Villa and Spurs Go Marching Out
Friday, 27 February 09, 04:20 AM · Comments(1)
by Joe Walton
Martin O'Neil and Harry Redknapp last night showed why they are such well regarded managers by masterminding their clubs' safe passage out of the UEFA Cup.
Both managers sprung selection surprises to bamboozle their opponents into victory. The policy of selecting youth paid off to wow the fans who have paid hundreds of pounds following their teams around the continent in a gloriously unfulfilling campaign.
Speaking after the game O'Neil said: "We had to make changes to the team to ensure that we left Europe in order to concentrate on our league position and qualify for Europe." Villa picked a team lacking 8 regular starters for the away tie against CSKA Moscow, one of the best teams in Eastern Europe, to ensure they were fit for the mouth-watering visit of Stoke on Sunday.
Redknapp was equally aware of the need to prioritise, he said: "Look, I had to make changes to my team. I wasn't going to risk my best players for a second rate competiton, I need them for the Carling Cup." The Carling Cup represents something of a failure for Redknapp, his team meet Manchester UTD in the final despite his best efforts. Who can forget the brilliant way a weakend Spurs team conceded first to Watford, only to blow it all and come back to win.
These two managers must be applauded for taking these tough, long term decisions. After all what do we expect of these mega-rich, super-fit football players? For them to play football?
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Freddy said:Interesting to revisit this after 4 of 6 matches. Liverpool clearly are struggl...
Freddy said:Also never bet on a match involving your own side. Too messy!
obaino said:i love ibra and i think he's better than eto'o, for now cos eto'o have realy pl...
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studentsofthegame
GB
We really should be getting paid for this.
1 Comments · Add yours
notice Spurs lost the carling cup final whilst Villa drew at home to Stoke. Although I do have some sympathy for the managers it is strange how teams try so hard to get into Europe only to try just as hard to get out at the first sign of a new opportunity to get back into Europe
Mike