On Wednesday 1st April 2015 Natalie Pirks conducted an fabulous interview for BBC Television; even she could not believe the footage she and her colleagues were capturing in the can with her brilliantly executed probing questions with Raheem Sterling. As many of you regular followers of my blog will know, I am not a Liverpool fan but I was more than a little concerned by footage I observed that evening. So much was said at the time, I decided to keep my counsel before uttering my own views on what has proved to be a most fascinating insight into the world of Raheem Stirling.
I am going to be frank and honest, a little more than normal because I personally identified with Raheem in this interview. This was a huge interview because very few of us have heard this young man speak before, Had this conversation taken place on-stage as part of a question and answer session at one of the many football dinners I have attended, much of the detail might have been lost in translation. But this interchange happened on the BBC and that changes everything. All Professional footballers, especially Premiership ones, like elite performers are nowadays briefed at some point in their development on how to deal with their media, warned about the pitfalls of their conduct, their associations, pastimes etc. Simply because their every move and utterance is consumed by an obsessive global audience that is served by equally ravenous media outlets that employs pundits by the truck-load to pour over and endlessly debate trivia beyond objective comprehension. Until I subscribed to Sky Sports in the 1990s, the only match that required a measured one hour build up dissecting the personalities of the field of play and their tactics coupled with their rituals was the F.A. Cup Final! Extended debate is now a rite of passage, just check the thousands of forums that are exhausting keep up with and that's before you get to The Maestro Talks Football. My point is that Mr Sterling in taking on this interview should have been better prepared. Having said all of that, we have for once a real gem courtesy of the brilliant and beautiful (in that order chaps!) journalist Natalie Pirks.
Liverpool Football Club is a run superbly by Ian Ayre and backed stupendously by the no nonsense John W Henry. He is the perfect owner; he says nothing but when something needs to be said, his voice sounds...loud and clear (take note Mike Ashley!) No club statements are required, he opens his savvy mouth and tells it as it damn well is! When he said Suarez was not going to be sold back in the summer of 2013, no-one disbelieved him; the story was dead in the water. He will also have noted that Sterling stated that he would have happily signed last season for significantly less money at the end of last season when the team were flying...with Suarez and Sturridge conquering all before them, How very interesting that with £100,000-a-week on offer, he suddenly 'wants to concentrate on winning things for Liverpool.' instead of taking the deal and focussing on that unique footballing education that Anfield provides. Somewhere along the way, he or his advisors have convinced him that like a poker player, his status has assumed greater significance in the absence of Suarez, an injured Sturridge and a departing Steven Gerrard and his stock is worth the waiting game. Is he right? The simple answer is No!
Potential is a loaded word, and history will tell us that a great many players with a trolley load of it failed miserably. Ex-Cobbler Sean Dyche, who sadly failed to keep Burnley in the Premier League this season, had expressed shock earlier in the season at the wages being demanded by unproven teenagers and their parents in Youth Football. Raheem Sterling was a lone success story for England at last year's World Cup but the brutal truth is unlike Pele, Maradona and Cruyff his ability did not single-handedly drag England through to the knock-out stages, nor did Liverpool actually win the Premier League. Football at the high table is defined by small margins. Gareth Bale scored the winning goal in the Champions League Final last May when the deadlock needed to be broken in extra time; but note how he was savaged for his abject display last week against Juventus. He may yet rescue the tie for his club this week and retain the trophy in early June - something no team has achieved in the Champions League; then history will confirm his status forever more! Steven Gerrard is being discussed as the greatest Liverpool player ever because he dragged an average Liverpool team back from 3-0 down to lift the trophy in 2005. Raheem Sterling is not the finished article, nor has he convinced anyone that he might be, otherwise he would have made it 2-1 against Ludogorets Razgrad back in November before being substituted and Liverpool would have stayed in the Champions League or with a burst of brilliance might have created an assist or a goal that would have Liverpool challenging for the Europa Cup later this month or simply smashed Aston Villa at Wembley in that semi-final to set up a fixture with Arsenal for Mr Gerrard's birthday departure; but he hasn't achieved anything.
