Tom Oldfield
In wrapping up this series of Perfect Partnerships, I felt it was only fair to analyse the work of the managerial teams. Whilst the players tend to take all the plaudits, the people who put in the hours behind the scenes deserve their share of the praise. There are a number of solid managerial teams in the Premier League but I have picked out just two for discussion – Sir Alex Ferguson and Carlos Queiroz at Manchester United and Harry Redknapp, Joe Jordan and Tony Adams at Portsmouth.
Sir Alex Ferguson and Carlos Queiroz (Manchester United)
A few years ago, this duo was being ridiculed for United’s continued failure to win major trophies. They had only one Carling Cup to show for the 2004/05 and 2005/06 campaigns and Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool had all enjoyed more success. How things have changed! The initial difficulties were overcome and United won the 2007 Premier League title and reached the final of the FA Cup. In addition, they enjoyed their best European run for years as they surged into the semi-finals, only to fall to eventual winners AC Milan.
This season, their good form has shown no signs of fading away. After a slow start – two points from their first three games – United have returned to their best under the watchful eyes of Sir Alex and Queiroz. Ferguson’s record at Old Trafford needs little explanation. He is quite simply the best manager of the Premier League era. Nine titles speak for themselves and his love for the game is as strong as ever. Sir Alex has, at different times, been described as ruthless, a father figure, a motivator and a tactician. He has been prepared to stake his reputation on his decision-making, selling the likes of Paul McGrath, Paul Ince and David Beckham when lesser men might have cowered away from such thoughts. Few can claim to have ruffled Sir Alex’s feathers and even fewer can boast of having got the better of the Scot.
Queiroz arrived as an unknown quantity to most football fans and he received criticism for trying to make United more like teams on the continent. His one-season stint as Real Madrid manager was ultimately a disappointment but it strengthened his desire to succeed and he returned to Old Trafford hungrier than ever. His training approaches have proven popular with the United players and he has been a major factor in the development of the club’s youngsters, especially Cristiano Ronaldo. It seems likely that Ferguson’s number 2 will have a similar impact on young guns Anderson and Nani who have already shown glimpses of their potential.
Queiroz’s knowledge of European football fits perfectly with Ferguson’s man-management skills and it seems likely that the duo will continue to fight for silverware in the years ahead. This season, they have their sights fixed on repeating the famous Treble of 1999 and, with the squad that they have assembled, the duo have every chance.
So while Ferguson rightly takes plenty of plaudits, Queiroz’s impact should not be underestimated because he too has been pivotal in the team’s turnaround during the past two seasons. With two driven men at the helm, United look set to dominate domestically for years to come.
Harry Redknapp, Joe Jordan and Tony Adams (Portsmouth)
This trio have surprised many with the success that they have brought to Portsmouth, establishing the South Coast club as a solid Premiership outfit. Redknapp has had an interesting time in that part of the country, managing first Pompey, then Southampton before returning to take charge at Portsmouth. It has not always made him Mr. Popular but he has a thick enough skin to shrug off the criticism.
His current squad is full of strong, physical players and the side have become very tough to beat. The defence is amongst the best in the league and the midfield is probably the most intimidating with Papa Bouba Diop and Sulley Muntari patrolling in front of the back four. Redknapp deserves accolades for his work at Portsmouth. He has a good track record in English football and knows how to get the most out of his players. Harry’s man-management skills are renowned and what he lacks in tactical nous, he makes up for by getting the maximum effort from each member of his squad.
Jordan, who played for South Coast rivals Southampton, provides knowledgeable input and is a well respected member of the coaching team. He held the fort as caretaker manager on a temporary basis back in 2005 – before Redknapp returned to Pompey – and has become part of the furniture at the club. Together with Adams, he has improved the quality of the training at Portsmouth and has been on hand to deal with any interviews that Redknapp chooses to avoid.
Adams’ influence has been most noticeable in the team’s excellent defensive record. He has moulded an excellent back four together in front of David James, providing a platform for the rest of the side. He has particularly helped Glen Johnson, who has blossomed into an excellent full-back whilst at Portsmouth. Adams’ status as one of England’s finest ever defenders and captains earns him the respect of everyone in football
Pompey continue to punch above their weight in the Premiership and are in with a good chance of clinching a UEFA Cup place for next season. They are also enjoying a good run in the FA Cup, avoiding the Premiership’s powerhouses in the draw for the last sixteen, where they will face Preston. There is still a chance of Portsmouth drawing Southampton in a later round!
The coaching trio did excellent business during the January transfer, signing Jermaine Defoe and Lassana Diarra – two top class footballers who will vastly improve the team’s chances of a top six finish. That little bit of extra talent might make all the difference down the stretch. Earning a spot in a European competition would a fitting reward for Redknapp, Jordan and Adams – they have put Portsmouth back on the map and deserve great credit for doing so.
