Timing is Everyting

Timing is everything in football. Dick Advocaat recently left Sunderland to allow the club a fair chance at surviving in the Premier League once he knew he wasn't up to the challenge. Sunderland also knew Sam Allardyce was available and interested in the post. Seems a simple solution, but a case where the timing suited all parties.

Liverpool too, realising manager Brendan Rodgers was not the long term solution to their title drought, sacked him and went after two of the most sought after coaches in world football.  Timing again played a massive part in this decision, both managers were available, again it seemed the simple solution to the problem.  Eight games in, Liverpool having had a tough run of fixtures were still mid table and in Europe had no real need to panic, but both managers were available now and maybe would not be after Christmas.  Different stories are being reported as to who was first offered the job, but Jurgen Klopp took the post delighting many Liverpool supporters.  Carlo Ancelotti according to some was approached first but turned it down.

Either way Carlo Ancelotti is available. The same Carlo Ancelotti that won the double with Chelsea not so long ago, the same Ancelotti who has also won titles in Italy and France not to mention his three Champions League trophies in his cabinet along with numerous other cup wins. Having managed at the highest level with Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, PSG, Real Madrid, and looking to return to England.


Why then are one of the biggest clubs in world football considering handing over the reigns to Ryan Giggs when Louis Van Gaal leaves Manchester United in 18 months time?

 Sir Alex Ferguson recently said when he left his post in 2013 the mangers available to them were limited. Jose wanted to go to Chelsea, Klopp was staying at Dortmund, Louis Van Gaal was focused on Holland and the upcoming World Cup and Carlo Ancelotti was going to Real Madrid.  David Moyes got the job, although a good manager in his own right had one of the other four been available things might be very different for both Manchester United and David Moyes today.

Fact remains Louis Van Gaal as he stated himself is buying players for the future manager. Anthony Martial, Memphis Depay, Luke Shaw to name a few will all see their best days at Manchester United not under Van Gaal but under the new manager.  Van Gaal has said he will leave in 18 months time. Who will be available to United then? What will the process be? Bobby Charlton has said he could never see Jose Mourihno as Manchester United manger. Jurgen Klopp has gone to Liverpool thus ruling that one out. Pep Guardiola as many believe will have his feet firmly under the table at Manchester City by then. This leaves United fairly limited again. Agreed in 18 months time things might be different someone else might be an outstanding candidate for the job, but I highly suspect they won't boast the same CV Ancelotti has. 

While many believe and want Ryan Giggs to succeed Van Gaal, this for me is not a viable option.  I feel he has to learn his trade at a smaller club and if he is good enough his time will come. Coaches like Carlo Ancelotti don't come available too often.  I believe and I'm sure many won't agree but I feel we should start discussions with Carlo Ancelotti now to replace Louis Van Gaal at the end of the season.  Next season will be Van Gaal's last, and if he keeps his word he will be into the final and last year of his contract raising constant questions of who will be next in the seat and if Giggs is up for the job.  Bringing Carlo Ancelotti in next summer, gives Ancelotti the year off away from football that he wished for, coming back with his batteries recharged.

It also gives young players like Martial and Memphis the reassurance that they are playing for a manager who is there for the foreseeable future and also it gives Giggs the opportunity to work alongside another great manger continuing to learn or if he wishes the chance to cut his teeth in management away from the pressure dome of Old Trafford.  Gigg's time will come, and again timing will play a role in when he gets his chance.  As for Louis Van Gaal, while doing a reasonable job, most Manchester United fans barley recognise the club these days.  Van Gaal's philosophy is not widely popular with United fans and having given two years to the job, maybe retirement might appeal to him then.  Great managers don't come available too often, we have to be smart and bring in Ancelotti while he is available.