Liverpool Football Club are a loyal, nurturing football club. Listening to Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports and reading his columns, his insights on Liverpool life are invaluable. Sometime ago, he pointed out in one of his newspaper pieces that improving Liverpool players have their contracts reviewed regularly and improved quietly behind closed doors without outward utterances or fanfare. One simple fact that I discovered within seconds of being engaged for my debut on the Professional stage is that P.R. is a huge but invisible business. Watching a documentary about the political preparations (or lack of) by 'pub landlord' Al Murray to contest the Thanet seat opposite Nigel Farage revealed the exhausting complexities of nurturing and winning public votes. The image that football people want to promote to us humble but significant supporters is a big deal. I personally blame Liverpool Football Club for allowing the story about Raheem's contract to gain any publicity; a Ferguson-led Manchester United always kept such details in-house; Liverpool should have snuffed the story. Whilst it was refreshing to hear the young man naively conduct this rare interview, he should never have felt vulnerable, in the first place, to feel the need to speak out. I also blame his agent Aidy Ward. Ward is also the agent of talented Baggies striker Saido Berahino, another player who has angered his bosses by giving unsolicited interviews to media outlets about 'contracts and future ambitions'; Sterling needs this like a hole in the head! As I said before, if he merited a rise, the Liverpool way would have been to get it done; and keep quiet.
So, does this all matter? The simple answer is yes because since the interview and all that has followed, on the football pitch where it really matters, Sterling has been woeful. He has missed easy chances, his potency has dropped, Liverpool are, as I said earlier, not contesting the Final of the F.A. Cup, and most significantly will not qualify for the Champions League next year. That quite simply is what he will be judged on come the end of the season; by everyone - results. The side-show has ultimately been destructive to himself and his employers - quite simply that is very bad for business.
Brendan Rodgers is a well-respected manager and should be allowed to continue in his role at Liverpool just as David Moyes should still be the manager of Manchester United - but that's another blog! Life though can sometimes become complicated unnecessarily, I sincerely hope that the organisation at Anfield, stand firm back their manager, despite his lack of trophy success and cut Raheem Sterling, and his colleagues, some slack. The environmental stability to reflect, recharge and return next season with an intensity to succeed is a necessary dynamic because the true reality is that Liverpool are not that far from where they need to be. Romantic nostalgic notions, reputations and pedigree have very little currency in the modern world game; you either succeed or you fail. The Premier League is now bursting with well-run clubs, with great potential match-winners amongst their playing staff. By exposing himself to the media glare, he has to hit the turf in August at high tempo, be productive next season and lift silverware or he will be sold to another football club - the sand of allowances, at least publicly, in his egg-timer have ruthlessly run dry. The world's vultures wait for no-one any more, as Nigel Farage, Ed Milliband and Nick Clegg have discovered this week - nearly is now viewed as a costly mistake.
Sunday 10 May 2015
Tuesday 10 March 2015
Pressure is Cranking Up!
The business period of the domestic football season is upon us; twists and turns, sackings and appointments. Cup upsets have been and gone and now it's the fight for promotion, survival or qualification for Europe. Only those experiencing mid-table boredom are free from attacking the drinks cabinet. From Premiership to League 2, it's a proper scrap and no-one is daring to predict the outcome.
The great Manchester United, masters of the big stage in British football were truly found out in the F.A. Cup by a fluent and eager Arsenal side containing recent discard Danny Wellbeck; who scored the winning goal. The fact that Wellbeck, a player Van Gaal confidently suggested could not score enough goals, executed a crucial one to extinguish his former employers, mentors and heroes (we might be forgiven for saying family because that is what United meant to him) until they dumped him at the Emirates for a measly £16 million bargain. British football has entered a brand new era; the history books will read that Manchester United failed to secure silverware for the second season in a row. At least David Moyes was able to lift the Charity Shield! Watching the entire game on Terrestrial BBC Television, somehow felt properly old-fashioned and free to all without betting adverts bombarding us for a change! The job for Van Gaal though is now critical, philosophy or not the next 5 fixtures locking horns with rejuvinated opponents will surely define his and United's season in ruthless fashion: Spurs, Liverpool, Villa, Manchester City and Chelsea await and the world is watching, Corporate Manchester United is holding it's breath, if not already calling the Samaritans. There really is no more to add, let's wait and see!
