Week 10

Football Academy · Cult Status

Week 10

Football Academy · Cult Status

Genoa sack Best

Jamie Best has finally been sacked as manager of the Genoa team following the loss against Juventus. On its own the 3-1 loss seems a combatative and unlucky result to end on considering Juve sit on top of the league and won it last season. However Sulaiman Al-Fahim had warned his manager that anything more than 1 loss before week 12 was unacceptable following 3 losses in the first 5 games of the season. The game that seemed to confirm his fate was the loss to Fiorentina, a game the board clearly felt was winnable. "We stuck with Jamie in the summer break because we wanted to give him time. Last season we struggled to meet the expectations set and could have replaced him then. The faith we showed could cost us this season as well because 5 losses in 9 is form a long way off title ambitions. We will now look for a new manager we can put the clubs future in their hands and hope he can mould a team to create that. It is about experience and style, this club has always been an ambitious and attacking team since our takeover and the attacking is a feature we hope to keep so we can challenge to Juve's and AC Milan's of the league."

FA Odds.

Jamie Best to stay in Italy - 5/1
Jamie Best to move to England - 3/2
Jamie Best to move to Spain - 7/1

Manager to replace Best at Genoa:

Martin Turney (Aston Villa) - 50/1
Jonnie Adams (Athletic Bilbao) - 50/1
Rob O'Brien (Fiorentina) - 14/1
Jackie Yeo (Villarreal) - 12/1
Mark Rollings (Inter Milan) - 10/1
Stuart Price (Valencia) - 5/1
Craig Radford (Manchester United) - 3/1
Chris Hanton (AC Milan) - 3/1
Steve Jenkins (Juventus) - 3/1
Paul Harrington (Atletico Madrid) - 3/1
Adam Goble (Barcelona) - 2/1

Besty · Cult Status

Best considers options

Jamie, the sacking we all expected has finally arrived, are you disappointed that you didnt stay in the job longer?

Of course but thats football, i had my chance and i was well aware of what was expected by the chairman. I went down fighting and i thought we were unlucky against Juve but it was the Fiorentina game that most disappointed me, we went all out for the win which didn't pay off and had we won that and then got this respectable result against the Champions then maybe i would still be in the job but it wasn't to be. I have to say thanks to the chairman for sticking by me in the summer, it would have been easy for them to sack me after last season and invest heavily in a new manager but he gave me a chance and i hope i have repayed him a little by improving the team with some really good transfers recently, i gave it my all so i have no regrets.

Have you spoken to any other managers since your departure?

I had a nice message from Mark at Liverpool which was really good of him, the one good thing about this business is you find some top friends along the way and Mark is certainly one i have found a great lad to deal with and to play against, so hopefully we can do battle again sometime soon. I'm sure Ristey will give me a bit of a ribbing, i gave him some stick a couple weeks ago when Jonnie at Bilbao masterminded a great win against him in the league, but he will have the last laugh now i suppose!

Any parting comment to Genoa?

I'd just like to apologise to the fans and chairman for not delivering what they wanted, the chairman gets some stick for his ambitons but he made it perfectly clear when he took charge of the club that he wanted success, i am pleased that he had the faith in me to try and undertake that task by appointing me at the start of last season but hopefully i have made the task a little easier for the next manager to deliver what the club deserves, the squad is in a good shape now.

Who would you like to see take over?

I think the best person would be Stu Price, he has unrivalled success in building a number of quality teams that win trophies but he has taken on the task at Valencia so i would expect him to stay there and complete that job before he considers a move elsewhere. Otherwise i think the best man would be Simon Jenkins, the bloke has turned Valladolid into a superb outift and i think he would thrive under pressure, whoever the chairman decides to appoint though will know what is required of them.

So what is next for you?

Quite honestly i don't know, I am considering retirement as i was really committed to the task at Genoa so to lose my job was demoralising, i have had a few clubs now and i dont want to turn myself into a job hopping manager, i am a loyal lad who commits to a task 100% so unless something comes up which suits both me and the club i may walk away from the game.

With that Best exited the Genoa press room for the very last time...

Football Academy · Cult Status

Issue 2: Release -- Sunday 19th December 10pm.

If you haven't signed up to the list yet, apply for yours here now.

Issue 2 will contain news on the new academies.

-- Edited by Football Academy on Sunday 19th of December 2010 02:45:59 PM

Ash · Cult Status

Sevilla 5-1 Espanyol

A dejected Espanyol manager Ashley Harris spoke to the press following a 5-1 defeat againt Sevilla.

