18 Dec 2014

'I admire Liverpool': FSG's choice to replace BR confirms 'talks with LFC'. Backstabbed?

Last week, The Times claimed that Andre Villas Boas is FSG's 'shock' top choice to replace Brendan Rodgers at Anfield. Despite last night's expected victory over lower-league opposition, Rodgers remains under pressure, but is AVB actually in the frame for the Liverpool job?

When specifically asked last night about the Liverpool rumours, AVB - who is currently at Zenit St. Petersburg - told Portuguese TV channel TVI:

"I'm not the least bit interested in this. Returning to England is definitely not in my plans.

"I had talks with Liverpool, a club I admire a lot, but like I said it's not in my plans, although life takes many turns"


A few points:

* This proves that Rodgers' job really is on the line. If AVB 'had talks' with Liverpool, it clearly means that the club is actively seeking a new manager. It's no longer a rumour: it's a fact that FSG have gone behind Rodgers' back in their active bid to replace him. If I was Rodgers, I'd be worried about being blatantly backstabbed like this.

* At first glance, it seems like AVB is categorically ruling out the Liverpool, but his 'life takes many turns' proviso at the end suggests that there is a slight chance he can be persuaded to take the job.

* FSG's pursuit of AVB doesn't make sense. The group interviewed him in 2012, but went with Rodgers instead. Since that time, the Portuguese failed at Spurs, and made similar mistakes in the transfer market as Rodgers (i.e. blowing £100m+ on the wrong players), so why is he suddenly an attractive candidate now?

* Liverpool fans don't want him. I conducted a poll on the site this week asking fans whether he's a viable option to replace Rodgers: A whopping 93% of 12000 (approx) visitors voted NO to AVB. That is probably the most emphatic result of any poll conducted on this site, and it basically represents a massive vote of no-confidence.

* AVB is arguably too young for the Liverpool job. At the age of 37, he has some decent experience behind him, but in my view, his age means he'll struggle to command the respect of senior players. For example, I sincerely doubt that Gerrard will be impressed with AVB's appointment. Obviously, there are exceptions to this rule (Mourinho, for example)

* On a related note, another handicap is that - like Rodgers - AVB has zero experience as a player. For me, the only managers in their 30s capable of making an impact at big clubs are those who were legends as players. Kenny Dalglish, for example, took over at LFC in his 30s', but he instantly commanded respect due to his status as a player.

I am against the appointment of AVB; I just don't think he has what it takes to make Liverpool a consistent force in the Premier League. Additionally, if he returns, he'll be under intense pressure from the media to succeed.

The media narrative is already written: AVB failed twice in the Prem already, so this is his last chance to get it right etc. Whenever there's a bad result/or a bad patch, the media will latch onto it, and start comparing his LFC tenure to the Chelsea/Spurs failures.

It could become a self-fulfilling prophecy ('Will AVB fail again?' will inevitably become 'AVB fails again!), and Liverpool can do without that kind of ongoing media circus.

Hopefully, though, after AVB's comments about 'not being the least bit interested', FSG will cross him off the list and look elsewhere.

Author:


75 comments:

  1. I'm agree that this proves that FSG are actively looking for replacements, but there is nothing that suggests BR didn't know this. FSG very well could have warned him and inquired with AVB in the case that BR doesn't improve. I don't think "that FSG have gone behind Rodgers' back in their active bid to replace him." This proves that FSG are looking for a new manager, but not that it was without BR knowing.

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  2. Bit like when BR told Reina he was buying Mignolet then?

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  3. There's also nothing to suggest BR did know about it. I think it's more likely they went behind his back than told him ahead of time they're actively seeking a new manager. Who does that? When team is struggling, telling the manager that he's soon to be sacked (as soon as the right candidate is found), seems wildly counter-intuitive, and massively demotivating. In my view, only amateurs would proceed on such a basis.

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  4. JK to be honest IF FSG are doing this, they won't be acting out of the ordinary. Any one that's not meeting agreed expectations / targets would be in the same position in the work place. Not many bosses say to their staff "Hey, I'm gonna start interviewing or putting feelers out cause you're not doing a good enough job, is that okay with you?".

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  5. Did he say when he spoke with Liverpool? He was strongly linked with the job before Rodgers was given it. It would be interest to see the actual interview. Things can often be twisted by the press.