So, Chelsea won their first trophy under Mourinho at Wembley, at a canter. It came as no surprise that the clinical juggernaut would roll them over the line and very few of us are looking anywhere else for the winners of the title race, in truth. As it happens, Chelsea have stuttered but so too have their rivals. The true examination of high-end quality at the Bridge comes when they line up against Paris St Germain. So much hinges on this, not least the racial dynamics following incidents on the Paris metro with a certain French commuter of colour. Chelsea have to get all aspects of this game right; on the pitch, the diplomatic front and in the stands; the responsibility of football's morals suddenly sits on their shoulders. But, in reality, it should be a straightforward victory, with the said gentleman being given the treatment of a royal dignitary and sterner tests await in later rounds. This is a trophy Chelsea quietly want to win; and be seen to be winning with all the integrity of European giants. Failure would invite ridicule given the financial investment afforded to Mourinho - many here and abroad especially in Madrid are following closely.
Manchester City have endured a wretched time recently. The artists of Catalonia beat them with such a gulf in class, one had to be reminded that it was a competitive Champions League fixture; viewing was frankly painful. For all his bravado, Pellegrini is fooling no-one with his sound-bytes about being still in the tie; quite simply they are not. Losing at Anfield to the ever improving Liverpool was a double blow and Pellegrini knows it. I feel that his season ended the moment the team chose to return late on Friday night following their warm weather break in the Far East, before losing to my team Middlesbrough at home the following afternoon. I find it inconceivable that Mourinho, Wenger or Ferguson would have made that error and then try to dress it up as trivial nonsense. It is upon such small details that titles are won or thrown away ask Kevin Keegan.
Liverpool are, despite losing Luis Suarez, a realistic proposition for the top four. Their victory over Manchester City was conclusive and Phillipe Coutinho, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling alongside a refreshed Daniel Sturridge are starting to look the part, with each league match. Sadly, they failed to progress in the Europa Cup and also have made heavy work of attempting to beat Blackburn Rovers in the F.A. Cup but one senses that the gathering of experience for future battles is the intention for the club. Improvement is being plotted very carefully and the strategy is quietly effective. How Manchester United must wish that Ian Ayre and not bungling Ed Woodward was their Chief Executive! Steven Gerrard leaves at the conclusion of this season and everyone is hoping that he does with F.A. Cup trophy raised aloft on his birthday at Wembley. Regarding his departure, sentiment had to be second to sound reasoning and a move to America is the best outcome for everyone, will it be with THAT winners medal?
Arsenal remind me of a few thrifty acquaintances that are one step away from really enjoying life to the full if only they would open their wallets and spend some cash! Arsene Wenger is without doubt a very smart man; his press conferences are akin to high level university lectures. He talks a great game, is highly respected etc but now the bar in world club football has been raised and he needs a squad that can compete at the highest level. The victory at the Theatre of Dreams was significant psychologically but the capitulation of the team against Monaco was pitiful, being bullied and out-thought by players such as Dimitar Berbatov did hurt Gunners fans everywhere and watching neutrals. With the belief of momentum begun in Manchester, Arsenal unlike Manchester City do have the ammunition to overturn this fixture. Arsene the academic lives and breathes football for this type of challenge, so expect a robust rearguard action and for Giroud to find his shooting boots with Walcott, Cazorla and Sanchez as his assistants. The Gunners traditionally reveal a soft under-belly around this period of the football calendar but this season, following that timely F.A. Cup boost, a fiercely competitive run-in could become reality.
I want to say that Tottenham will be in the conversation for Champions League football, with Harry Kane scoring for fun and Pochettino running the show but somehow, they just lack the extra ounce of quality to unlock the golden gate to an elite existence. Despite that, their progress this season has been resolute and I expect them to be realistic challengers for the top 4 next season if they fail this time around; as I suspect they will.
I also want to include Southampton in the mix but even with the excellent Ronald Koeman at the helm, something steely, resolute and creative is lacking from their fighting artillery. A Europa place would be a deserved achievement given the negativity that pervaded the air around St Mary's following the huge number of high marquee players leaving last summer. The bottom line is very healthy and the business model is looking a great deal smarter than many of us were predicting but to become and stay a top 6 side they cannot afford another exodus of players.