Press: It's fair to say that wasn't the performance you were looking for in an important game to you?

AH: No it wasn't to be fair. Once again we were outclassed against a very strong and experienced side. Obviously i wasn't expecting a win but i was hoping that we would keep it close and at least make Sevilla sweat a bit. It's the manner of defeat once again that i'm unhappy about. Still, Sevilla are a quality side and whilst I have received some ribbing from him about this hammering, i'm happy that Liam is still right in the title hunt and i'm sure he can come out on top and deliver the La Liga title for Sevilla. I'm not sure he will let me forget this result in a hurry though.

Press: You mentioned the title battle there, it's looking fascinating at the top, do you really think Sevilla can do it?

AH: Absolutely. They have a tough game this week against Barcelona and if they win that then it's looking really good for them. Your right it is fascinating there with 3 teams on 24 points at the top and you really feel that the winner of the game next weekend will challenge Valladolid for the title and i believe that will be Sevilla.

Press: As for you it's Sevilla again in the cup, followed by Sociedad in the league, what are you expecting from these games?

AH: It's funny how football works, me and Liam wait years to play each other and then 2 game come along at once. This game though will be a lot more low key though and i'm sure the teamsheets will look a bit different. Some of my squad players will be given a runout to show what they can do. Still, it's a game of football and we will do our best to win.

Press: And the Sociedad game?

AH: It's a big game for us. Following the 2 defeats to 2 of the top sides, we are really keen to get back to winning ways. It's has implications aswell as we are 7th and they are 8th with both of us having 10 points so it's vital that we play at our best and get the win. I am really looking for improvements across the park as if we play like we have in the last 2 games then we won't get the desired result, hopefully we can do this.

Press: Thanks for your time.
AH: Cheers.

Liam · Cult Status

Sevilla Klose Gap At Top!

Liam Riste won bragging rights over his close friend Ashley Harris as he saw his side romp to a 5-1 victory, aided by a brace from Miroslav Klose as Barcelona saw their unbeaten run come to an end against La Liga Champions Real Valladolid.

SFCTV: An impressive win against such a good friend must have pleased you?
LR: I was very happy with the result. The players played well and delivered more than I was expecting from them. Poor Ashley had to endure my taunts, but it was all in good humour and he took it on the chin rather well. We both had anticipated a closer encounter, but it does wonders for my goal difference.

SFCTV: Ashley has faith in yours and the teams' ability to win the title, do you also believe?
LR: He is a brave man if he feels strong enough to put money on it! I believe that we have what it takes to push for the title, I think our squad however is relatively small and older than Barce and Valladolid's so we will be hard pushed, however, hungry for silverware.

SFCTV: You have Espanyol in the cup tomorrow evening, followed by a top of the table clash with Barcelona, your thoughts?
LR: Ash and I have played each other only twice before this weekend, and get to double that in 3 days... Ash is right, the teamsheets will be a bit different as I can't afford to lose any players due to injury for Barcelona. Tomorrow night will see some of our younger talent get a chance to prove themselves and impress me before the weekend.
The massive game at the weekend will be close but I will be looking to take 3 points in a close encounter!

SFCTV: You mention your young talent getting a run-out, is there any in particular you'd like to highlight?
LR: Well young Toledo has impressed me massively and has come on leaps and bounds since last season. The opener this weekend proves he is quality along with other important goals he seems to score in big games!
However, Victor Moses is low of confidence and not playing as well as I know he is capable of at the moment, so tomorrow nights' game will hopefully be the confidence booster he needs, along with Ash getting his wish about seeing him in action again.

SFCTV: You have mentioned Ashley a lot, but what about Jamie Best who in his recent departure from Genoa, mentioned you maybe giving him a ribbing about his sacking?
LR: (laughs) Well I have texted Besty today as a polite reminder for him not to forget to go down to the job centre tomorrow morning to sign on! Although his response was funnily explicit, he knew it was coming as he was quick enough to dish the abuse on my defeat to Bilbao. For the record however, it displeased me to see that Besty had been sacked, even though I knew very likely. I just hope he stays in the game as he is a genuinely nice guy and good manager.

SFCTV: Well thanks for your time and good luck.
LR: Cheers.

