carlyluvsunited
24-11-2007, 01:05 AM
How Venables' plan for Hargreaves to secure a
draw against Croatia fell on McClaren's deaf ears
Owen Hargreaves was left on the bench for England's match against Croatia
Steve McClaren ignored a plea from Terry Venables to bring on Owen Hargreaves
during England's defeat by Croatia, it emerged today.
Within seconds of Peter Crouch's equalising goal in Wednesday's Euro 2008
qualifier, McClaren's No2 suggested introducing the Manchester United midfielder
from the substitutes' bench.
Venables believed that, with the score at 2-2, England were through to the
European finals and the presence of Hargreaves in a holding role in front of a
defence might protect the single point that would have ensured qualification.
But Hargreaves was left unused as, instead, McClaren emerged from under his
umbrella to instruct half-time substitute Jermain Defoe to play a deeper role.
Crouch's equaliser came in the 65th minute and the priority for the 25 minutes
that remained was simply to hold on to the point.
Afterwards, McClaren said that he was about to put on Hargreaves when Mladen
Petric, unchallenged in yards of space, scored the winner that knocked England
out and cost the manager his job. The decisive goal came 12 minutes after
Crouch had equalised.
The incident provides further evidence of the tactical knowledge on which
Venables' reputation has been built.
One of McClaren's first decisions when he was appointed manager 18 months ago
was to invite Venables on to his staff because he knew that his grasp of strategy
would be invaluable as England negotiated what was seen as a fairly
uncomplicated qualifying programme.
The former QPR, Tottenham and Barcelona manager was the last England coach
to get anywhere near a trophy.
In 1996, his team reached the semi-finals of the European Championship, beating
Holland 4-1 along the way in one of the most convincing England performances of
that era.
But just how much input Venables had in McClaren's brief reign is almost
impossible to ascertain, although it was clear to anyone watching training
sessions that he had a rapport with the players.
They enjoyed his ideas and appreciated his knowledge and in years to come are
likely to rank him among the best coaches they worked with.
But just what Venables felt he contributed we may never know. He was
discouraged from talking to the media and the advantage of a low profile meant
he escaped much of the criticism that engulfed McClaren.
There is also little doubt that while McClaren listened intently to his advisers, all
the major decisions were his alone. That is the impression he liked to give.
So, although Venables was sacked along with McClaren - learning the news from
TV - his coaching reputation remains pretty much intact. The Republic of Ireland,
for instance, are now giving him serious consideration as they seek a new
manager.
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discuss all breaking news on all things United !!! Come talk to us….
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draw against Croatia fell on McClaren's deaf ears
Owen Hargreaves was left on the bench for England's match against Croatia
Steve McClaren ignored a plea from Terry Venables to bring on Owen Hargreaves
during England's defeat by Croatia, it emerged today.
Within seconds of Peter Crouch's equalising goal in Wednesday's Euro 2008
qualifier, McClaren's No2 suggested introducing the Manchester United midfielder
from the substitutes' bench.
Venables believed that, with the score at 2-2, England were through to the
European finals and the presence of Hargreaves in a holding role in front of a
defence might protect the single point that would have ensured qualification.
But Hargreaves was left unused as, instead, McClaren emerged from under his
umbrella to instruct half-time substitute Jermain Defoe to play a deeper role.
Crouch's equaliser came in the 65th minute and the priority for the 25 minutes
that remained was simply to hold on to the point.
Afterwards, McClaren said that he was about to put on Hargreaves when Mladen
Petric, unchallenged in yards of space, scored the winner that knocked England
out and cost the manager his job. The decisive goal came 12 minutes after
Crouch had equalised.
The incident provides further evidence of the tactical knowledge on which
Venables' reputation has been built.
One of McClaren's first decisions when he was appointed manager 18 months ago
was to invite Venables on to his staff because he knew that his grasp of strategy
would be invaluable as England negotiated what was seen as a fairly
uncomplicated qualifying programme.
The former QPR, Tottenham and Barcelona manager was the last England coach
to get anywhere near a trophy.
In 1996, his team reached the semi-finals of the European Championship, beating
Holland 4-1 along the way in one of the most convincing England performances of
that era.
But just how much input Venables had in McClaren's brief reign is almost
impossible to ascertain, although it was clear to anyone watching training
sessions that he had a rapport with the players.
They enjoyed his ideas and appreciated his knowledge and in years to come are
likely to rank him among the best coaches they worked with.
But just what Venables felt he contributed we may never know. He was
discouraged from talking to the media and the advantage of a low profile meant
he escaped much of the criticism that engulfed McClaren.
There is also little doubt that while McClaren listened intently to his advisers, all
the major decisions were his alone. That is the impression he liked to give.
So, although Venables was sacked along with McClaren - learning the news from
TV - his coaching reputation remains pretty much intact. The Republic of Ireland,
for instance, are now giving him serious consideration as they seek a new
manager.
Click below to join manutdtalk.com forums to read and
discuss all breaking news on all things United !!! Come talk to us….
http://manutdtalk.com/forums/register.php