Mid-table obscurity has been well earned by Stoke and especially West Ham whose manager Sam Allardyce has been nothing short of brilliant - but don't ask the West Ham board to agree with me! Forget playing the West Ham way, forget the romanticism of 'I'm forever blowing bubbles,' if big Sam leaves their expansive football may return but, mark my words, they will drop back to the Championship once again. The Hammers must learn to be careful what they wish for; occupation of that Olympic stadium is getting closer. Gold and Sullivan need to say to Allardyce "Same again Sam, carry on as before. We'll back you!" Otherwise they too will be hoping to appoint Tony Pulis next January for a crash course in survival!
Down at the bottom, the battle for survival is terrifyingly close. Logic suggests that the three sides that came up will return, but my heart wants to disagree strongly. Burnley have learned the ability to compete and roll the dice; it may land in their favour - fortune does favour the brave. Leicester sadly need a cool head on the touch-line and Nigel Pearson has, for me, cracked too many times under pressure and the business end of the season will like nothing he has experienced so far. As for Q.P.R. they just seem to be a couple of notches below the required level in too many departments to survive. I sense that Harry, despite his obvious talent as a motivator is fighting a losing battle. Although I am yet to be convinced by Tim Sherwood as a manager, Aston Villa will stay up as well as Roberto Martinez and Everton. Both managers have a huge task next season especially Martinez whose players simply did not do the business for him. Lukaku simply hasn't delivered enough times for his club and his lack of goals has created tremendous pressure on the rest of the team and sadly challenged the belief system of a very talented and capable squad. On the other hand, Sherwood has to deal with the passengers amongst his playing staff, discard them, re-invigorate them, fine-tune the squad for next season otherwise the Villa will be looking on from the Championship next time around. Hull will always scrape by, but Steve Bruce has an excellent and hard-working squad that deserve to survive and continue to empower the people of Humberside. Further up the coast, Sunderland despite such an array of talent always seem to be one step away from a disaster; Gus Poyet is an excellent manager but like Nigel Pearson, he is developing a talent for self-destruction that he needs to swiftly discard, or he and the Wearsiders could be overtaken by Burnley.
My team Middlesbrough are involved in a tight battle for the top spot with Bournmouth, Derby, Ipswich, Norwich, Watford and Brentford all seperated by 5 points! An impressive group of very slick units marshalled by fabulous managers with excellent play-makers and goal scorers. Because all the top sides are playing one another, the scenario should become clearer by mid-April, but I am ever hopeful for the 'Boro, with their impressive manager Aitor Karanka; a man who everyone is becominging evermore aware that he was Mourinho's assistant at Real Madrid. His quiet but confident efficiency has impressed many and ultimately the big stage of Premier League football will be richer for his presence. Let's be frank, the top league will benefit greatly with any of those managers are striving for glory.
The money pouring into Premier League has made the pursuit of success a desperate cause for some clubs. Greed is beginning to overtake the considered view and one senses that could be a defining moment for a club as they edge towards and ultimately down the trap-door. Although the game we love and adore is a ruthless business, somehow it has retained it's excitement as a spectacle for us the watching fans. One hopes that the substance continues to be given due consideration though because it must be noted that despite that much desired finance, our best teams seem to be getting found out more and more by middle ground European teams at the high table. Let's hope that is a blip and that the greats of Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea can rise again to roar our British presence (cue the music for 'Land of Hope and Glory!') against the best of the rest. Closer to home, it's 'squeaky bum' time as a certain Scotsman used to say! Come on!!
