Paulo Sousa

[The Casual Connoisseur]

I have just watched him as the guest panalist on skys football league show and was extremely impressed with his passion and theories on the English game.

He talked about how he and a few other managers are instigating different playing systems in the English league and how he would love to stay in England and work his long term plan to fruition, this of course got me thinking about what a manager like Sousa could do with a fanbase, chairman and nucleus of a decent squad like ours?

I am not saying that now is the right time to change, (although we couldn't do much worse) and after backing Keith in the transfer window I am sure there is zero chance of that happening but when the seasons over, he MUST be approached......surely?

[Andy082005]

I wouldn't mind him here. Certainly played his part in making Swansea the footballing side they are along with Martinez

[Sargent Pepper]

I was thinking this when reading the Swansea thread. He would implement the change many on there were calling for, but as I said elsewhere many wouldn't have the patience to either let him build it or even during games when we pass sideways.

[Olé]

At Benfica from 15, in the first team from 17, won us a league title aged 20, legendary status for going in goal after a red card at just 21 and helped win a match, went on to be the first player to win back to back Champions Leagues with different teams, won a Serie A player of the season... so yeah that would be good. Even if he got a rep at Swansea for bore draws.

[demet78]

personally not for me i know we are being served up total dross at the minute but from what i have seen from his teams so far its not very enjoyable to watch! werent swansea one of the lowest scorers last season just asking?

[Big Stan Hibbert]

I was thinking this when reading the Swansea thread. He would implement the change many on there were calling for, but as I said elsewhere many wouldn't have the patience to either let him build it or even during games when we pass sideways.

After Tuesdays pathetic display, passing in any direction would be a huge step forward.

[craigBCFC]

After Tuesdays pathetic display, passing in any direction would be a huge step forward.

I thought he talked alot of sense, but bringing in a manager like that would be the shake up we need. We definitely need a complete change at the club from the bottom up, the style of play, professionalism of the players everything. The only problem for me is the patients of City fans, as with any change how long would he get before the knives were out if a manager like that didn't get off to a good start?

[petehinton]

if i remember rightly Sousa was in charge of Swansea when we beat them last year at home 1-0, and they played the most dull, boring football ever. no thanks!

[GrahamC]

I certainly bow to Ole's knowledge of Portuguese football and Benfica in particular, but my take on it is that Sousa was simply continuing what Martinez had originated at Swansea and that Rodgers has since done the same thing, though he has added goals (in the form of Sinclair) that Sousa's side (who were the lowest scorers in the entire division) didn't have.

It was apparent in midweek that one of Swansea's two major reasons for success is the creation of a constant football philosophy that can withstand the departure of managers and anyone still there at the final whistle will have noticed a huddle that unlike the artificial pre match one which often seems to serve absolutely no purpose at all, struck me as one of a side that is going places, in fact very much like the side Joe Jordan built in 89/90.

The other side of their success story? Simple, buy cheap, sell dear and make very few mistakes in the transfer market. The complete opposite to us.

As for City, if we do make a change we need an instigator of a football philosophy, not a continuer, fortunately there is one about 70 miles down the M5 in Paul Tisdale and so if he'd join us we'd be mad to look elsewhere when the moment arises.

[Guest Tony Montana]

I would definitely take him over Millen as a manager at the moment !

Sign him up!

Not anyone who is better available at the moment!

[kevster3]

Got to be better than millen,but it won't happen I am afraid,we are stuck with the charismatic Keith

[spudski]

I was going to make this suggestion, but didn't have the balls, as i thought i'd be shot down in flames...especially after praising the way Swansea played so much.

Personally, I would love Sousa here, with his footballing knowledge and philosophy's. Whether it would work at BCFC is another thing.

It didn't work for him at Leicester, because they wanted instant success. It would take time to implement his theories, right down to the youth teams. A whole new restructuring and coaching system put in place.

I think it would be wonderful for this Club, to think outside the box, that is 'typical Championship side'.

I'm sure the Academy would benefit, and in the long term, the whole Club.

Football in this country needs to change, it's become old fashioned and predictable. Especially below the Premier League.

The same type of football is being played from club to club. All hustle and bussle...huff and puff. If BCFC would be willing to be at the forefront of change, then i think it would be fantastic for this Club.

[grifty]

He'd play some pretty football and shore up the defence, but we havn't scored in 5 already. With Sousa in charge we'd of only scored 4 all season.

