Addressing the Balance

Arguably, the English Premier League is best league in the world. It’s an incredibly competitive league where the quality is great throughout and the game is played with a great tempo and physicality.

But, there has been something of a moral panic in England in the past few years. There has been a consistent worry about the number of English players playing for the elite clubs in England. To many observers of the game, there is simply not enough English players representing the top four clubs.

The common hypothesis is that as the Premier League has got wealthier the number of English players in the league has rapidly declined. Perhaps it’s agreeable that domestic football has become more international. But the question is, how does England fare to other nations such as Italy and Spain in terms of the number of nationals of the particular country representing their top four clubs?

The FA have tried to minimise the issue. This season, the Premier League has implemented the home grown rule. The rule demands that each team must enlist at least eight ‘homegrown players’ in their official squad list. But homegrown players can include foreign players who have been lived in England since their early teens. So some argue, the homegrown rule is perhaps flawed.

For the analysis, there has been a comparison between the number of nationals used by England in contrast to the number of nationals used by Spain and Italy. This will put a measure to the degree of England’s concern with the number of English players representing the top four.

The teams chosen for the analysis are the English, Spanish and Italian top four of 2009/10 season. This therefore means the teams analysed are the clubs who originally participated in the Champions League this season.

The statistics are based on players who have made appearances for the teams in any of the four competitions (National Cup, League, Europe, League Cup) during the 2011/11 season.

England

Team	No. of players	No. ENG players	% of ENG players	No. of players representing in Europe	No. of ENG players representing in Europe	% of ENG players representing in Europe
Chelsea	30	8	26%	25	7	28%
Man United	28	9	32%	26	8	32%
Arsenal	31	6	19%	25	5	20%
Tottenham	32	13	40%	23	6	26%
Total	121	36	29%	99	26	26%

One could argue it’s alarming that only one team in England’s top four has a double figure representation of English players. Tottenham clearly have a higher representation of English players compared to the other teams in the top four. In comparison to their North London rivals Arsenal, there is a gulf in difference. Only six players have been of English origin for Arsenal this season. To many, this is an incredibly disturbing statistic.

However, the Champions of England, Manchester United, had the highest domestic bias out of all the top four teams in Europe. So it could be viewed as good that United made it to the Champions League Final this season as they had the highest representation of English players.

Spain

Team	No. of players	No. ESP players	% of ESP players	No. of players representing in Europe	No. of ESP players representing in Europe	% of ESP players represnting in Euroope
Barcelona	32	21	65%	26	15	57%
R. Madrid	33	17	51%	26	11	42%
Valencia	28	15	53%	26	14	53%
Sevilla	28	12	42%	26	11	42%
Total	121	65	53%	104	51	49%

There is a frightening difference between England and Spain. All the Spanish teams in the top four were in double figures in regards to the number of Spanish players used. Even Sevilla, the team with the lowest domestic bias, still has a far greater figure than any of the English top four. This demonstrates how poorly English players are being represented in the elite positions of the Premier League.

Furthermore, for Barcelona, Valencia and Real Madrid, more than 50% of the players who appeared for them this season were Spanish. With the English teams analysed, there was not a single team who had anywhere near 50% of their players being English.

Barcelona deserves special praise. They have dominated Europe and Spain with a sensational domestic bias. Real Madrid’s domestic bias is 51% while Barcelona’s domestic bias is 65%. This demonstrates the wide gap between the rivals.

Italy

Team	No. of players	No. ITA players	% of ITA players	No. of players representing in Europe	No. of ITA players representing in Europe	% of ITA players represnting in Euroope
Inter	30	7	23%	29	8	27%
Roma	28	12	40%	26	10	38%
Milan	32	16	50%	23	11	47%
Sampdoria	29	18	62%	29	18	62%
Total	116	50	43%	107	47	43%

Even when comparing the domestic bias in Italy, England is severely lagging behind. 50% of the players used for the Serie A champions Milan were Italian, while only a mere 32% of Manchester United players, for example, were English.

