I don't think there'd be much of a popular backlash against a foreign coach any more. And there wouldn't have been last time, were it not for the redtops, who frankly don't care, but know it taps into a middle-aged xenophobe readership. They can get a few old farts from the 60s to give daft quotes about national pride, whatever that means, and sell papers. Seriously, there is a dearth of top quality English coaching as well as playing talent at the moment. It makes me think about what has changed most in the past 20 years, and that's the influx of ex-players on television. Easier and more lucrative than getting your coaching badges. I'm not saying that every MotD and Sky gasbag is a great loss to coaching, but it's fascinating to look at Mourinho's career trajectory, particularly the time he spent with Bobby Robson. Capello, I think, is the most interesting choice, though any manager without international experience is going to need to have brass balls to deal with the old club-vs-country problem. Interesting, too, that ESPN picked up on this, not just for the Beckham thing. Their analogy to the US basketball team wasn't quite right -- but, y'know, the Bristol jock posse is still finding its sea-legs w/r/t international competition.
Any man or committee that uses the phrase "root and branch" is unworthy of respect, in my book. Not that I have a book.
Weedy, if you think the European national team coaches get the boot quick check the bossman tables in the top-flight Brazilian and Argentinean leagues--some of the clubs go through four or five in 12 months! McLaren at least got the full 12 qualifying games. Speaking of the non-English options, I found it interesting that US Soccer replaced Greg Ryan with a Swede and then didn't see any huge uproar, especially since she has only year year of head coaching experience for a senior side, and that was only WUSA's Boston Breakers. I was honestly surprised that no American woman was seen as a good candidate given that we will probably not be the favorites in Beijing, meaning less pressure and a window to prepare for the 2011 WC.
Maybe he can get a job over here in the MLS or the reincarnation of the WUSA. Apparently we like to hire losers.
I found it interesting that US Soccer replaced Greg Ryan with a Swede and then didn't see any huge uproar... i don't think there was an uproar because everywhere i'd read up until the annoucement had Pia as the favorite for the job. she was a scout for the USWNT during the '04 games so she's not a complete outsider. apparently many players wanted her hired instead of Ryan 3 years ago as well. and i really don't see her lack of head coaching experience for a senior side to be a problem. i don't think Tony DiCicco was a head coach anywhere before he took over in 1994, he just held assistant jobs.
The USWNT head coach job is a lot more high profile now then when Tony DiCicco got the job, though.