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  6. Elsewhere, Balo banned from the next game.

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  7. Nevergonnacrackthecode6:44 pm, December 18, 2014

    I think there is nothing wrong with this
    liverpool need contingency plans
    A club like lfc should always have back up plans ,also will give rodgers kick up the backside.


    AVB, Da Boer , Benitez, Klopp are all waiting for his job if that is not enough for him to be brave nothing is . It probably worked as he is playing Sterling up front now.

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  8. Nevergonnacrackthecode6:45 pm, December 18, 2014

    blessing in disguise
    i think it reduces risk that rodgers wont start the same front three as boremouth

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  9. Nevergonnacrackthecode6:47 pm, December 18, 2014

    I really hope AVB joins us
    he is oinly saying he aint intrested because he cannot say he wnats to leave as it puts pressure from zenit fans

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  10. Hmm. Interesting view as per usual. It must be the reason he put Sterling upfront. I can think of absolutely no other possible reason.

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  11. No, I can't hear it....I won't. The press are truly the last bastion of moral virtue in the UK today. How dare you malign these beautiful people with such vicious, unsolicited slander.

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  12. Isn't there a possibility that he's actually referring to a few years ago, and not more recently?

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  13. Nevergonnacrackthecode6:51 pm, December 18, 2014

    we have been calling for it all season i formulated millions of posts with sterling as striker on this site
    but rodgers did not want to listen now he has to try everything
    we wont tolerate wins like vs stoke we want to win playing good fast football and we cannot do that with balo or lambert up front

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  14. Earlier post now retracted with a full apology to anyone who may have been offended by my barbaric attack on the press.

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  15. That stupid Insta post..

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  16. Damn, a joke people, a joke...

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  17. Nevergonnacrackthecode6:52 pm, December 18, 2014

    stupid political corectness britain
    hate thsi country

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  18. Who asked you anything?
    F off

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  19. I know, I've seen a million of those posts. You may not have noticed but I asked a few times if could easy up on the pick and mix formations.

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  20. Yea freedom is such a bummer

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  21. That was my first thought when I read this.

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  22. Nevergonnacrackthecode6:56 pm, December 18, 2014

    there have been speculation fsg have been asking other managers informal interviews at thsi stage
    co incidence da boers brother talks about teh job?

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  23. Eloquently put. A reasoned response.

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  24. Nevergonnacrackthecode7:03 pm, December 18, 2014

    Rodgers hopefully can get Sterling playing like Messi did when Guardiola moved him out wide
    Sterling,Coutinho and Lallana yesterday reminded me of Messi,Iniesta and Xavi in terms of the way they play but i beleive they can reach that potential if they stay at lfc
    i think we have our david villa , in Sturridge . And our Pedro in Ibe , our Busquets in Can




    Now we need to look for our Valdes and Poyul

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  25. I don't even know where to begin. To sum it up, can't even stop laughing.

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  26. Nevergonnacrackthecode7:09 pm, December 18, 2014

    liek this:
    ........Ibe/Markovic............Sterling.............Sturridge /Origi
    .................................Coutinho........Lallana
    .....................................Can/Henderson
    Moreno...........Lovren/Sakho .........Our poyul....Manquillo
    .........................................Our valdes


    we could be new barca of 2011

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  27. AVB was referring to the interview he had with Liverpool before BR took over. I don't know how long can FSG stick to BR. Bad run of results in Dec should be enough to sack him. I don't want new manager to talk about transition next season. He should be take over in January itself so that he knows exactly who he wants to buy or sell next summer. FSG need to act soon.

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  28. Trying too hard bro

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  29. Didn't you forgot to include SOMEONE?

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  30. Nevergonnacrackthecode7:12 pm, December 18, 2014

    who

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  31. How dare you name Lallana in place of Xavi when we have the WELSH XAVI!

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  32. Nevergonnacrackthecode7:15 pm, December 18, 2014

    Allen is the welsh jay spearing
    coutinho is brazillain xavi
    lallana english iniesta

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  33. RIP Sarcasm.
    (Sorry JK for using txt )

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  34. Spot on, I Believe BR will get the sack sooner rather than later and you have a strong point regarding the appointment of next manager before the end of the season

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  35. If FSG have lost faith in Rodgers, Klopp or frank de boer are the only suitable candiates for the LFC job other than giardiola that would be a dream i dont want AVB id rather have Rodgers.

