Sven on foreign players

Since Sven thinks so highly of foreign players and their impact on the league, to some readers on this thread, that is an indication, that he has ' no knowledge' of the game.
But hey, what do I know.


Sven - Foreign Influence Is Positive 24/03/03

Sven-Goran Eriksson has insisted that the influx of overseas players and managers into the Premier League over the past decade has had a significant positive influence on English football. Eriksson told the London Evening Standard: "Foreign players have had a very positive influence on the English game."


Sven-Goran Eriksson has insisted that the influx of overseas players and managers into the Premier League over the past decade has had a significant positive influence on English football.

The Swede, who became England's first overseas national coach just over two years ago, accepts the arrival of so many players from abroad has restricted his selection options.

However, he believes the influence of the likes of Gianfranco Zola, Dennis Bergkamp and Eric Cantona, as well as managers such as Arsene Wenger and Gerard Houllier, has served to educate and improve home-grown players. Eriksson told the London Evening Standard: "Foreign players have had a very positive influence on the English game."

Eriksson added: "Of course, in my position as national team coach, I could say exactly the opposite because they have taken places at clubs that might otherwise have been occupied by young English players.

"But I think it's been a particularly good thing for younger players who have had the benefit of learning from foreign stars in matches and on the training pitch.

"Twenty years ago there were more English players for the national coach to choose from but if we want an open Europe, we have to work with what we have now.

"In general terms, the quality of football in England has improved and this has much to do with the introduction of foreign players, although there are also other factors, like improved pitches and lighter footballs."

Eriksson, who has previously managed in Sweden, Portugal and Italy, believes that overseas coaches can also bring in fresh ideas and approaches to a new country.

"Inevitably coaches from different countries have different experiences and they have brought these here and broadened the base of English football. That has been a very important development in the game," he added.

 

Clan, my post was COMPLIMENTING the EPL. It is a great league, with many quality players and an exciting style of play. I've never knocked the EPL. However, I have stated on numerous occasions it's the foreign players and management that have really helped develop the EPL. I posted the Sven article so you guys could see that there some that agree with me.

The geography of England and the stadiums where fans are right at the touchlines without a track in between them and the field, help the atmosphere.

 

Sinner, Sven is a national team coach. He calls it the way he sees it. I've posted a few times how foreigners have helped make the Premiership an exciting and better league. I was villified for it.

I just wanted you guys to know, that there are some experienced individuals that see it the same way.

 

Sinner, I like good football. Period. Bolton and Tottenham played a decent game today and there was some real quality by Okocha, Djorkaeff, N'Gotty, Pedersen, Frandsen, Poyet, Taricoo, Campo, etc.

 

Gohawk, I was not aware of that. Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed the article and perspective from someone else that has knowledge of the game.

 

I think Bolton will survive.

 

"Twenty years ago there were more English players for the national coach to choose from but if we want an open Europe, we have to work with what we have now." per Sven Goran Erickson


I disagree with Sven on this comment. If there were no foreign players in the EPL, that gap would be filled by guys currently playing in D1. There are just as many players to pick from as there were 20 years ago. Except 20 years ago, there were many more domestic players in the EPL. Today, the % of foreign players as dramatically increased since the early 90's.

There are plenty of good players in D1 that could probably deserve a look, and would be playing in the Premiership if there were not so many foreign players. Secondly, why Sven fails to pick McMannoman just does not make sense. Yes, I know he is not playing first team football for Real, so what. the guy can play.

 

I take it, you would not pick Mac for England. Based on what I've seen, he should be on the squad.

 

Sinner, I've only posted 314 times. You have to admit, I've always backed up my posts with proof of what I have posted.