Chelsea Sack Andre Villas-Boas

[Kostas 1,468]

Wasn't there another player expected to leave last summer but got an unannounced contract extension? Not sure whether it was Hilario, Ferreira or Bossingwa.

[Henrique 9,133]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2092784/Andreas-Villas-Boas-admits-owner-Roman-Abramovich-sets-transfer-policy.html

I lked AVB attitude in this matter. He is saying the truth: he doesnt want de Bruyne, but he must respect club policy. Thats how a manager must act: telling the truth about whats going on.

It was pathetic how Carlo Ancelotti tried to convince the world that he was the one that asked to buy Torres, and it also embarrassing the Pienaar thing.

I'm sure that Lukaku was also club policy, and it seems that William also would be one of them.

[Madmax 9,219]

Came across this absoulte gem of an interview. It's long, but well worth your time. From the October issue of The Technician.

How did you develop as a coach?

I was influenced a lot by many different people throughout my career. Also, I think I have to acknowledge the luck factor which led to some valuable opportunities, such as getting to a club like FC Porto at an early age – a club that has a background of nurturing players and coaches. I was then able to put into practice my ideas and all the small things I had learned on coaching courses in Scotland, England and Portugal. The Scottish courses were particularly important because I was able to express myself and to exchange ideas in an open, respectful way. It was good for me to live in this culture and to accumulate all these experiences. I also respect the fact that being an assistant to José was significant – his success helped me to progress as a coach. I was able, for instance, to get into a Portuguese first division club like Académica right away.

There, I had great facilities and the freedom to work. I am a firm believer in the beauty of our game and I like to

implement that conviction with the teams that I manage. I am very positive and attack-minded and I think we, as

coaches, have an important role to play in that sense. I know this philosophy goes a bit against current thinking in

society – everyone is taking less risk due to the financial situation and it is a mentality which is seen in the game

too: fear, holding a position and trying to avoid criticism. I prefer to be positive, to take the initiative and to create as many chances as we can. I experienced a good mixture as I was developing as a coach and I am a bit of everything I learnt along the way.

What were the main reasons for your quick rise

to prominence?

Circumstance played a part. At Académica the players who had previously been successful were not on form and were bottom of the league. My arrival was seen as an emotional stimulation and the players responded. I definitely

benefited from living through this process – it was a leadership task linked to their state of mind. The players

wanted to transcend themselves, to recapture the emotions of the year before, when they had been successful.

So it was very much about human and emotional aspects of the job – trying to get the players to express their qualities,

because it is the players that take you to success more than the other way around. They had an emotional block and the minute we got the first result we went on a run that took us off the bottom of the league. Once the players got over this period, they started enjoying it more and started absorbing my ideas. Then I went to FC Porto and faced a similar situation.

The club had won the championship three seasons in a row and then had lost out to Benfica. There was a desire to

win the title back. We used a lot of what Jesualdo [Ferreira] had left us, but added some of our own ideas and a new club leadership was born. It was a big change for the players – not to be in any way critical of the previous setup – and soon we reignited their motivation to regain the championship. My age was never an issue because I started coaching when I was very young. It is something that has always generated debate, but I have no problem with it because the players always accepted the position of the manager and they seemed to enjoy the relationship with someone of their generation. The players, of course, are always testing the manager to find out what his weaknesses are. In the first two or three weeks when you implement your ideas, they test your leadership and your competence. It also depends on the way you come across, and if you are able to sustain yourself through this period it can build the basis that can take you forward. The disruption will come and that is a normal part of the game because of the frustrations that players live with. We have to remember that players are often under tremendous pressure. The testing, if you cope, will strengthen your leadership position.

The game is so unpredictable, but the variables are influenced by the team that wants it more. You need, of course,

to have confidence and belief in what you do. The players must be by your side, but ultimately it is the players’ talent

that normally solves the match situations. We won the Europa League, but in the first three games our goalkeeper saved us by dealing with some 1 v 1 situations early in each match. In my opinion, the more access you have to top players, the more likely you are to be successful as a coach.

What do you emphasise in your training?

This is difficult. The way you train does not necessarily reflect the way you play. It is not your methodology that takes you to success. It is your players’ talent, your ability to motivate and human skills that make the difference. You can be a coach who is very detailed in his preparation, but might miss something in the game itself. On the other hand, you might delegate a lot of the training, yet be able to get results by stimulating the players to perform at their peak. In my mind, you can be successful in football with different types of methodology. What makes sense for me is that you must convince your players that your methods will lead them to success. I believe in using difficult situations in my training, utilising equal numbers or even overloading, and this helps the players to solve demanding problems in the game. Of course, if you give your team the numerical advantage, it helps to produce fluency in the play and confidence. So there are different ways of seeing things and more than one route to the top. Normally, I develop my training from small to big spaces, from drills into open play. Of course, when we have midweek games, the emphasis is on recovery, but with some tactical input. However, I repeat there are different approaches. The Italians, for example, have good physical preparation, and then you get coaches such as José who incorporate everything: the psychological, tactical and physical aspects. No matter the style, you need to sell your method to your players.

