“Big Phil” the perfect match for Real
The much awaited appointment of England’s new manager finally took place last week when Steve McClaren, very much second choice, was appointed following Luis Felipe Scolari’s last minute change of heart .
Felipao was just the type of manager England needed. He is bold, authoritative and not afraid to take risks and drop players with big reputations when they are not performing. He transformed a team, that had been struggling in South American qualifying into World Champions in 2002. At Euro 2004, he did not hesitate to drop Rui Costa or substitute Luis Figo despite public outcry. The result? Rui Costa’s dramatic goal against England and Figo’s superlative performance in the semi-final against Holland.
So why did he say no? Could it have anything to do with the managerial vacancy at Real Madrid? Felipao has always stated that his ambition is to manage one of Europe’s top clubs. His managerial style might also be exactly what is called for to whip Real’s underperforming team of pre-madonnas into shape.