[Ron]

One of the worst Leicester managers in recent history and underperformed with a strong Swansea side. Would make 2009/10 look like the most entertaining season of all time.

[spudski]

He'd play some pretty football and shore up the defence, but we havn't scored in 5 already. With Sousa in charge we'd of only scored 4 all season.

Surely...You're only basing that on his time at Swansea. With someone like Nicky Maynard upfront, playing off the shoulder of the last defender, i'm sure he would benefit from some slide rule passing from midfield. We seem to be absolutely mindset on playing two wingers at this club, have been for years. Yes it's exciting when it works, but it's old hat now. Look at poor Adomah...easily worked out now by the oppositions midfield and defense. He's usually got 3 around him, by the time he trys to cross. The same can be said of JCR, Sproule etc. Again...what's the point of getting a cross in, if there is generally only 1 or maybe 2 strikers in the box?

We don't retain the ball, or attack or defend as a unit. It's all very disjointed, and sometimes reminicent of a pin ball machine, the way the ball is pinging about everywhere.

I've watched football throughout Europe, and to be fair, the entertainment value at football matches in this country,in general, is very poor by comparison.

The only difference i can see, between the Championship and the lower leagues, is fitness, speed and better finishing. Apart from that nothing. The same basic shapes and tactics are being played throughout the divisions, and as a nation we are going backward.

It's only those teams that are using foreign players, coaches and tactics, that are achieving. Finding a blend of the two, is working.

If we could implement, a Spanish or Portugese philosophy throughout the levels at our club, and install it in our British youth players, then i'm sure we would reap the benefits in the future. The style is played at pace, which suits our mentality, but they have the technical ability and refinement which we lack.

It would be a positive move in my book.

Looking at it from a purely Entertainment value, having 'Flair' players puts bums on seats too. Ok, they don't always work out, but who can remember being thoroughly entertained with the likes of Jacki and even Noble or Trundle? Finding fitter versions of those is possible. I've seen them.

It's just being brave and doing it. Also the fans would have to be informed of the philosophy, how long it would take and what the realistic goals were.

I'm sure it would be an enjoyable ride. Seeing a transformation before your eye's would be a marvelous thing to witness.

At the moment, as a club, we are just treading water, along with many others. It's all very stagnent and has been for years imho.

[bucksred]

personally not for me i know we are being served up total dross at the minute but from what i have seen from his teams so far its not very enjoyable to watch! werent swansea one of the lowest scorers last season just asking?

Its called surviving your first seasons in a new league. His teams are more competant in all positions with the ball. I suggested his name to come in to replace Johnson' and I still think so. I thinks he's perfect for this club

[The Casual Connoisseur]

I agree that the Swansea team he managed didn't score goals, however they created chances, we have Maynard, Pitman and Stead I have no doubt that if Swansea had any of those 3 last year we would be watching them on MOTD week in week out playing premier league football.

This clubs needs a footballing labotomy, from the bottom up and we won't find that by going with the usual candidates, maybe bar Tisdale and O'driscoll.

I think Sousa is the man to build a lasting legacy that in time will pay dividends to the patience it needs, especially if we ever plan on building and filling a new stadium.

Those calling for a return of Johnson or a curbishley like figure need to look at the bigger picture.

[The Casual Connoisseur]

One of the worst Leicester managers in recent history and underperformed with a strong Swansea side. Would make 2009/10 look like the most entertaining season of all time.

He had 12 games in charge of Leicester. It took Gary Johnson 9 games to get a win, he then got us to within 90minutes of the premier league, you need patience and time in football miracles don't happen overnight.

[Ron]

Its called surviving your first seasons in a new league. His teams are more competant in all positions with the ball. I suggested his name to come in to replace Johnson' and I still think so. I thinks he's perfect for this club

Their first season in this league was under Roberto Martinez, where they received numerous accolades for their style, Scotland scored a hatload. Leicester were doing pretty well under Pearson until he came along, too.

He had 12 games in charge of Leicester. It took Gary Johnson 9 games to get a win, he then got us to within 90minutes of the premier league, you need patience and time in football miracles don't happen overnight.

GJ won 3 of his first 4 games taking over a team in woeful form with numerous poor players, Leicester were a penalty shoot-out away from the play-off final last season and have a strong squad. Yeah you do need patience but I don't know a Leicester fan who has anything good to say about him whatsoever, and they've had to sit through some dross in the past decade at times.

