Feb 12 2009
Sven Goran Eriksson Plays Down Pompey Link
Despite his announcements to the contrary, Sven Goran Eriksson remains Portsmouth’s number one target to replace the recently fired Tony Adams, as club manager. David James weighed in on the possibility of having a former England manager at the club, “Having a former England manager as manager of Portsmouth I’m sure is something that the fans would never have envisaged
“Somebody of his calibre would be a tremendous acquisition for us.”
Whereas Eriksson himself hasn’t been as excited to accommodate Pompey’s wishes, stating that he plans to see out his contract with the Mexico National Team, which runs out in 2010 after the World Cup. And I have to say that finishing his international contract would be the smartest move for Sven, because otherwise it looks really bad to have you abandon a national team on the verge of a World Cup to go somewhere else. No doubt that could come back to haunt his career somehow.
But maybe Sven should do the same sort of deal the Hiddink has with Chelsea, manage Mexico and Portsmouth, no conflict on interest, and international managers get so little time with the players that Mexico should be almost entirely unaffected. But seriously, when is Mexico even going to qualify for the knockout stages, let alone win a World Cup? Sven is just wasting his time.
In form old man Ryan Giggs signs a new one year deal with Manchester United, which will see him at the club at least until he’s almost 37, unless of course United extends his contract again next season. With Giggs incredibly fit and still in top form at 36, I wouldn’t be surprised if he had yet another season beyond next in him. The definition of living legend.
And finally, Chelsea want Carlo Ancelotti to become the permanent manager at the London club next season. Although Ancelotti denies any interest in managing the blues, and has made his intent to see his current contract through to 2010. But I don’t understand why Chelsea want him anyway. . .I understand the greatness Ancelotti exhibited in the past, but what’s he done lately? AC Milan didn’t even qualify for the Champions League last season, and their performances last time they graced Europe’s finest football competition were less than convincing.
I don’t think Ancelotti is the right man for Chelsea, and I think if he does fall victim to Abramovich’s chequebook, than Scolari won’t be the last manager to be booted out of Chelsea after only a short period in charge.