The likes of Roma, Milan and Sampdoria have a higher or very similar domestic bias to Tottenham (the team with highest domestic bias for the English teams analysed) This vividly proves not only in Spain but even in Italy, the top English teams are not representing English players as much as the other nations are representing their nationals.

But perhaps, Sampdoria are evidence that too many nationals can be an issue. In the 2009/10 season, Sampdoria finished 4^th. While in the following season, they finished 17^th and were relegated. This season they had a 62% domestic bias. One could argue that Sampdoria are proof you need a balance between the amount of nationals and foreign players.

Out of all the Spanish and Italian teams analysed, one team had a domestic bias which is even worse than some Premier League clubs - Inter Milan only fielded seven Italian players this season. Only Arsenal had a poorer domestic bias. Furthermore, when Inter won the Champions League in 2010, there was not a single Italian player in their starting eleven for the final. Perhaps this is a worry for Italian football. It could suggest that Italian footballers are becoming over-looked. However arch rivals, Milan are proof that this is not the case. After all, they were highly successful this season and they used 16 Italian players.

The statistics prove two things. Firstly, that English players are not given a sufficient chance on the largest club football stage. While in contrast, it could also suggest that English players are not good enough to play at the top of club football. Perhaps one would have to agree with this as if the English players were good enough to play on the top level, they would play. The simple fact there are only a handful of English players representing England’s top teams clearly indicates that a majority of the English players are simply not good enough and there are better players from different nationalities.

Perhaps the dearth of English players at the higher end of the Premier League I could provide an explanation to why English players are viciously over priced. In past few years the asking price for English players has risen beyond belief. The prices could be inflated due to the fact there are not many English players at the elite clubs. Therefore meaning that English players who are credible for the elite clubs are often rare, thus explaining their inflated price. Furthermore, one could even argue the new home –grown rule in Europe and in the Premier League has further inflated the price of English players. It is depressing but the nationality of a player can often inflate the price.

However, more has to be done to improve English players. After all, managers pick the players on terms of their ability. If an English player is good enough, he will play in the team. It is simple as that. But a majority of the time, English players are falling short at the higher end of club football. English clubs need to further invest in their academy’s and look to develop the players technical levels. The clubs need to take more of an interest and a more active role on the grass roots level. The English kids of tomorrow need to be instilled with a structured philosophy of how the game should be played and why it should be played in such a way. This will develop the youngsters understanding and reading of the game.

The stats prove England are lagging behind their rivals, and they have reacted far too slowly to the problem. In England’s top four, there is almost certainly one Spanish or Italian player per team. Yet in Italy and Spain there aren’t any English players in their top four sides.

The English clubs need to take a far more proactive role in their attempts to make the English players more suited for the elite clubs in England. But sadly, as the stats prove, the Spanish and Italian players are streaks ahead of the English players at this moment of time.

This piece was first published on Back Page Football

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How Rafa Benitez is intelligently using the media to increase his chances of getting a job

‘Congratulations to Chelsea, I think the best team won and the best manager.’

These were the last words said by Rafa Benitez in his final press conference for Liverpool. Some may read Rafa Benitez’s final words as a final subtle attack on Sir Alex Ferguson.

But one thing is clear. Rafa Benitez is a very intelligent man. His intelligence comes across in his perceptions and comments. Benitez has the ability to in- directly attack or scrutinise his opponents. Take his final words as Liverpool boss. It’s a prime example of Benitez subtly using the media to attack his opposition.

A problem with Rafa Benitez, is that he is not well received by other football fans, especially in England. He is often labelled as a ‘fat Spanish waiter,’ or something of this nature. This was not really an issue when he was the Liverpool boss, as the Liverpool fans absolutely adored Rafa Benitez.

But times have changed, of course the Liverpool fans still love Benitez. But Rafa Benitez now finds himself out of a job.

Rafa Benitez has emphasised his desire to manage again in the Premier League. Benitez states, 'the priority is the Premier League, because the style is better for me.'