[The Casual Connoisseur]

My mistake, I thought Johnson had an awful start, should have checked the stats, Id take boring at the moment if it meant avoiding relegation'

[Ron]

My mistake, I thought Johnson had an awful start, should have checked the stats, Id take boring at the moment if it meant avoiding relegation'

I think we could have entertainment & safety, we've been in shit form but when we went on that run from October-New Year we played some decent stuff when rising from danger.

[Guest swansfan]

Don't do it!! He was one of the worst managers we have ever had!! Glad to see the back of him!!

[The Casual Connoisseur]

Don't do it!! He was one of the worst managers we have ever had!! Glad to see the back of him!!

Good job I am not chairman really!

I stand corrected.

Would still like to see the whole set up changed with view to a European model, ideally I'd have Hiddink, Pep, Jose, Jose or Mr Cryuff over seeing the project but something tells me that won't happen!

[Chivs]

Good job I am not chairman really!

I stand corrected.

Would still like to see the whole set up changed with view to a European model, ideally I'd have Hiddink, Pep, Jose, Jose or Mr Cryuff over seeing the project but something tells me that won't happen!

It's mid morning Sunday. I can promise I've not been on the cider (yet).

But why not Jose? Of course we can't afford him but soon he will have realised his dream of getting the Championship in all the three big European leagues (plus Portugal).

What next for him? A real challenge! And get a poor second rate team promoted and made Champions.....

Anyway, back on Earth, I do think that Lansdown should put in a 10-year plan that includes copying the French, Dutch and Spanish way of playing i.e. having players in all positions who can trap a ball and then pass it to a colleague. A foreign academy director would be essential to oversee this.

[Mr Popodopolous]

I agree that the Swansea team he managed didn't score goals, however they created chances, we have Maynard, Pitman and Stead I have no doubt that if Swansea had any of those 3 last year we would be watching them on MOTD week in week out playing premier league football.

This clubs needs a footballing labotomy, from the bottom up and we won't find that by going with the usual candidates, maybe bar Tisdale and O'driscoll.

I think Sousa is the man to build a lasting legacy that in time will pay dividends to the patience it needs, especially if we ever plan on building and filling a new stadium.

Those calling for a return of Johnson or a curbishley like figure need to look at the bigger picture.

Not saying Sousa would be the man necessarily- very true about them creating chances. I remember one game- Newcastle perhaps, they battered them for most of the game, outplayed them but just couldn't convert and got done with a sucker punch- could well have happened quite often. Also remember watching Swansea 3 v Cardiff 2 last season, entertaining side for sure in that one.

[Guest cityhead]

It's mid morning Sunday. I can promise I've not been on the cider (yet).

But why not Jose? Of course we can't afford him but soon he will have realised his dream of getting the Championship in all the three big European leagues (plus Portugal).

What next for him? A real challenge! And get a poor second rate team promoted and made Champions.....

Anyway, back on Earth, I do think that Lansdown should put in a 10-year plan that includes copying the French, Dutch and Spanish way of playing i.e. having players in all positions who can trap a ball and then pass it to a colleague. A foreign academy director would be essential to oversee this.

just like fat benny? and we all know how well that went. And lets not forget Benny's credentials were better than sousa's 'managerial' credentials if not 'playing' credentials - good players do not always make good managers despite talking a good game.

[spudski]

just like fat benny? and we all know how well that went. And lets not forget Benny's credentials were better than sousa's 'managerial' credentials if not 'playing' credentials - good players do not always make good managers despite talking a good game.

Benny was brought in to be coach and bring the kids through. JW bottled it and left us in the shite. It wasn't Benny's fault.

[Guest cityhead]

Benny was brought in to be coach and bring the kids through. JW bottled it and left us in the shite. It wasn't Benny's fault.

My understanding was that benny was brought in as 'Director of football' - overseeing all footballing matters, which is what upset JW. If i am wrong then I apologise.

However, that is irrelevant to my point. benny's credentials were very good with success in Europe as a coach but not a player but even with £3million spent on three 'quality' forwards (alot of money in those days) his contribution was dissapointing, and one very good reason not to think of sousa, who has failed at all his clubs.

Apart from the obvious clubs the rest of european football is very dull, with tactics designed to nullify the opposition instead of being positive.