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Cup crucial for fans

Inter Milan boss Mark Rollings pledged to fire up his troops to shoot his Blucherrati outfit through to the next round of the cup tonight despite many managers throughout Europe looking likely to rest many of their top stars. The pressure to hit league targets has often managers to turn out depleted sides in the early rounds of domestic cups, but Rollings was quick to point out he felt his side owed it to the fans of the great club to ensure safe passage.

"Make no bones about it we want to push on and try and go as far as we can in this competition. Things have picked up nicely over the last few weeks in the league, but I have to understand the expectations of such a massive club. The cup presents a chance for us to compete for honours and we cannot ignore that. One way or another I need to bring success to Inter Milan and maybe if we get some luck it could be from a cup run."

Gathered journalists were quick to point to Inter's lowly league position in Serie A as evidence that they would need more than luck to go all the way in this seasons competition, especially given the seeming invincibility of Steve Jenkins' Juventus side.

"Obviously it isn't going to be easy. We have to get past a very competitive Lazio side first and foremost. Juventus are a top, top side with a fantastic manager and they will be favourites for any competition they enter. But if we don't believe we have a chance then we may aswell put out the reserves and get eliminated now. As I have said many times this is a massive club and it is my challenge to return glory to this club."

Rollings couldn't swerve early questions ahead of the eagerly anticipated Milan derby next weekend, which pits friends Rollings and Hanton against each other for the first time.

"Yes we are taking it very seriously indeed. We have earmarked this game as a chance to show how far we have come as a team and want to use it as a springboard for the rest of the season. Chris is a good friend of mine, but this isn't a game about friendships, its about starting the process of becoming Milan's premier football brand and we believe we can beat them. If we get three points we move four points behind them, which given our poor start doesn't sound too bad at all."

No doubt the Italian media will be drooling at the prospect of having plenty to write about in the coming days with derby day just around the corner.

madhibee · Cult Status

(Q) How confident were you feeling going into the game on Friday?

(A) I was confident that we would get a result as we have been on a good run over that last few weeks. Spurs are a tough side and are capable of causing an upset.

(Q) What was your reaction when the final whistle blew?

(A) I was delighted to get the 3 points and keep a clean sheet in the process. I have to congratulate the defence for only conceding 7 goals in 9 matches. It is a vast improvement on last season.

(Q) Will you be making any changes before your next match considering how this game went?

(A) I will have to make at least one change as Danny Alves has pulled a hamstring and could be missing at least the next couple of games. Mikel John Obi is back in contention after missing the game against Spurs through suspension so he may get back into the side.

(Q) Any transfer news you can confirm for the fans?

(A) There are no players coming in. That said though, we will be getting 4 players back at the halfway point which more than compensates that. Krkic and Pavlyuchenko have been in fine scoring form and Kakuta will be a welcome addition allowing for Robben to get a break. Bellusci will also be back to give Ramos and Diakite a rest as well.

(Q) If you could sign any one player from your league who would it be?

(A) That is a tough one as all my players are doing a grand job at the moment. I quite like Adam Matthews at Liverpool though I doubt Danny Alves would be happy to hear me say that.

(Q) Who do you feel will be manager of the month of December after the next two games?

(A) Jamie Walker is in with a shout. He has done a great job since joining Arsenal and is building a good young squad there.

(Q) Considering the events at Genoa this week, and with the balance of financial power against expectations, would you ever consider applying for a job like Genoa?

(A) No. I feel that there is too much interference from the board. It is fine to set high targets for the season as they are putting in a lot of money but sometimes their actions can make the manager's job much more difficult.

mg1 · Cult Status

(Q) How confident were you feeling going into the game on Friday?

(A) I was confident of three points. We have been starting to find a bit of form in recent weeks and I was confident that we could build on this.

(Q) What was your reaction when the final whistle blew?

(A) I was pleased with the three points, West Ham had a few players out through injury and suspension but they are still a good team so it was good to get the victory.

(Q) Will you be making any changes before your next match considering how this game went?

(A) I will be making a few changes for the cup at Blackburn, They are a decent team and shouldn't be underestimated but I am going to use the match to give some of the squad an opportunity to play themselves into the first eleven.

(Q) Any transfer news you can confirm for the fans?

(A) I can confirm that Brezzi from Newcastle will be joining us next week.

(Q) If you could sign any one player from your league who would it be?

(A) Well if money was no object Vagner Love from Arsenal or Marcelo from Chelsea.

(Q) Who do you feel will be manager of the month of December after the next two games?

