Who replaces Southgate and early pre-season predictions – Football Weekly podcast
Jul 29, 2024
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Barry Glendenning, a seasoned sports journalist; Lars Sivertsen, a savvy football writer focusing on Scandinavia; and Jonathan Wilson, an analytical journalist, dive into hot topics post-Southgate. They explore the tricky search for England's new manager, weighing in on potential hires and implications of interim leadership. Pre-season performances spark lively Premier League predictions, while Chelsea faces scrutiny over recent controversies. The discussion also touches on VAR's impact in Norway and fun takes on slang from social media.
Gareth Southgate's resignation has sparked a debate about potential successors, highlighting the mix of national sentiment and practical considerations involved in the appointment process.
Concerns about player welfare have led to legal actions against FIFA regarding the overcrowded international schedule, emphasizing the conflict between player health and commercial interests.
Pre-season friendlies are scrutinized for their impact on fan sentiment, though experts caution that results often bear little relevance to actual league performance.
Deep dives
The Search for England's Next Manager
Gareth Southgate's resignation as England manager has ignited discussions about potential successors, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the appointment process. Some within the FA are advocating for Pep Guardiola, given his esteemed reputation and past statements hinting at an interest in the role, although there's skepticism among many about the practicality of such a move. Others, however, see merits in appointing Lee Carsey, the current Co-Number 21 coach, as an interim solution, arguing that his familiarity with youth players would provide a smooth transition. The debate also touches on national sentiment, where a desire for an English manager persists among certain factions, suggesting that the chosen successor will need to navigate both the results-oriented nature of the role and public expectations.
Concerns Over Fixture Congestion
In response to rising player welfare concerns, discussions have emerged regarding the increasing demands of the international football calendar leading to exhaustion and injuries among players. FIFA Pro has joined the top European leagues in legal action against FIFA, citing an overcrowded international schedule that prioritizes commercial interests over player health. There is recognition that the financial motivations driving clubs to generate more revenue through additional matches are at odds with the players' need for rest and recovery. Suggestions have been made that players could advocate for themselves by limiting their minutes on the pitch to preserve their long-term viability, emphasizing the delicate balance between profit generation and player well-being.
The Implications of Pre-Season Results
Pre-season friendlies have garnered significant scrutiny, particularly following Manchester City's back-to-back losses, which some fans view ominously for the upcoming season. Expert commentary suggests that while these results may seem alarming, they often lack real consequence since teams tend to field less-than-optimal lineups during these matches. Analysis indicates that pre-season performances don’t always translate to league success, as teams like City generally improve as the season progresses. Consequently, it's asserted that drawing conclusions from friendly match outcomes may be misguided.
Controversy Surrounding Racial Incidents
Recent social media exchanges involving Enzo Fernandez and his Chelsea teammates have ignited discussions about the fine line between camaraderie and inappropriate behaviors among players. Fernandez issued an apology after a video surfaced that included a racially charged chant, prompting strong reactions from teammates, which emphasizes the seriousness of the matter. Chelsea's response highlighted their commitment to diversity and inclusion, suggesting an internal review of the situation while pointing out that these issues cannot be brushed aside, especially in today's cultural climate. The club's handling of this incident could set an important precedent for future conduct among players in high-stakes environments.
The Future of Premier League Games Abroad
The potential for Premier League games to be played abroad has sparked a vigorous debate regarding its implications for the integrity of the league. Proponents argue that such moves would satisfy a growing global fanbase, while critics voice concerns that this trend undermines local traditions and community ties. The suggestion that turning matches into mere entertainment events, akin to a content creation strategy, raises alarms about the core values of the sport. Observers warn that succumbing to commercial interests, rather than nurturing a genuine connection with local supporters, could fundamentally alter the fabric of football.
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Lars Sivertsen and Jonathan Wilson as Football Weekly returns from it’s summer break. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
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