It appears from many threads on here that many regard the swansea team that played us last week was managed by sousa. It was not, and there success last week was due to our tactics which made them look better than they were. When we corrected the faults at half time the game changed dramatically, albeit too late. As seen at Preston, a change of tactics can have a major effect on a game, even with much of the same personnel.

[Mr Popodopolous]

Apart from the obvious clubs the rest of european football is very dull, with tactics designed to nullify the opposition instead of being positive.

Depends how we define dull, I suppose. If one up front and a fairly crowded central midfield is the angle then it may be seen as dull. Others may see it as tactically shrewd. For example, those Liverpool v Chelsea semis in the 2000's with Benitez v Mourinho. Dull or fascinating from a tactical, if not necessarily a free flowing football angle?

[spudski]

My understanding was that benny was brought in as 'Director of football' - overseeing all footballing matters, which is what upset JW. If i am wrong then I apologise.

However, that is irrelevant to my point. benny's credentials were very good with success in Europe as a coach but not a player but even with £3million spent on three 'quality' forwards (alot of money in those days) his contribution was dissapointing, and one very good reason not to think of sousa, who has failed at all his clubs.

Apart from the obvious clubs the rest of european football is very dull, with tactics designed to nullify the opposition instead of being positive.

It appears from many threads on here that many regard the swansea team that played us last week was managed by sousa. It was not, and there success last week was due to our tactics which made them look better than they were. When we corrected the faults at half time the game changed dramatically, albeit too late. As seen at Preston, a change of tactics can have a major effect on a game, even with much of the same personnel.

European Football Dull? I beg to differ. The only tactics employed to nullify the opposition, were done in Italy, years ago. Employing 'the bolt', where teams closed up shop after going a goal ahead. Times have moved on and changed for the better. British football is faster, but not better...far from it. I watch football regularly abroad, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Holland and the football is far more enjoyable to watch, and is very pro attack. But instead of lofting 50/50 type balls, in the hope of picking up the pieces, they attack as a unit, keep the ball, retain possesion, and give themselves the opportunity to score, through tactics, rather than luck.

JW, left because he asked for help, asking specifically for a particular coach (His name escapes me), who was available at the time. City brought in Benny instead, so JW threw his dummy and walked, leaving us in the Shite.

I've not seen any posts on here, where people have thought Sousa was coach for Swansea on Tuesday. Swansea have been lorded as the best 'Footballing' team in this division by many experts, pundits and other managers. Nothing to do with City making them look good.

[Guest cityhead]

Depends how we define dull, I suppose. If one up front and a fairly crowded central midfield is the angle then it may be seen as dull. Others may see it as tactically shrewd. For example, those Liverpool v Chelsea semis in the 2000's with Benitez v Mourinho. Dull or fascinating from a tactical, if not necessarily a free flowing football angle?

My point exactly.

IMO - Football is about excitement, adrenalin etc - not a game of chess.

[Guest cityhead]

European Football Dull? I beg to differ. The only tactics employed to nullify the opposition, were done in Italy, years ago. Employing 'the bolt', where teams closed up shop after going a goal ahead. Times have moved on and changed for the better. British football is faster, but not better...far from it. I watch football regularly abroad, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Holland and the football is far more enjoyable to watch, and is very pro attack. But instead of lofting 50/50 type balls, in the hope of picking up the pieces, they attack as a unit, keep the ball, retain possesion, and give themselves the opportunity to score, through tactics, rather than luck.

JW, left because he asked for help, asking specifically for a particular coach (His name escapes me), who was available at the time. City brought in Benny instead, so JW threw his dummy and walked, leaving us in the Shite.

I've not seen any posts on here, where people have thought Sousa was coach for Swansea on Tuesday. Swansea have been lorded as the best 'Footballing' team in this division by many experts, pundits and other managers. Nothing to do with City making them look good.

We'll have to agree to dissagree about european football.

Regarding benny - the whys and wherefores are irrelevant - successful european coach failed.

The main thrust of this thread has been that sousa created the swansea team which has been carried on by the subsequent managers, abit insulting to martinez and rogers.

Getting back on thread, sousa has had a lot of clubs and money but no success. Rather stick with what we've got. Lessons learnt and all that.

[spudski]

We'll have to agree to dissagree about european football.

Regarding benny - the whys and wherefores are irrelevant - successful european coach failed.

The main thrust of this thread has been that sousa created the swansea team which has been carried on by the subsequent managers, abit insulting to martinez and rogers.

