English Premier League Managers list (updated)

This is the latest list of EPL Managers:

Arsenal
Arsène Wenger (France), going to stay his contract until 2011

Aston Villa
Martin O’Neill (North Ireland), going to stay

Blackburn Rovers
Sam Allardyce (England), going to stay after saving the Rovers from relegation

Bolton Wanderers
Gary Megson (England), going to stay

Chelsea
Guus Hiddink (Holland), still have the cup final then he will leave his caretaker post back to Russia

Everton
David Moyes (Scotland), going to stay

Fulham
Roy Hodgson (England), going to stay

Hull City
Phil Brown (England), not sure yet but avoiding relegation was a plus

Liverpool
Rafa Benítez (Spain), going to stay

Man City
Mark Hughes (wales), according to Cook he will stay

Man United
Alex Ferguson (Scotland), for sure the best manager is ever-green

Middlesbrough
Gareth Southgate (England), not clear yet but he want to remain and put them back to the top flight Premier League

Newcastle United
Alan Shearer (England), demand an overhaul after relegation the situation is not clear as the owner Ashely may sell the team

Portsmouth
Paul Hart (England), ??

Stoke City
Tony Pulis (Wales), this season performance is plus for him

Sunderland
Ricky Sbragia (Scotland), resigned after saving them from relegation

Tottenham Hotspurs
Harry Redknapp (England), going to stay

West Brom Albion
Tony Mowbray (England), ??

West Ham United
Gianfranco Zola (Italy), going to stay he and steve clark is a winning team

Wigan Athletic
Steve Bruce (England), going to stay

Fabio Capello’s England national team squad, Ben Foster called-up !!

 

 

Fabio Capello named his 23 players for Slovakia friendly and World Cup qualifier game against Ukraine. Man United had the most players represent the England national team with 4 players.

 

Goalkeepers:

Ben Foster (Manchester United)

Robert Green (West Ham United)
David James (Portsmouth)

 

Defenders:

Leighton Baines (Everton)

Ashley Cole (Chelsea)

Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United)

Phil Jagielka (Everton)
Glen Johnson (Portsmouth)

Ledley King (Tottenham Hotspur)

Joleon Lescott (Everton)

John Terry (Chelsea)

Matthew Upson (West Ham United)

 

Midfielders:

Gareth Barry (Aston Villa)

David Beckham (AC Milan (Loan from LA Galaxy))

Michael Carrick (Manchester United)

Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough)

Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

Frank Lampard (Chelsea)

Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur)

Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City).

 

Forwards:

Carlton Cole (West Ham United)

Peter Crouch (Portsmouth)

Emile Heskey (Aston Villa)

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

 

Best

Alex Ferguson interview with New Statesman

Frank interview by the Sir

 

 

In an exclusive interview with The New Statesman a British weekly political magazine published in London. Alastair Campbell (former Tony Blair’s head of communications) sit-down with Sir Alex Ferguson Manchester United’s manager.

 

Here are the major football-related points:

 

His biggest mistake:

Selling Jaap Stam

 

His biggest regret:

Failed in signing Paul Gascoigne

 

Greatest achievement:

The treble in 1999 (The Champions League, FA Cup, and The Premier League)

 

Ferguson’ best managers in the Premier League:

Arsene Wenger (Arsenal), David Moyes (Everton), and Martin O’Neill (Aston Villa)

 

Ferguson’s retirement:

Not for a while. I’m 67 now. My health’s good

 

Ferguson’s dream Man United team:

Roy Keane, Scholes, Giggs (never, ever leave him out), Ronaldo & Cantona (never leave out), Beckham & Rooney (knocking the door)

 

 

My foot notes:

 

Jaap Stam:

 

Dutch retired footballer, named twice as best defender in the Champions League (1999 & 2000). He joined Man United in 1998 for a fee of  £10.6 million from PSV (was consider most expensive Dutch football player in history and the most expensive defender in history, although this record broke later).

 

Then in 2001-2002 season Jaap Stam sold was sold to Lazio for £16.5 million, and replaced with the great French but aged defender Laurent Blanc.

 

Now Stam is works as a scout for Manchester United, in South America.

 

His playing career includes playing for: Man United, Lazio, AC Milan, PSV, and Ajax.

 

Paul Gascoigne:

 

Gifted British football talent, but was remembered too with his wild behavior, he was the star of the beginning of 90’s, many remembered his tears during Italy World Cup 1990 after England elimination from the semi finals by Germany.

 

His playing career includes playing for: Tottenham, Everton, Middlesbrough, Lazio, and Burnley.

 

read part of Alex Ferguson’s interview

 

Best

 

Ferguson vs. Benitez (previous games record)

 

 

This is the track record between the two great managers, as you will see below Ferguson have the upper hand with 7 wins out of 10. Benitez never won a league game against Ferguson until this season (2-1) last September 2008 so Ferguson has a big psychological advantage against Benitez but Rafa genius and great tactical abilities give him a big chance to enjoy his first win at the Old Trafford Stadium.

