With news circulating about AVB being the one to take charge (now favourite to manage us http://www.oddschecker.com/football/football-specials/liverpool-specials/next-permanent-manager) I was thinking about the Pros and Cons of him, from what we know already. One of the things I've been hearing over the past few days as a negative for AVB was his disciplinarian stance to management, and how he would ensure players were punctual to training as well as that the players celebrate with him after each goal (the latter point is obviously bull****). But it got me thinking, isn't this a positive point? I think it's very important for a manager to be seen as a boss not "one of the lads". I think a problem Dalglish had was that he could be too nice to players when what they needed was a huge rocket up their arse and some time on the bench *cough* Downing *cough*. Players should know their place (something Terry and Lamps etc were not comfortable with) and that way the team can work as a well oiled machine. I also heard this is the same for SAF, he is bloody strict and the players are actually afraid of him, but at the same time he commands respect from them and will dish out praise where deserved. Rafa was the same too and would isolate players who wouldnt try and took their place for granted yet would persevere with hidden gems like Lucas. I think this kind of approach is needed and players need to be kept on their toes and not take a starting position for granted. So, as regards AVB, if one of his attributes is discipline (but not to the Capello levels of displaying zero emotion) then I say that is a positive not a negative. What do you guys reckon? Pro or con?
I agree. I don't see there being any problems with being a strict manager as long as it's not too OTT. Rafa was the perfect example because he was never friendly with his players but he gave them all the time in the world to help improve them and if they gave him the respect and put in the effort. I read an interview with AVB and he does impress me with his tactical knowledge. He likes the 4-3-3 formation and it's rumoured that Pep Segura is a fan of the same formation (Liverpool youth employ the 4-2-3-1 formation which Pep would like to change).
At least he is a manager and has an idea as to how a whole club should be run. I would prefer this to the first team coach method that some use.
I agree in the right circumstances. Fergies team (now the 4-5th one lol) has grown up with him & his strict style : new additions saw a culture of deference & respect & while a few have challenged it, largely in the long run they joined the mob so to speak. AVB's problem at Chelsea was you had a group of players many the same age as him, who have outlasted 4+ managers already, they are on first name basis with the Owner who discards managers like out of date milk. That approach was never ever going to work. Just look at Lukaku: 19 saw the arrogance of Terry et al & has copied it. AVB might make it work at LFC if he adapts it ever do slightly with the likes of Gerrard, Reina & Carragher but then you would expect these 3 senior players to setting a good example anyway!
A manager his age, and of any age in fact, is damn right in making players turn up on time. It's just basic, you have to respect the rules whether you're worth £50M or 50p.