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  36. For some strange reasons...i don't want Klopp

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  37. No strange, the team lies 16th in BuLi

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  38. Nevergonnacrackthecode7:28 pm, December 18, 2014

    avb said that hsi signings at spurs were actually levys then baldinis he wanted moutinho willain daimao etc but spurs would not sanction it
    and being sacked by chelsea is nothing to be ashamed of

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  39. Suddenly...am allergic to any manager who has defensive issues.

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  40. Have you noticed Rafa was only the second Chelsea manager after Hiddink NOT to be sacked? Respect!

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  41. Nevergonnacrackthecode7:32 pm, December 18, 2014

    The Uruguayan has vented his frustration about a lack of quality at the club, who lie 15th in the Premier League table.

    "I am a head coach," Poyet told reporters.

    "I am not going to be a head coach when it suits and a manager when it doesn't. That side is down to recruitment."









    this happen to Poyet and also and AVB saying that he did not buy shows one thing


    MMAYBE THE COMMITTEE BOUGHT THE PLAYERS AND NOT RODGERS AND THE COMMITTEE IS FORCING HIM TO TAKE THE BALME

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  42. How do you know that he's referring to a past interview? Where is your evidence for that?

    He states that he has no interest in the job , and that it's 'not in his plans' (i.e. future plans), so he's referring to the current rumour linking him with the LFC job.

    As such, it's more probable that he talked to LFC recently, and that he's not referring to 2012. If he was, I'm sure he'd say 'I had talks with Liverpool two years ago', or something to that effect.

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  43. Last I checked, they were asked questions by the press and they answered them politically.


    They never said they had direct or indirect discussions with the owners of LFC.


    Though if you have read something different that is more specific to the current job where they state an interest, I'd hope you post it here for all to read and clarify their stance on the situation.

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  44. it would be naive of rodgers or anyone else to think that recruitment in any results based industry isnt an on going concern,If results are poor im sure rodgers understands that fsg as a business have a right sound out the availability possible successors if results fail

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  45. it sounds to muck like plop

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  46. You must have a runny nose on the weekends quite too often lately;-)

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  47. Equally argumentative, how do you know he's NOT referring to a past interview? Where's your evidence for that?

    I think it's very ambiguous in terms of timing.


    The only clear thing here is that he spoke with the owners.


    But we don't know if he's referencing a conversation last week, last month, or two years ago. And the only time we do know that he spoke with the owners is when the position was vacant two years ago.

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  48. I think its quite obvious. He stated that he is not interested in going back to England...so why would he talk to any club? And if he had talks than he must be interested. In such case...he shouldn't speak negative things like 'least interested'..if he wants to be considered for the job. Am quite sure that he was referring to the old interview.

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  49. Welsh Jay Spearing....lol. I liked Spearing for his work ethic and love for the club. Nice to see him captaining Bolton and is one their best players.

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  50. im unsure what the hu ha is about rodgers is a manager nothing more nothing less his paymasters have every right to protect there interests its not like rodgers is in a vocation working for peanuts he is on a lottery win wage and will get another lottery win if he is sacked ,perhaps if he gives all his severance pay to charity ( zero chance ) ill show even a smidgon of concern until then deal with it your a big boy

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  51. I too cannot believe that an interview in Russia conducted by a Portuguese reporter and then translated by the Great British press could be anything other than 100% reliable

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  52. They;ll be giving women the vote next thing you know

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  53. As I said after the 1st Basel game, BR was on borrowed time and no one believed me. No surprise that FSG are looking for a replacement. That's the good news.

    The bad news FSG keep on trying to get a manager that worked or was schooled by Mourinho at some stage of their development as managers. So far none of these managers seems to have the ability to read Mourinho's moves (especially when Chelsea play against us).

    In general I believe we need an experienced Champions League manager who can attract world class players. Klopp is one of them, Frank de Boer, Rudi Garcia, Diego Simeone as well. BR is a good man but not the right manager for LFC. Last season we lost the title because he flinched...