 

Season 2004-05

 

Manchester United 2 – 1 Liverpool in the English Premier League

 

Liverpool 0 – 1 Manchester United in the English Premier League

 

Season 2005-06:

 

Liverpool 0 – 0 Manchester United in the English Premier League

 

Manchester United 1 – 0 Liverpool in the English Premier League

 

Liverpool 1 – 0 Manchester United in the English FA Cup (quarter finals)

 

Season 2006-07

 

Manchester United 2 – 0 Liverpool in the English Premier League

 

Liverpool 0 – 1 Manchester United in the English Premier League

 

Season 2007-08

 

Liverpool 0 – 1 Manchester United in the English Premier League

 

Manchester United 3 – 0 Liverpool in the English Premier League

 

Season 2008-09

 

Liverpool 2 – 1 Manchester United in the English Premier League

 

 

	Total Games	Win	Lose	Draw
Benitez	10	2	7	1
Ferguson	10	7	2	1

 

 Best

 

 

Ferguson beat Mourinho

Mourinho: Just sad

So Manchester United beat Inter Milan, Ferguson beaten Mourinho (2-0) on aggregate during the second leg of the last 16 in The Champions League. Still Mourinho have the upper hand in the Ferguson vs. Mourinho record.

 

Tactically speaking Ferguson’s change Rooney position from partnering Berbatov to be in the left flank to deal with Maicon forward runs, linking with Stankovic, and minimize the space the Brazilian enjoyed in the first half. It seemed worked well and that is the special thing Ferguson has: the unpredictable tactical changes during the game which is a response to the game progress.

 

 

	Total Games	Win	Lose	Draw
Mourinho	14	6	2	6
Ferguson	14	2	6	6

 

Ferguson words after the game:

 

It was one of those long European nights where you don’t know if you’re watching a game of football or watching a game of suicide

 

After scoring the first goal, I thought we would go on and kill them. But after going ahead we started trying to put icing on the cake and we were lucky to be in front at half-time

 

It was really reckless football and it allowed Inter Milan to get a grip of the game. From the middle of the first half to the end of the first half they were the better team

 

We changed the system at half-time, closed the door on Cambiasso and we were a bit better in the second half

 

We played a team at its maximum, potential-wise with all the experience they have. And they played to their maximum

 

Mourinho words after the game:

 

They have basically the same team as when I was at Chelsea. There is only Berbatov who is new. But they have been together for four or five years. They are not young anymore — the age average is 26-27 if you forget Giggs and Scholes.

 

They are in the right moment to be at the top of their careers. They reached the maximum level. They have experience, quality, great physical condition and intensity in their game. That is what the Champions League is about. So yes, I think they can do it

 

 

My players did absolutely everything they possibly could do; they should not be criticized or questioned. We played a very good game; we really played to our full potential

 

My team was fantastic but they were not lucky

 

If Inter had a problem of fear towards the Champions League, then tonight they proved that it is no longer an issue. I am not angry, just sad

 

 

Mourinho vs. Ferguson face-to-face (tactical whiteboard)

 

This is the Tactical Whiteboard of Inter Milan vs. Man United Champions League game

 

 

Inter squad for the Champions League game:

 

Goalkeepers: Toldo, Julio Cesar, Paolo Orlandoni.

Defenders: Cordoba, Maxwell, Maicon, Burdisso, Rivas, Chivu, Santon.

Midfielders: Zanetti, Stankovic, Figo, Cambiasso, Muntari.

Strikers: Ibrahimovic, Julio Cruz, Adriano, Balotelli.

 

Man United Squad for the Champions League game:

 

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak.

Defenders: Ferdinand, Evra, O’Shea, Evans, Fabio, Eckersley.

Midfielders: Giggs, Park, Carrick, Nani, Scholes, Possebon, Gibson, Fletcher, Ronaldo.

Strikers: Rooney, Berbatov, Tevez, Welbeck

 

The general approach:

 

Mourinho thinking that the game could decide by extra time, while Alex Ferguson on the contrary believes that the encounter will be decided in Milan and he hints on attacking approach, all that talking could be true or it is the famous mind games (Mourinho & Ferguson are masters in that).

 

Man United suffering in the defense (Neville, Vidic, Wes Brown and Rafael Da Silva all out of the game while Evans and O’Shea doubts), particularly Vidic is suspended the Serbian man is a prime candidate of Player of the season in the Premier League. And his aerial ability vital against Adriano and Ibrahimovic.

 

While Inter almost have complete squad, Mancini, Materrazi, and Viera all not included in the game squad by Mourinho choice.

 

Formation:

 

Inter Milan, according to Mourinho going to play their usual game plan 4-4-2 with diamond midfield (Cambiasso, Zanetti, Muntari, and Stankovic).

 

Man United’s Manager Ferguson properly will apply 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1.

 

Note: I believe now days formations are not the pivotal aspect in football but the positioning and how the players move in the pitch.

 

 

Inter Tactical Scenarios:

 

Inter’s Mourinho playing style is compact, aggressive, speedy counter attacking, team lines are tight and disciplined players do their asked roles accurately.