However, Benitez is knowledgeable enough to know that people’s perceptions of him need to change. Benitez knows that if he is to be given an opportunity to manage again in the Premier League, he needs the supporter’s faith and respect. One would argue, this is what kept him at Liverpool for so long. The Liverpool fans strong faith and trust in Benitez made him almost untouchable during certain periods.

Its apparent Rafa Benitez has looked to overcome this problem. He has tried to beat this problem by appearing on TV far more often than ever before.

Benitez has appeared on many football related shows. Sometimes he giving an interview – on his thoughts of his Liverpool and Inter Milan experience. While at other times he is given the role as a pundit analysing games. In the past 6 months Benitez has appeared in the BBC's Football Focus and Sky Sports news coverage for the Champions League and La Liga.

The Spanish tactician knows that if he can get his personality, knowledge and charisma effectively portrayed on Television. It will make him far more favoured to football fans and potential bosses. The increasing positive publicity will make Benitez far more appealing and respected.

Rafa Benitez has always been given a negative perception by national journalists and football writers. This was often the case throughout his time in England. Many complained about Benitez’ transfer policy, his strategies and one mustn’t forget, his zonal marking system.

The harsh criticisms often led to Benitez being represented as calamitous manger to the British public. Even though the facts prove different. In Benitez’s last press conference for Liverpool, it’s clear that he feels certain journalists and writers have over inflated and misrepresented his ideas.

However, Rafa Benitez with his charisma and knowledge often caught the press out. The video below demonstrates how Benitez embarrassed some sections of the press.




Benitez has approached the problem in the correct way. He knows that if he can appeal to football fans in England through television it will give a better representation of him. Furthemore, occasionally coming onto a media form such as the Television, it makes football fans and potential bosses aware that Benitez is available.

In the past, Benitez was often represented through newspapers and pundits. This mostly portrayed him in a negative light. However, Benitez being on football programs giving his thoughts directly, without journalists intervening. It gives the Spaniard a better representation and a more personal depiction.

However, as much as it’s debatable. Rafa Benitez is a great football strategist. He clearly is a man who reads the game well and has an in-depth knowledge.

Most Premier League clubs would be lucky to have Benitez as their manager. Perhaps, this view isn’t shared by many football fans.

But Benitez is passionate enough about the game to know that the perceptions associated with him need to change.

Once these perceptions have changed.

People will view him as an incredibly intelligent football manager.

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Champions League Quarter Final second leg predictions

Here are our quarter final second leg Champions League predictions. This week, our predictors are, Dan Leydon of Hot Footy News. And the other predictor, is last week’s winner Dominic Vieira.

Fixture	Ibby Akkas prediction		Dominic Vieira prediction		Dan Leydon prediction		Actual result
Man United v Chelsea	1-1		2-1		1-1		2-1
Shakthar v Barcelona	1-2		1-2		2-1		0-1
Schalke v Inter Milan	1-3		1-1		2-3		2-1
Tottenham v R. Madrid	2-1		1-0		2-2		0-1
Total correct scores	Correct Results - 1	Perfect Result - 0	Correct Results - 2	Perfect Results - 1	Correct Results - 0	Perfect Result- 0

The Results

Dominic Vieira - 5 points

Ibby Akkas - 1 point

Dan Leydon - 0 points

A relatively low predicting score line again in the Champions League. But yet again, Dominic Vieira comes out on top again! With one correct score and one perfect score he ran away with it! Well done Dominic. But thanks to Dan for participating, better luck next time!

Be sure to check out Dan Leydon’s website. It has some brilliant creative posters which are defiantly worth checking out! And he has some very good articles on his website too: http://hotfootynews.blogspot.com/

Follow him on Twitter: @blastedfrench

Make sure you follow the senior writer of A Football Report Dominic Vieira on Twitter; @dominicvieira

Check out A Football Report too. It’s a great footballing site with some very good reads; afootballreport.com

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Are Bayern Munich right to let Louis van Gaal leave at the end of the season?