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  54. It was an interview with a Portuguese TV channel, in Portuguese. The fact it took place in Russia is utterly irrelevant. Plus, Portuguese football expert Tom Kundert (who speaks Portuguese, and writes for various newspapers) watched the interview, and transcribed it exactly as it has been reported:

    https://twitter.com/Portu_Goal/status/545192935051243520

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  55. I don't see how looking for another manager is backstabbing? It's a standard business practice.

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  56. As noted in my previous post, there's arguably a higher probability that he's referring to the present than the past, as everything else in his statement refers to current speculation about the job. He specifically rules himself out of the job *now*, so why would he bring up something from two years ago?

    Re your last line: using your logic - how do you know that, two years ago, AVB was speaking about the present, and not some point in the past (i.e. prior to 2012)

    Also, I don't recall any public comment from AVB in 2012 confirming talks with LFC, so how do you even know he actually spoke with this club?

    In this case, he has admitted speaking to LFC, and he's done so when there's rampant *present* speculation that he's in line to replace BR.

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  57. It's the time we live in. 25 years ago a manager in positions to get sacked would had resigned the next morning. Today, they wait until they get sacked so they keep on getting paid the next 4-5 years... BR is 1000% sure he will get sacked very soon. But he is just waiting for the call from his agent :)... Can't remember the last time a manager resigned.

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  58. Nevergonnacrackthecode8:24 pm, December 18, 2014

    i love lfc so much ]even more then family

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  59. http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/andre-villasboas-reveals-he-was-approached-by-liverpool-before-joining-tottenham-9930922.html

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  60. First, I don't think AVB has or had a snowballs chance in hell to get this job. If so, FSG are truly are worrisome if that idea is emblematic of their thinking.
    Second, I don't agree that LFC having talks with any other manager candidate is backstabbing. Any business, large or small, HAS TO start testing candidates for interest and compatibility. Waiting until after you let someone go is purely idiotic and would cause huge disruptions to any ongoing business. Besides, the 'talks' are not much more than allegations. But even if they were fact, it's naïve to call them backstabbing. In the immortal words of Vito Cordeleon, 'it's not personal, it's business.'

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  61. I posted a link that's awaiting moderation approval, but it clearly states (in the headline nonetheless) that AVB confirms it himself that he was approached by Liverpool before joining Tottenham.

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  62. Thank you! That's pretty much what I said, backstabbing is miss used word in this article.

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  63. Sorry I did not realise it had been on twitter it must be true then ;-/


    Although looking again it sounds very much in the past tense to me. Had he said "I HAVE had talks"... I might think differently

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  64. Andre Villas Boas flopped at Spurs and Chelsea.He made similar transfer market mistakes to BR as the article stated.A worryingly bad option if our interest is current and serious.

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  65. That will never get through moderation. I'll be shocked it if does,

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  66. You worry me at times. Deep breaths lad.

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  67. I agree with you, though I believe in olden days, Managers resigned in "Mutual understanding", which means the financials are negotiated. Often sacked employees want to get a one time settlement so that there is no bindings.


    I believe, BR categorically is aware that FSG is looking for a suitable replacement, FSG also knows exactly what 'll be the settlement cost.

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  68. Coutinho will be the Brazilian Spearing if he doesn't buck his blinking ideas up!!

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  69. We lost the title last year because of our tragic defence conceding too many goals ..... it looks as though we are going to miss out on everything this season for the same reason

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  70. He didn't say he had held talks with them recently, just that they held talks which is no secret. For FSG to approach AVB they would need Zenit's permission to talk to him and there's been no mention of that. Without Zenit's permission would mean both AVB and Liverpool would be breaching the rules so why would AVB tie the noose for his own neck by openly talking about it? I think it's far more likely that he was saying that they held talks in 2012 and some journalist has quoted him out of context to create a story

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  71. Actually, before that, we should look for our Guardiola first.


    If a Manager can't fix his defense in 2 & half years with 60mn+ plus spending (& off loading 2 players named Reina & Agger), I don't think forward line is our first priority.

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  72. If FSG appoint AVB then I will lose a lot of faith in them. Surely, they have enough brains to know that stepping side-ways will completely make a mockery of sacking Rodgers!?

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  73. You can search it. London Evening Standard, AVB Liverpool. It'll be there.

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