(A) Johnie Adams at Bilbao will be in with a shout if he continues his recent good run of results. Four straight league victories including a win against Seville is impressive form.

-- Edited by mg1 on Monday 20th of December 2010 10:12:45 PM

-- Edited by mg1 on Monday 20th of December 2010 11:26:27 PM

predator · Cult Status

Breaking news Racing Santander appoint Adam Davies as the new manager

I am very happy to be appoint new manager of Racing Santander and i will
do my best in getting Racing Santander back up into the La Liga

Luke_C · Cult Status

Luke Coakley speaks to Cardiffcity.com

Q) How confident were you feeling going into the game on Friday?

(A) At the moment the team arent quite firing on all cylinders but I felt we had enough quality throughout to win the match.

(Q) What was your reaction when the final whistle blew?

(A) I was less than impressed with some of our play during the game on Saturday against Wigan.We were in control and we let it slip and that simply wont do.We stillhavent got it quite right, we started the season conceding to many and while that has sorted itself in recent weeks we lack that link from midfield to attack.

(Q) Also you knocked out Premiership West Brom in the cup in a tight affair?

(A) It was a very tough game, I dont think ive ever managed a 0-0 draw as my emphasis is on attack but we went with a plan and it worked.Plenty to work on but delighted with the clean sheet and now a easy game against my great friend Mr Radford so thats sure to be an easy one (laughs).

(Q) Will you be making any changes before your next match considering how this game went?

(A) Yes we will be making changes to personal and potentially in formation, I will look at it and decent in the coming days.

(Q) Any transfer news you can confirm for the fans?

(A) Nothing to declare at the moment other than Zak Evans will be spending the remainder of the season.I wont be looking to make many more changes until the half season when I will re-evaluate.We had Rodwell coming in and Kuzmanovic back from Leeds so that adds some spice into the midfield.

(Q) If you could sign any one player from your league who would it be?

(A)Well of course we would all like a Messi but in the real world if I could keep Bellusci who we currently have on loan from Chelsea I would of course be delighted.He has made a real difference since joining but sadly for us he will be returning.

(Q) Who do you feel will be manager of the month of December after the next two games?

(A) To be honest I dont concentrate to much on other teams unless we are playing them.All I know is it wont be me and I will keep working until I am in a position of winning every game and winning it myself.

(Q) Considering the events atGenoathis week, and with the balance of financial power against expectations, would you ever consider applying for a job likeGenoa?

(A) It doesnt interest me but im sure it will interest a lot of managers and it will be interested to see who they get, I wouldnt be surprised to see Paul Harrington take up teh challange though.

Jamie is a good manager but it never looked like it was going to work for him at Genoa for some reason or another but I wish him well at Newcastle.

Tezza · Cult Status

Siena News

Siena lost against Palermo on Monday night in what wasnt a one sided affair. The tactics employed by Terry Manifold, the Siena manager, was definitely defensive and it did hold the Serie A team for much of the match. The final score was a 2.1 win for Palermo.

PRESS,

How did you think the game went on Monday?

TM,

We have had a decent run in the Cup this year but taking on Palermo was never going to be easy. They are 2^nd in Serie A and they deserve to be there. We went to force a draw but it is hard to play defensively for 90 minutes. It becomes a mind game and you only have to drop your guard for a minute, and you get punished.

I was proud of the lads on Monday and if they can take on the likes of Palermo and play like they did, it will stand them in good stead in this league.

PRESS,

What about Friday and Atalanta?

TM,

Atalanta are 3^rd in this league and it really is a game we must win. It is a personal thing. I left them last season and they have done exceptionally well since. The side I put together there is a good one but I strongly believe that they will run out of steam towards the middle of the season. I have made it known that one of my aims this season is to finish in front of them. The main chance comes this weekend when if we win we could go above them on goal difference. I know what they are capable of and I dont want a scout to tell me how to go about beating them. Three points on Friday would be a great Christmas present.

PRESS,

Any more Transfer dealings in the pipeline?

TM,

I dont think you ever finish building a good side and I am not going to say that changes to the Siena side will not be made again this season. I have my eye on a couple of players and who knows.

I am very happy with the current squad and it is just a matter of time before they will settle into my style of playing. We lose Krkic shortly but with Travera, Smith and Forestiera we should not be found wanting. Poli is staring to show why he is at Chelsea and I am very fortunate that the current side is now much younger and able to go the full distance this season.

Have a great Christmas and let's hope Santa brings me 3 points.