In a managerial/leadership sense, how would you describe yourself?

Because of my age and my lack of a professional playing background, I could never be dictatorial. I therefore let the players have a certain amount of input into the decisions regarding the way we play and the way the team is run. Also, when we talk about the well-being of a group, I encourage the players to participate in the decisions affecting their professional life. For example, at Porto I would discuss with the players the starting time of the training or the need for rest days. I try to be

an open-minded leader and to respect people. You must build a two-way relationship, even on decision-making about arrangements or actions in the game. Naturally, as the coach I make the final decisions though and if I have to upset a

couple of people, then so be it.

Do you see today’s top-level football in a positive light?

This is not an easy one to answer. In some leagues the gap between the top team and those that don’t challenge for the title is getting wider and wider, and that is a worry. Money is beginning to play a decisive part – the richer the league, the more competitive, the more equality there is. The Premier League in England comes into this category, but that does not seem to be the case in Spain where, in recent years, the top two have been detached. Also, there is so much pressure to succeed, and I am with Louis van Gaal when he says that it is much more difficult to defend an attacking philosophy. It is definitely easier to produce a cautious, defensive organisation with a compact block than to promote creativity, talent and attacking fluency. Those who are positive will clash with the “contain and counter” teams and it will not be easy to triumph. You need good players and good decision-making to overcome defensive structures, and it is difficult to nurture the talents that you need in order to cope with the demands at the top level. Because of Barcelona’s success, there seem to be more coaches willing to take the positive path. But when they are faced with pressure, they can find themselves in a difficult situation.

What qualities do you look for in a player?

If it was easy to find the perfect player, we wouldn’t make as many mistakes. Maybe Messi, Xavi and Iniesta, at the moment, fit this term. They represent the defence of a culture – they were bred by the club and they now serve that club to the maximum extent. To find that situation at another club or to move them to another environment…they wouldn’t be the same players. When I look for a player, I look for technical skills because we seek fluency in our game. The player also needs to be able to express himself on the ball. In addition, he needs the right attitude, tactical awareness and to be quick in every

way. To find this perfect player is very difficult, so you look for players who can serve you well in your team, and then

positional requirements become a factor. Taking a general view, I look for players who are technically gifted and psychologically strong. I am a firm believer in the human aspect of the game and therefore the personal qualities are

extremely important.

What is the toughest part of being a top coach?

I suffer most as a coach when everyone is available and I have to select the lineup at the end of a week when everyone has given their total commitment. It is a basic part of the manager’s job, but when you have to leave players out for the sake of the team, it is tough. Nothing you can say to them can convince them that they haven’t done something wrong. This selection process, being ruthless, takes the human element out of you, and it is something that makes you sensitive to players’ feelings. You just need to talk to them and move on, because next week they can be selected and be decisive for you. The other issue relates to outside judgements and expectations. You are expected to be successful instantly, and the process and the circumstances are not taken into account. Tolerance and patience are less obvious today and maybe social frustrations play a part in this.

How important is technology for today’s front-line coach?

The most important thing is to be comfortable with what you have. If you are happier with extreme, aggressive analysis, then that is OK. As assistant to José, I wanted to give him as much detail as I could. But when I went into management, I decided that this was only a part of the equation, and not the decisive part. When you have a role to play, you think that your contribution will be crucial. I am happy today with my scouts providing me with the things which I think are important, and basically, I want to know the main tactical strengths and weaknesses of the opponent. In the end, it is the strategic part of the game which plays a decisive part and you have to predict what you think the opponent will do. Some coaches are obsessed

by their computers and the data they receive. I am not that way because, as I said, I favour the emotional, human aspect of the game and the cultivation of the players’ talent. Sometimes players can’t express their quality because they are restricted by rigid systems.

Do you have a certain way of approaching teammeetings?

Normally, my team meetings last around 20 minutes, including videos. We address our team in relation to the opponents, in and out of possession, the opponents’ qualities and finally have a short video on our set plays. In midweek, I will occasionally get them together to discuss what we are doing well and what we are not doing so well. I try as much as possible to put this

feedback into training sessions, in order to avoid putting them into a meeting room too often.

What, for you, are the main tactical trends at the top level of the game?

No doubt, speed of the game, speed ofdecision-making and speed of the counterattack are common features in the Champions League, yet somehow I don’t think this is related to FC Barcelona. They are an exception. What they have done is to slow the game down in certain situations, and therefore slow down the decision-making. Because of their skill level, they are able to live with the pressure without rushing and they make the decisions when they are ready. Of course, they can play quickly like other top teams when necessary, but they have a gift for time and space. They have redefined the way of playing, creating more time for team-mates and raising decision-making to a higher level. At the moment, the game is going through an obsessive period regarding speed – the game is reflecting society with everything being done in a hurry. Everything is frenetic in life, so everybody expects the game to be the same. In England, football is fuelled by the emotions of the people. The fans want you to be quick, to accelerate the action, and possession and patience are not appreciated

as much. It is a cultural thing. When you become a manager, you have to produce results immediately, to get

the players to perform right away. What Pep [Guardiola] has done tremendously well is to redefine the notions of time and space, while maintaining ball speed and other quick elements of the play.