So, Bayern Munich and Louis van Gaal have agreed part company at the end of the season. Crazy. This time last season, Bayern had just knocked out Fiorentina in the Champions League, courtesy of the away goal rule. Arguably, that game was the start of Bayern’s brilliant adventure in Europe that season. Even though Bayern were hugely successful last season. As they won the German cup and the Bundesliga with relative comfort. But the success of last season wasn’t enough for the Bayern hierocracy to keep faith in their Dutch manager.

It’s fair to say, instant success was pretty much expected in Van Gaal’s first season at Bayern. Simply because the club had spent a shed load of cash on new acquisitions. In total, the club spent £72 million. Bringing in the likes of Arjen Robben (£21 million), Mario Gomez (£30 million) and Anatoliy Tymoshchuk (£12 million). All of which are quality players who added to the array of talent already at Bayren.

The new acquisitions swiftly clicked into place as Louis van Gaal’s first season was brilliant. However, one must remember, the team only won 1 of their first 4 opening games. Maybe foreshadowing the shambolic second season. However, they managed to overcome their poor start and won the league with 5 points clear and only lost 4 games throughout the league season. A fantastic Bundesliga campaign. Van Gaal’s 4-5-1 system suited the Munich side perfectly. Bayern had Frank Ribery on the left side of midfield, while on the other flank, the new acquisition Arjen Robben occupied the right hand side. Robben had a fantastic debut season. The flying Dutchman was the team’s top goal scorer with 22 goals. While upfront Bayern played Mario Gomez. The team had absolutely no reason to fail. As they clearly had quality and depth running through the team.

Louis van Gaal’s European pedigree assisted Bayern on their Champions League journey last season. Bayern picked up 7 wins in 13 European matches. Including impressive wins such as hammering Juventus 4-1 in Italy, beating Man Utd 2-1 and smashing Lyon 3-0 in the second leg of the semi final. It’s a common criticism that the team were lucky to go through against Man United and Fiorentina. As they won by the away goals rule. But Louis van Gaal’s Bayern had it tough. They had to perform well in their first leg matches at home. This is something they did. But not in a satisfying manner. As the team conceded crucial away goals against Fiorentina and Man United. But Bayern’s quality attack proved the difference. As the team scored two or more goals in all of their away matches in the knock out stages.

Bayern had a tense rollercoaster of a journey on route to the Champions League final. Although in the semi’s against Lyon they comfortably beat them over the two legs. But the ties against Man United and Fiorentina were nothing short of scarped wins. But Bayern made into the final, their first Champions League final since winning the trophy in 2001. But, it’s fair to say Van Gaal’s men were nullified by a calculated Inter Milan side in 2010 final.

But has Louis van Gaal been fairly treated by Bayern Munich? The Dutchman offered the club instant success. Yes, it was expected. After all, the club spent over £70 million on new players. Plus they already had arrays of talent in their squad. But expecting something in football and something practically happening in the game are two different things. But Van Gaal proved he could manage the squad and find a system which would quickly reap success for the side.

But of course, this season has been nothing but a disaster. Bayern Munich are a massive 19 points behind the league leaders Borussia Dortmund. And are 5 points away from the Champions League spots. Munich are in huge trouble. There is no doubt about that. But does Louis van Gaal deserve the sack for this catastrophic season? One would have to say yes.

On paper, Bayern Munich are the best side in Germany. The team has quality running throughout the side. Furthermore, being a massive 19 points behind in the league leaders is absurd. Especially as Bayern won the league last season. Bayern Munich are the biggest side in Germany. The club generates a huge amount of revenue and has the biggest stadium in Germany. Yet, there is a strong possibility that they may not even qualify for the Champions League next season.

Louis van Gaal did an incredible job in his first season at Bayern Munich. His instant success was supposed to be one significant step towards the Bayern’s sustained domination of German football. But this season has been a horror show. The team were knocked out of the German cup at home by Schalke. This is something which is totally unheard of in the history and culture of Bayern Munich.