The great Manchester United, masters of the big stage in British football were truly found out in the F.A. Cup by a fluent and eager Arsenal side containing recent discard Danny Wellbeck; who scored the winning goal. The fact that Wellbeck, a player Van Gaal confidently suggested could not score enough goals, executed a crucial one to extinguish his former employers, mentors and heroes (we might be forgiven for saying family because that is what United meant to him) until they dumped him at the Emirates for a measly £16 million bargain. British football has entered a brand new era; the history books will read that Manchester United failed to secure silverware for the second season in a row. At least David Moyes was able to lift the Charity Shield! Watching the entire game on Terrestrial BBC Television, somehow felt properly old-fashioned and free to all without betting adverts bombarding us for a change! The job for Van Gaal though is now critical, philosophy or not the next 5 fixtures locking horns with rejuvinated opponents will surely define his and United's season in ruthless fashion: Spurs, Liverpool, Villa, Manchester City and Chelsea await and the world is watching, Corporate Manchester United is holding it's breath, if not already calling the Samaritans. There really is no more to add, let's wait and see!
So, Chelsea won their first trophy under Mourinho at Wembley, at a canter. It came as no surprise that the clinical juggernaut would roll them over the line and very few of us are looking anywhere else for the winners of the title race, in truth. As it happens, Chelsea have stuttered but so too have their rivals. The true examination of high-end quality at the Bridge comes when they line up against Paris St Germain. So much hinges on this, not least the racial dynamics following incidents on the Paris metro with a certain French commuter of colour. Chelsea have to get all aspects of this game right; on the pitch, the diplomatic front and in the stands; the responsibility of football's morals suddenly sits on their shoulders. But, in reality, it should be a straightforward victory, with the said gentleman being given the treatment of a royal dignitary and sterner tests await in later rounds. This is a trophy Chelsea quietly want to win; and be seen to be winning with all the integrity of European giants. Failure would invite ridicule given the financial investment afforded to Mourinho - many here and abroad especially in Madrid are following closely.
Manchester City have endured a wretched time recently. The artists of Catalonia beat them with such a gulf in class, one had to be reminded that it was a competitive Champions League fixture; viewing was frankly painful. For all his bravado, Pellegrini is fooling no-one with his sound-bytes about being still in the tie; quite simply they are not. Losing at Anfield to the ever improving Liverpool was a double blow and Pellegrini knows it. I feel that his season ended the moment the team chose to return late on Friday night following their warm weather break in the Far East, before losing to my team Middlesbrough at home the following afternoon. I find it inconceivable that Mourinho, Wenger or Ferguson would have made that error and then try to dress it up as trivial nonsense. It is upon such small details that titles are won or thrown away ask Kevin Keegan.
Liverpool are, despite losing Luis Suarez, a realistic proposition for the top four. Their victory over Manchester City was conclusive and Phillipe Coutinho, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling alongside a refreshed Daniel Sturridge are starting to look the part, with each league match. Sadly, they failed to progress in the Europa Cup and also have made heavy work of attempting to beat Blackburn Rovers in the F.A. Cup but one senses that the gathering of experience for future battles is the intention for the club. Improvement is being plotted very carefully and the strategy is quietly effective. How Manchester United must wish that Ian Ayre and not bungling Ed Woodward was their Chief Executive! Steven Gerrard leaves at the conclusion of this season and everyone is hoping that he does with F.A. Cup trophy raised aloft on his birthday at Wembley. Regarding his departure, sentiment had to be second to sound reasoning and a move to America is the best outcome for everyone, will it be with THAT winners medal?
Arsenal remind me of a few thrifty acquaintances that are one step away from really enjoying life to the full if only they would open their wallets and spend some cash! Arsene Wenger is without doubt a very smart man; his press conferences are akin to high level university lectures. He talks a great game, is highly respected etc but now the bar in world club football has been raised and he needs a squad that can compete at the highest level. The victory at the Theatre of Dreams was significant psychologically but the capitulation of the team against Monaco was pitiful, being bullied and out-thought by players such as Dimitar Berbatov did hurt Gunners fans everywhere and watching neutrals. With the belief of momentum begun in Manchester, Arsenal unlike Manchester City do have the ammunition to overturn this fixture. Arsene the academic lives and breathes football for this type of challenge, so expect a robust rearguard action and for Giroud to find his shooting boots with Walcott, Cazorla and Sanchez as his assistants. The Gunners traditionally reveal a soft under-belly around this period of the football calendar but this season, following that timely F.A. Cup boost, a fiercely competitive run-in could become reality.
