The front page of Sport, says PSV will not allow Guus to leave... Intocable! Maybe we could coach barca by committee?
That WOULD be fun! At least JRR, Saviola, and Mendieta would get a game here and there. I thought, for what he had to work with, Rexach did a good job last year. I'd rather not see Menotti; I mean geez, why don't they bring in Maldini if they are going to hire Menotti. At least Cruyff isn't on the list. Tony
I still think Capello has some big wins left in him....and he isn't very happy with the Italian federation these days, not to mention that the Roma faithful are getting intolerant of their position in the standings. I bet he'll be available soon. (Antic? Menotti? Puhleeeeease.)
http://www.sport.es/Barsa/article.asp?id=57240 conflicting reports about the interest and availability of Bianchi.
That's probably for the better, as taking on Hiddink would probably make Barcelona the most hated team in the country. Is that motherfucker even allowed on Spanish soil these days?
Okay, so the past three managers have not been successful. I'm thinking Barcelona is going to look for a caretaker manager for at least the rest of this season and next. In 2004 they will be going after Ronald Koeman, the manager of Ajax. Koeman has stated he will leave Ajax when his contract expires in 2004 (you can read it at www.soccer365.com if the article is still there).
De La Cruz's first press conference...gotta love his optimism.. Bring it on! from fcbarcelona.com In his first press conference as caretaker manager Antonio de la Cruz insisted that the squad is in great condition and ready to take on Atletico Madrid this weekend. "The squad is fantastic. They're really up for this game and you'll see what we are capable of against Atletico, as I've seen in training this week. We are all aware of the responsibility resting on our shoulders. There's three very important points up for grabs. I've not had long to get the lads prepared, but I think we're done enough to ensure they understand what I want from them and we get a win." De la Cruz confirmed that he'd taken on the responsibility of choosing the team: "though I'll not be making many changes. We have to adapt our play to the characteristics of our players and try and surprise Athletico. It's really not a matter of any personal objectives on my part, more a responsibility I owe the club. I've been put in charge of the first team and I'd like to contribute something positive so that the team moves forward."
And this fro mthe guardian...I had forgotten about the Intertoto cup...the boss is already preparing for that as this may be the best way we cna get into Europe next year. Antic set for Barca hot-seat Staff and agencies Friday January 31, 2003 Barcelona are set to announce the appointment of Yugoslav Radomir Antic as the successor to Louis Van Gaal. The 53-year-old former Atletico and Real Madrid coach, who plied his playing trade at Luton Town in the 80s, has reached an agreement with Barcelona president Joan Gaspart to take charge until the end of the season, with the option of a second term dependent on results. Antic, who steered Atletico to a league and cup double in 1996, has been out of work since leaving Real Oviedo in July 2001 after their relegation from the top flight. Barcelona sporting director Charly Rexach, who coached the club last season, and Argentina's 1978 World Cup winning manager Cesar Luis Menotti have also been reported to be in the running for the job. However, Antic's greater experience in Spain is said to have convinced Barcelona that he is the man for the job. Barcelona have suffered a shocking series of results, and are without a win in their last three games. They are currently lying in twelfth place, just above the relgation zone, and are running the risk of finishing in the lower half of the table for the first time since 1942. The club will apply for the Intertoto Cup this summer as insurance should they not win the European Cup. Antic's appointment is expected to be made official following a meeting of the club's board this afternoon. If appointed, his first game in charge will be at his former club Atletico Madrid.
Well, its official now. But Antic is only signed on through the end of this campaign (which can only mean that they're going to trawl for bigger fish this summer when more coaches become available). The short-term move is probably a good move for both sides...Barça wasn't going to find a really desirable coach at this point in the year, and its a chance for Antic to show he can still coach. If they had signed him to another one of those multi-million $$ deals I would have fainted dead, but it appears there was a little more 'seny' and a little less 'rauxa' going on in Joan's head this time around.