04/19/24
June 05, 2008
Mark Hughes is new Manchester City manager.: The former Manchester United star and Blackburn Rovers manager takes over from Sven-Goran Eriksson. The article also mentions that Hughes was non-committal on the impending purchases of Brazilians Ronaldinho and Jo. The next Manchester derby should be a rousing affair, with Hughes going up against old boss Alex Ferguson. Meanwhile, with Hughes' move, Chelsea loses yet another candidate to replace the departed Avram Grant. And Blackburn appear to be in no hurry to fill Hughes' spot, with candidates such as Sam Allardyce (late of Newcastle and Bolton) lined up.
posted by worldcup2002 to soccer at 12:05 PM - 6 comments
Really? I would think Keano would have a say about that. This gets Hughes to a club with resources - at Blackburn, he would've just continued to be the Sam Allardyce of the Rovers. I think it's a stepping stone. Hughes has already run a national team, to good effect, so what he wants now (not waiting until Sir Alex keels over) is the money and big vision and skillful players at his command. It's about a new challenge -- and actually winning some silverware.
posted by worldcup2002 at 04:55 PM on June 05, 2008
Taking over from SAF and doing really well will not get near the personal acclaim as taking over Man City right now, even if the odds of claiming any where near the same silverware are far lower. And I still think Roy Keane is the next manager, or next after Quieroz.
posted by billsaysthis at 04:55 PM on June 05, 2008
You'd also have to wonder about what Thaksin and City were thinking - I was under the impression that Sven was sacked so they could get someone like Scolari. is Hughesy a better manager than Sven? I doubt it, but am prepared to wait and see.
posted by owlhouse at 07:02 PM on June 05, 2008
Thaksin was NOT thinking. He's not a football guy and, more than likely, looks at City as a really expensive toy he can show off. Hughes is a step down in terms of managerial pedigree, but maybe he can surprise.
posted by igottheblues at 09:18 PM on June 05, 2008
If Erickson is such a great manager why did he take the Mexico job?
posted by billsaysthis at 02:44 PM on June 10, 2008
I can't say I understand what Hughes is thinking with this move. He was the favorite to take over ManU after Ferguson's retirement, which this move will effectively blunt.