championship at the time of the allegations.
Moreover, expectations are also a factor. Typically, newly-promoted teams aim solely for survival, with many clubs outside the ‘Big Six’ harboring limited ambitions.
However, in Leicester’s case, ‘unrealistic expectations’ seem entirely warranted.
Alongside Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea, the Foxes are among the only four clubs to have secured both the Premier League and FA Cup within the last decade.
How can it be deemed unrealistic for Leicester to aspire for greatness when they captured the title more recently than Manchester United and have won more recently than Arsenal, Tottenham, or Newcastle?
Van Nistelrooy proved during his stint as United’s caretaker that he presents the right image – with his unique beard, roll-neck jumper, and articulate speech, he possesses not just the look but also the media savviness to complement his celebrated playing legacy.
That said, he is undoubtedly facing a daunting challenge. He may also carry the hopes of every esteemed Premier League player chasing a smoother path into top-tier management.
A Case for Moyes?
Can someone recall why there was a ‘David Moyes Out’ movement at West Ham when the manager guided the club through its most successful four-year span in history?
Under Julen Lopetegui, the Hammers currently sit 14th, a sharp decline compared to three seasons of top-half finishes and consecutive European quarter-finals, along with securing the club’s first trophy in 40 years under Moyes.
In straightforward terms, what Moyes accomplished at the London Stadium effectively reached the ceiling for any club beyond the elite tier.
There were complaints about the style of play, yet the evidence of a more attractive approach under Lopetegui is absent.
In fact, it appears there is no cohesive playing strategy in place at all.
VAR’s Latest ‘Success’
Another ‘success’ for VAR was observed at Brighton on Friday, when Stockley Park took three minutes to confirm that Southampton’s Cameron Archer was onside.
This was followed by additional moments to ascertain that his teammate Adam Armstrong, who was in an offside position, interfered with play, thus negating the initial conclusion.
This extensive delay to rule out that potential winner caused the match to extend to 103 minutes.
It seems that there is little regard for the fans attending the matches.
Manchester’s Decline?
With a third of the season gone, neither Manchester club has managed to secure a place in the top four of the Premier League.
As the derby approaches this Sunday, City versus United may very well turn into a mid-table clash.
Is it possible that Manchester could miss out on Champions League football next season for the first time since the 1995-96 season, a time when England had just one club in the top tier?
A Concluded Title Race?
Cole Palmer, known for his deadpan media appearances just as much as for his impressive football talent, dismissed questions about Chelsea’s title race following their 3-0 victory over Aston Villa, which positioned them joint-second with Arsenal.
He raised a valid point; there is hardly a title race to discuss. Liverpool has it firmly locked down.
Typically, one might view the leaders’ trip to St James’ Park as a potential hazard – yet on Saturday, Eddie Howe’s squad was congratulated for a performance that saw the shot count stand at Crystal Palace 16, Newcastle 1.
Loud Announcements?
Am I simply becoming older and more grouchy – rather than just middle-aged and irritable – or are the PA systems at football venues increasingly louder and more bothersome?
Referees and Sign Language
Referees have become quite stringent regarding sign language usage.
The act of waving imaginary cards now results in actual cautions, along with gestures for VAR reviews.
Thus, why not take action against the pervasive and annoying habit of players wagging their fingers at referees after committing clear fouls?
I propose an obligatory six-match suspension or even an indefinite ban for such actions.
FA Cup Replay Controversy
The elimination of FA Cup replays sparked significant debate, as highlighted on Sunday when seventh-tier Harborough Town illustrated its importance.
A dramatic late equalizer against League One Reading should have secured them a 3-3 result, paving the way for a rematch at home and a chance in last night’s third-round draw.
Instead, they faced the less romantic outcome of elimination after conceding twice early in extra time.
Ashes Prospects
The Australians suffered defeat at home in their First Test against India, while England – showcasing a potentially formidable lineup of pace bowlers – secured a solid victory in New Zealand.
Could next year’s Ashes in Australia actually turn into a competitive series rather than the usual rout?