Getting back on thread, sousa has had a lot of clubs and money but no success. Rather stick with what we've got. Lessons learnt and all that.

No worries...each to their own. That's what makes football talk so interesting. No one ever agrees. Although i hope you would agree there is a big difference between coach and manager?

[Donald]

European Football Dull? I beg to differ. The only tactics employed to nullify the opposition, were done in Italy, years ago. Employing 'the bolt', where teams closed up shop after going a goal ahead. Times have moved on and changed for the better. British football is faster, but not better...far from it. I watch football regularly abroad, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Holland and the football is far more enjoyable to watch, and is very pro attack. But instead of lofting 50/50 type balls, in the hope of picking up the pieces, they attack as a unit, keep the ball, retain possesion, and give themselves the opportunity to score, through tactics, rather than luck.

JW, left because he asked for help, asking specifically for a particular coach (His name escapes me), who was available at the time. City brought in Benny instead, so JW threw his dummy and walked, leaving us in the Shite.

I've not seen any posts on here, where people have thought Sousa was coach for Swansea on Tuesday. Swansea have been lorded as the best 'Footballing' team in this division by many experts, pundits and other managers. Nothing to do with City making them look good.

Ray Harford ward wanted, wanted silly wage for part time hours so davidson told him to do one

Felt sorry for Benny, got shafted by senior players and fought a losing battle, his work with the youth was fantastic, but senior players just didn't like him because he was different, whereas Benny couldn't believe how unfit and ill-displined the squad were and the drinking culture was shocking

Many blame Benny, personally I blame the senior pro's who let the club down, amazingly one was still allowed to become manager after helping to push another manager out of the door.

Benny - right man, wrong time, Personally I'd love to bring him back to city as director of youth development

[Guest cityhead]

No worries...each to their own. That's what makes football talk so interesting. No one ever agrees. Although i hope you would agree there is a big difference between coach and manager?

Coach, Manager?

Depends on the definition or job description, which is also where english and european football models differ.

What fascinates me is how few good players make good coaches/managers. There are too many to mention all of them but great examples are Bobby Moore and Bobby Charlton and more recently Bryan Robson and Roy keane. The opposite of course are good managers who were not regarded as great players, Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho, both of which built their reputation as coaches in europe but regarded as managers in england.

I don't think the 'title' is important, the important aspect is whether the coach/manager who picks the team and decides on the tactics is astute enough to know when something is working and not too proud to change things when they are going wrong. Capello, who is very highly regarded can only play football one way - 442 but can only change personnel to influence a game whereas less highly regarded coach/managers would change formation. Only the result defines which one is right.

Regarding Sousa, as can be seen from his results, it may be pretty but not very effective., and I am not comparing it to the dross we have witnessed at the gate recently.

[Mr Popodopolous]

Capello, who is very highly regarded can only play football one way - 442 but can only change personnel to influence a game whereas less highly regarded coach/managers would change formation. Only the result defines which one is right.

This confuses me slightly, the whole Capello thing. Surely somebody of his experience, having managed in Serie A and La Liga when they were no.1 or close to etc would have more knowledge of tactics and formation than 4-4-2!? Beggars belief really unless it's representative of his supreme self-confidence.

[Mr Popodopolous]

My point exactly.

IMO - Football is about excitement, adrenalin etc - not a game of chess.

Personally I agree to a point- European football could be a bit faster I find, but on the other hand elaborately, cleverly constructed moves- even if at a slower pace can have their own merit.

[spudski]

This confuses me slightly, the whole Capello thing. Surely somebody of his experience, having managed in Serie A and La Liga when they were no.1 or close to etc would have more knowledge of tactics and formation than 4-4-2!? Beggars belief really unless it's representative of his supreme self-confidence.

Capello's tactics have been wildly critised in the press as being too structured, but it is purely press talk.

He won 3 Club Championships using the 442 system, and the press have just jumped on the bandwagon.

His starting line ups might start as a 442, but they change throughout the game. When a forward drops off, it becomes a 4-4-1-1, when the wide players push on, it becomes a 4-2-3-1.

He has also spoken of the limits of English players knowledge of tactics. You can only work with what you have, and if they are limited in their knowledge and understanding, then you have to play to your strengths.

This is why any continental style set up at a club, would have to start at youth level, to get it ingrained from the start.

Watch most football these days, at youth level and they are all still playing 442. It's a long learning curve, for English clubs.