I want to say that Tottenham will be in the conversation for Champions League football, with Harry Kane scoring for fun and Pochettino running the show but somehow, they just lack the extra ounce of quality to unlock the golden gate to an elite existence. Despite that, their progress this season has been resolute and I expect them to be realistic challengers for the top 4 next season if they fail this time around; as I suspect they will.
I also want to include Southampton in the mix but even with the excellent Ronald Koeman at the helm, something steely, resolute and creative is lacking from their fighting artillery. A Europa place would be a deserved achievement given the negativity that pervaded the air around St Mary's following the huge number of high marquee players leaving last summer. The bottom line is very healthy and the business model is looking a great deal smarter than many of us were predicting but to become and stay a top 6 side they cannot afford another exodus of players.
Mid-table obscurity has been well earned by Stoke and especially West Ham whose manager Sam Allardyce has been nothing short of brilliant - but don't ask the West Ham board to agree with me! Forget playing the West Ham way, forget the romanticism of 'I'm forever blowing bubbles,' if big Sam leaves their expansive football may return but, mark my words, they will drop back to the Championship once again. The Hammers must learn to be careful what they wish for; occupation of that Olympic stadium is getting closer. Gold and Sullivan need to say to Allardyce "Same again Sam, carry on as before. We'll back you!" Otherwise they too will be hoping to appoint Tony Pulis next January for a crash course in survival!
Down at the bottom, the battle for survival is terrifyingly close. Logic suggests that the three sides that came up will return, but my heart wants to disagree strongly. Burnley have learned the ability to compete and roll the dice; it may land in their favour - fortune does favour the brave. Leicester sadly need a cool head on the touch-line and Nigel Pearson has, for me, cracked too many times under pressure and the business end of the season will like nothing he has experienced so far. As for Q.P.R. they just seem to be a couple of notches below the required level in too many departments to survive. I sense that Harry, despite his obvious talent as a motivator is fighting a losing battle. Although I am yet to be convinced by Tim Sherwood as a manager, Aston Villa will stay up as well as Roberto Martinez and Everton. Both managers have a huge task next season especially Martinez whose players simply did not do the business for him. Lukaku simply hasn't delivered enough times for his club and his lack of goals has created tremendous pressure on the rest of the team and sadly challenged the belief system of a very talented and capable squad. On the other hand, Sherwood has to deal with the passengers amongst his playing staff, discard them, re-invigorate them, fine-tune the squad for next season otherwise the Villa will be looking on from the Championship next time around. Hull will always scrape by, but Steve Bruce has an excellent and hard-working squad that deserve to survive and continue to empower the people of Humberside. Further up the coast, Sunderland despite such an array of talent always seem to be one step away from a disaster; Gus Poyet is an excellent manager but like Nigel Pearson, he is developing a talent for self-destruction that he needs to swiftly discard, or he and the Wearsiders could be overtaken by Burnley.
My team Middlesbrough are involved in a tight battle for the top spot with Bournmouth, Derby, Ipswich, Norwich, Watford and Brentford all seperated by 5 points! An impressive group of very slick units marshalled by fabulous managers with excellent play-makers and goal scorers. Because all the top sides are playing one another, the scenario should become clearer by mid-April, but I am ever hopeful for the 'Boro, with their impressive manager Aitor Karanka; a man who everyone is becominging evermore aware that he was Mourinho's assistant at Real Madrid. His quiet but confident efficiency has impressed many and ultimately the big stage of Premier League football will be richer for his presence. Let's be frank, the top league will benefit greatly with any of those managers are striving for glory.
The money pouring into Premier League has made the pursuit of success a desperate cause for some clubs. Greed is beginning to overtake the considered view and one senses that could be a defining moment for a club as they edge towards and ultimately down the trap-door. Although the game we love and adore is a ruthless business, somehow it has retained it's excitement as a spectacle for us the watching fans. One hopes that the substance continues to be given due consideration though because it must be noted that despite that much desired finance, our best teams seem to be getting found out more and more by middle ground European teams at the high table. Let's hope that is a blip and that the greats of Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea can rise again to roar our British presence (cue the music for 'Land of Hope and Glory!') against the best of the rest. Closer to home, it's 'squeaky bum' time as a certain Scotsman used to say! Come on!!
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