After it was confirmed Van Gaal was to leave at the end of the season. The club commented that Louis van Gaal and the Bayern hierarchy had ‘differing views on the club's strategic direction.’ In other words, the club doesn’t want to see another horror show like this season again.

When Louis van Gaal joined the club, he described Bayern Munich as being a ‘dream job.’ The first season was a dream season. Everything fell into place for the side. But that dream quickly turned into a nightmare in the second season.

No one can take away the achievements of Louis van Gaal’s first season at Bayern Munich. But the club haven’t just taken a step back this season, they have taken huge step in decline. Bayern Munich are the 4^th richest club in the world. The club has it all. They have the stadia, the fans, the economic resources and the players. Challenging for the league and playing in the Champions League should be a minimal expectation.

And Louis van Gaal has had to pay the price for not being able to sustain the fierce expectations of a massive club.

Jose Mourinho. The ultimate manager? Or the ultimate Journeyman?

Jose Mourinho is simply a brilliant manager. His achievements speak for themselves. The last four clubs Mourinho has been at, he has brought major success to those clubs. The fact he has never lost a home game in 9 years demonstrates his fantastic qualities as a manager. Even though Mourinho is arguably one of the games finest managers, ever, he continually flirts with other clubs.

Since 2007 he has found himself at three different clubs. The longest term he has ever served in management is a mere three years with Chelsea. There hasn’t been a year where Jose Mourinho hasn’t shown light interest in a football club or been heavily linked with a club. Is Mourinho the ultimate Journeyman manager?

Jose Mourinho gained his reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young managers during his time at Porto. It’s no surprise. Seeing in a two year spell he won a Champions League, UEFA Cup, Portuguese Liga (twice), and the Portuguese Cup (again twice.) Mourinho offered something the modern game craves for. Instant success.

By the end of his first season at Porto, Jose Mourinho’s name was being linked with a host of clubs across Europe. And it was clear through Mourinho’s responses that he was seriously interested in moving to a larger club. Mourinho continually refused to rule out interest in different European clubs. Arguably, this was a sign of things to come. As the media frenzy surrounding Jose Mourinho was ever increasing. This lead to the Portuguese tactician to consistently hit the gossip pages in Italy, Spain and England. This unsettled and annoyed the Porto fans as it seemed their manager was looking for his next voyage. But I’m sure the Porto fans didn’t mind along as the team were successful on the pitch. And weren’t they hugely successful.

It was clear that Mourinho’s second season at Porto would be his final season at the club. The fantastic feat of winning the Champions League and the Portuguese League made Mourinho too big for Porto. Throughout Porto’s fantastic European Cup run, Jose Mourinho was being linked with several European power houses. The likes of Chelsea, Man United, Liverpool, R.Madrid were all in the papers linked with the Portuguese manager. Mourinho left Porto with an impressive winning ratio of 70%.

Chelsea in 2004 won the battle to acquire Mourinho’s services. The fans and players fell in love with Jose Mourinho. And Mourinho fell in love with the club, the fans and the English game. Mourinho, like at Porto was again dominantly successful with Chelsea. In his three years he won, two Premier League trophies, two League cups and one F.A Cup. It was only a matter of time till Mourinho was being linked to other European clubs. Even though Mourinho’s Chelsea were seen as the favourites to dominate Europe and England. It seemed Mourinho was already thinking of his next challenge. Again, he continually failed to rule out interest from a host of European clubs, such as Inter Milan.

The sudden departure of Jose Mourinho from Chelsea was a massive shock. Simply because it happened so early in the season (September 20th..) It was a decision which stunned the whole of European football. Had Mourinho’s relationship been a little better with Roman Abramovich maybe he would still be Chelsea manager. I heavily doubt though. Jose Mourinho was looking for his next test in management. But even after just three years at Chelsea, he left being Chelsea’s most successful manager. Winning 131 games out of 185, with an winning ratio of 70%. It seemed certain Mourinho’s next venture would be in Italy.