 

Offensively:

• Maicon should be as always an instrumental piece of Inter’s attacking play with his forward runs and linking channels with Zanetti and Stankovic is devastating. Don’t forget his crosses should cause a lot of aerial threat to Man United defense.

 

• Adrinao and Ibrahimovic going to compete on every aerial duel with Ferdinand and his possible partner Evans, the absent Vidic alongside Ferdinand are Man united best aerial battles winners (according to The Guardian Vidic wins (75%), Ferdinand (72%), and Evans (50%), while Adriano (65%) and Ibrahimovic (58%). That will be a crucial aspect Inter must capitalize it.

 

• Stankovic forward runs, dynamic movements into the penalty box, and long range shots are another dimension for Mourinho attacking method.

 

Defensively:

• Mourinho was clever to omit Materazzi from this encounter, he was partly a reason why Liverpool kicked Inter out from last season 16 round game at the Anfield (Liverpool won 2-0) as Matrix was sent off to see the Reds score two crucial goals. The likes of Ronaldo, Rooney could easily trouble him.
• Cambiasso, Zanetti, and Muntari ball regaining and covering Maicon forward runs. Also covering their defense from Man Untied wingers speed.
• Close eye on Ronaldo dead-ball, and corners threat
• The defending start from the front men (Adriano & Ibra) both have the physical status to break Man United build-up playing

 

 

Man United Tactical Scenarios:

 

The “Sir” Alex Ferguson, changed the way Man United play after Berbatov recruitment to the Red Devils. The past season Man United plays 4-6-0 with Ronaldo was their leading goal scorer with 42 goals.

 

Offensively:

 

• Ronaldo is the  main weapon for Man United, although this season he play less close to the goal as Berbatov is the striker. But he is a predator inside and outside the penalty box, Ferguson could put him in the center behind the striker to give him more freedom as Inter will close gabs and offer the least spaces they can.

 

• Berbatov, this is the time he should shine and justify his price tag, many consider him “lazy”, and for me Berba is a sophisticated hit man with neat touches Ferguson expert eye for sure saw something in him to put him in the same category of Nistelrooy, but not now we should wait to take his time.

 

• Giggs, oh what a genius man he is a true legend his experience may be more than enough to hold the Brazilian Maicon if the Welshman play as winger or in the central midfield as sometimes Ferguson deploy Giggs  successfully.

 

 

Defensively:

 

• Ferdinand one of the world best central defenders, with Vidic absence he must guide the youngster Evans (probably will play alongside Ferdinand) or Ferguson may take Carrick option and put him as central defender. The aerial duels will be crucial in the 180 minutes and Ferdinand could be the man who will seal the result for Man United favor.

 

• Evra is going to face Maicon as Inter going to play without wingers so Evra should stop Maicon crosses or even if the French shut him down totally Inter’s power will be reduced significantly.

 

• Fletcher defensive contribution to help the back four is important, maybe Ferguson give him specific instructions to mark Stankovic deep into Man United penalty box to neutral his link-up with Adriano & Ibrahimovic plus prevent the Serbian of shooting his dangerous bullets toward Van der Sar goal

 

• Van Der Sar the giant Dutch goalkeeper can be useful in the set-pieces and corners and stop Inter Milan air threat.

 

 

 

Finally this game will be decided by the smallest details, both managers have the ability to dig down through details and take the advantage, it’s a classical Managers clash game that will be take the headlines for long time.

 

Best

Mourinho vs. Ferguson face-to-face (previous games)

 

 

Okay big game between the Special One (Jose Mourinho) and the Sir (Alex Ferguson), it going to be a tactical war between two of the best managers in the European football.

 

 

Now Mourinho as Inter Milan Manager facing his ex-rival in The English Premier League Alex Ferguson Man United Manager in the last 16 round in the Champions League.

 

 

The big two face each other in 12 pervious games:

 

During 2003-04 Champions League season: Mourinho (FC Porto) vs. Ferguson (Man United):

 

Last 16 round: FC Porto vs. Man United 2-1

 

Last 16 round: Man United vs. FC Porto 1-1

 

During 2004-05 season: Mourinho (Chelsea FC) vs. Ferguson (Man United)

 

Chelsea 1 – 0 Manchester United in the English Premier League

 

Chelsea 0 – 0 Manchester United in the English Carling Cup

 

Manchester United 1 – 2 Chelsea in the English Carling Cup

 

Manchester United 1 – 3 Chelsea in the English Premier League

 

During 2005-06 season:

 

Manchester United 1 – 0 Chelsea in the English Premier League

 

Chelsea 3 – 0 Manchester United in the English Premier League

 

During 2006-07 season:

 

Manchester United 1 – 1 Chelsea in the English Premier League

 

Chelsea 0 – 0 Manchester United in the English Premier League

 

Chelsea 1 – 0 Manchester United in the English FA Cup

 

During 2007-2008 season:

 

Chelsea 1 – 1 Manchester United in the English FA Community Shield, Man United won by penalties (3-0)

 

	Total Games	Win	Lose	Draw
Mourinho	12	6	1	5
Ferguson	12	1	6	5

 Note: Community Shield that Man United won by penalties, considered a Draw

 

 

Best