As someone who was interested in journalism, how do you see the role of the coach in relation to the media?

I try to be open and explain what we are trying to do. Coaches such as Sir Alex and Arsène have brought a lot of respect to the profession through their achievements and longevity, and this helps. At Porto, I tried to treat everyone the same and I did this by holding open press conferences. In England, I have had to adapt a bit to the accepted requirements and arrangements. We each have our job to do and our relationship is gradually evolving.

What aspect of today’s football disturbs you most?

We are still living off the financial bonanza that has taken place around football during the last ten years, and maybe this

situation will stabilise. Appearance money could become more important in stimulating the desire to play, and love of the game could return to pole position, and that in turn would help us to nurture the passion. The things I don’t like are negative, outside influences having an impact on the game. Remember, football, ultimately belongs to the players and the public.

What aspect of today’s football excites you most?

What excites me most is how winning and losing affects my daily life and my relationships with my players. As I said, I am a firm believer in encouraging players to exploit their talent and I want to promote a better game for people to enjoy – it is a wonderful challenge.

[manpe 10,861]

"The other issue relates to outside judgements and expectations. You are expected to be successful instantly, and the process and the circumstances are not taken into account. Tolerance and patience are less obvious today and maybe social frustrations play a part in this."

this should sound familiar to some of us

[Peace. 4,352]

Given his recent comments on our transfert politic toward this transfert window, I presume he has the full support from Roman to be a long term manager here, whatever the outcome of the season. Indeed, I strongly believe that our board and André aren't insane to the extent of thinking that our squad is good enough to finish confortably and easily in the top four. The fact we have bidded for Willian, Hazard and Lucas proves the management team / board sees that our squad needs a valuable addition(s). On the one hand, if André was knowing he was endangered to be sacked at the end of the season if the silverwares weren't there, he would have pushed to get Willian (for exemple). On the second hand, if for the board André wouldn't be a long term solution, then they would probably buy someone to save 'their' season. All in all, if the board is willing to take the risk of having a tumultous second half of the season to make the needed changes in the summer, then they genuinely have a long term project for this club, with André at the helm of it.

If I am not mistaken, then the future should be interesting.

[eldo 868]

Porto are being battered by Gil Vicente. It's 3-0 now.

[termninja 5,290]

Porto are being battered by Gil Vicente. It's 3-0 now.

But of course, managing Porto is easy and AVB had and easy job and he is not a special manager...

[eldo 868]

But of course, managing Porto is easy and AVB had and easy job and he is not a special manager...

He's not King Kenny.

[termninja 5,290]

The tower is shaking like crazy and Andre will be the one to blame if it starts falling apart. It's getting harder and harder supporting you AVB by each passing game and even the biggest optimists are losing faith in you. You better do something big really fast. A last minute signing could do wonders.

[Sheva. 5,373]

All i have to say is, stop playing 4-3-3.

[xPetrCechx 13,563]

Great Squad!!!!

[Rubber bullets 1,183]

Too late for signings now. I will blame AVB when we drop out of the top 4. He had two transfer windows to actually get us quality players to replace the old guard. But choosed not to and give the old guard another chance under the whole evolution crap. Yep and they have paid him well eh?

[manpe 10,861]

Too late for signings now. I will blame AVB when we drop out of the top 4. He had two transfer windows to actually get us quality players to replace the old guard. But choosed not to and give the old guard another chance under the whole evolution crap.

agreed

[eldo 868]

The tower is shaking like crazy and Andre will be the one to blame if it starts falling apart. It's getting harder and harder supporting you AVB by each passing game and even the biggest optimist and losing faith in you. You better do something big really fast. A last minute signing could do wonders.

Sign Willian now for 29m or someone else in summer for a bit more?

Whatever he does he would get stick from fans...

[Kajo 176]

Nice one. He's the one to blame I like the guy don't get me wrong but after half of the season I can say that I'm not satisfied with our results, style of play and philosophy even blind man would notice that after 6 months this system doesn't work. We are closer to fail to finished 4th than wining EPL. If we can't handle teams like Norwich, QPR, Swansea we should stop thinking about UCL. I even fear to watch our next game...

[Bosnian Blue 2,471]

Sign Willian now for 29m or someone else in summer for a bit more?

Whatever he does he would get stick from fans...

He had time and money to replace some of his current players with better ones but he kept saying that they are good enough even though the whole world knows they aren't.That's what pisses me off.

[cujo101 75]

Sorry but at this rate we better get used to the idea of thursday night / Sunday afternoon games...

[eldo 868]

He had time and money to replace some of his current players with better ones but he kept saying that they are good enough even though the whole world knows they aren't.That's what pisses me off.

j

Bids for Lucas Moura, Hazard?