Inter Milan provided Jose Mourinho’s next challenge. Again Mr Mourinho provided the Italian club with instant success. In two years he won a phenomenal two Serie A titles, one Coppa Italia and their first European Cup in 46 years. Some argue that winning Serie A with Inter expected. As Mourinho’s predecessor Roberto Mancini won three Serie A titles in a row. However, Mourinho maintained their dominance in Italy and took Inter’s game to another level. As he mastered their conquering of Europe. Two European cups with two different clubs, he is simply a modern great.

However, even though Jose Mourinho’s success at Inter was nothing short of sensational. It seemed the Portuguese manager was desperate to live Italy. ‘I am very happy at Inter but not in Italian football.’ Again, Jose Mourinho sent the media into frenzy. And he was linked with a full host of Spanish and English clubs. Mourinho highlighted his interest in returning to the Premier League in 2009. ‘I would consider going to Manchester United but United have to consider if they want me to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson. If they do, then of course.’ This demonstrates his ultimate flirtation with other clubs. Mourinho couldn’t have made it more clear that Inter wasn’t he his long term aspiration. As Jose Mourinho was conquering Europe with Inter, he was plotting his next managerial challenge.

It seemed certain the 2010 European Cup final would be the last dance for Jose Mourinho and Inter Milan. Everyone was certain Mourinho would take the reigns at Real Madrid. This is due to the constant press speculation and interest in the job from Mourinho himself. 6 days later, Jose Mourinho was confirmed to be taking over at Real Madrid.

Jose Mourinho’s time at Madrid has been relatively successful. Of course they are 5 points behind Champions Barcelona. But, Madrid have been far more consistent so far this season, in comparison with the last three years.

But it seems Jose Mourinho is already planning his next move. A few days after Mourinho signed for Madrid, there were already rumours surfacing that Mourinho had an escape clause to leave Madrid at the end of each season. Whether that’s true or false is another question. But Mourinho continually keeps commenting on how he would love to ‘one day’ takeover at Manchester United. It does seem Mourinho doesn’t see his long term future in Spain.

Prior to Madrid’s Champions League tie against Lyon, Mourinho commented, ‘I love Chelsea. I was the happiest man [when there]. I was thinking to be there all my life.’ Jose Mourinho simply can’t keep his mouth shut and get on with his daunting task at Real Madrid. Arguably, Madrid is his hardest challenge. As Barcelona are getting stronger every year. However, some believe Jose Mourinho could be doing this to shift the power balance his way at Madrid. Arguably, the Portuguese manager has tried to gain as much power as he can wherever he has managed. Hence why he had difficult relationships with Abramovich and Moratti. Furthermore, it can be quite fairly said that Mourinho’s personality makes him difficult to work with. Some view him as arrogant and egocentric. And maybe that’s why Mourinho moves from club to club? As he is looking for a team, a set of fans and even a nation that loves his presence. Hence why he felt he could stay at Chelsea for ‘all my life.’ But the Madrid hierarchy know too well that his record for instant success speaks for itself. And if he toddles somewhere else its Real Madrid’s loss, not Jose Mourinho’s.

Mourinho is one of the greatest modern day managers, but he is the ultimate journey man. With Mourinho wherever he has been, you never get the sense of a long term ambition of him staying with the club. There always seems to be another challenge Mourinho has set his sights on.

Is Jose Mourinho more interested in personal glory rather than collective glory with one club? It seems quite visible that Mourinho is someone who prides his personal glory over being hugely successful with one or two clubs. Mourinho is highly ambitious and wants to win all the top trophies. And if that means spending a few years in Italy and Spain Mourinho is willing too.

For all the incredible success Jose Mourinho has had, winning 17 trophies in 7 years. And bringing instant success everywhere he has been. Mourinho clearly has journeyman characteristics. The average Mourinho managerial job lasts for around two years, this suggests he is reluctant to have a long term association with a club.

There is one certain value the special one lacks. Loyalty.