Topic: Damien Comolli - Director of Football Strategy

[xerxes1]

It seems to me that because most want the manager gone they agree with this appointment because it suits their agenda.

You make an interesting point.

The impact of this appointment will be felt in terms of the next managerial appointment. Some managers wouldn't work with a DOF (MON) others would not work with Comolli (Jol/Rednapp) it will narrow the field for better or for worse.

[Mr Dilkington]

You make an interesting point.

The impact of this appointment will be felt in terms of the next managerial appointment. Some managers wouldn't work with a DOF (MON) others would not work with Comolli (Jol/Rednapp) it will narrow the field for better or for worse.

There are tangents and sub plots, however, in the end it boils down to one thing, Roy Hodgson is not good enough to manage Liverpool, and should be sacked as soon as possible.

[Garstonite]

Comolli's comments about "no need to rush transfers" = Hodgson here until the end of the season.

[gray19lfc]

Comolli's comments about "no need to rush transfers" = Hodgson here until the end of the season.

Could it not also mean, they don't want to be buying players for a manager who isn't going to be here much longer?

[peterb17]

i hope so but why even comment on hodgson if he is going soon..........................it scares me the grovelling crab might hang on............hodgson out now

[Pepe Reina Is Rafas Son]

Anyone worried that the "strategy" for the club going forward is going to be to invest in young players (English/British where if possible) similar to Wenger at Arsenal.

While it is certainly a good idea in parts, it will be more and more of a wait before we win the League or CL again if we invest in youngsters.

I just hope that the "strategy" includes investing in some World Class players regardless of their age, but I'm worried it won't happen - maybe I'm just once bitten twice shy.

[Garstonite]

Could it not also mean, they don't want to be buying players for a manager who isn't going to be here much longer?

Hodgson will be sacked before Christmas or not until the end of the season imo.

[Jules Winnfield]

You make an interesting point.

The impact of this appointment will be felt in terms of the next managerial appointment. Some managers wouldn't work with a DOF (MON) others would not work with Comolli (Jol/Rednapp) it will narrow the field for better or for worse.

I dont think it does, the DOF structure is one that exists commonly in top European clubs, the biggest leagues, because the English leagues have never moved on to more dynamic/evolved managerial practices doesnt mean that people cannot fit in.

I see Comolli as NESV's safety net, ensuring the philosophy that they want is implemented into all aspects of the club. In banking you get two owners of a business product, the product management (responsible for strategy, innovation, changes, upgrades) and you have the operations management (Getting the job done, working with the tools in the company and utilising the resources available to produce the best possible outcomes). This I think is NESV's modus operandi in my head anyway.

Top managers will feel comfortable in such  structure as long as the resources are good enough to meet targets.

But Roy never will and for this reason he should be out!

[killer_heels]

Comments from Comolli and Henry recently do seem to indicate that they are willing to just ride out this season before they really get to work and try to mark their stamp on the club. Are they ok with failure to qualify for European competition? If that is then its unlikely they will look to get rid of Hodgson until the summer as there will be no need to make a quick decision.

[Redeo]

Anyone worried that the "strategy" for the club going forward is going to be to invest in young players (English/British where if possible) similar to Wenger at Arsenal.

While it is certainly a good idea in parts, it will be more and more of a wait before we win the League or CL again if we invest in youngsters.

I just hope that the "strategy" includes investing in some World Class players regardless of their age, but I'm worried it won't happen - maybe I'm just once bitten twice shy.

I think they will do both: youngsters and relatively proven but young superstars (a la Torres).  And here is my evidence.  It is circumstantial, but hey...  add it somewhere on your tally of NESV impressions:

I was sitting the other day in a pub with some friends and met a girl (woman really) who tells me she's an enormous baseball fan.  So much so that she writes a blog on baseball.  Says her father took her to baseball games since she was 4 or 5 and she bought into the whole thing...
So I naturally pop the question: what to you think of Red Sox's owners?
First she says: "they bought Liverpool."  Second she says "they spend a lot of money."

Edit: If she had told me that she was a Liverpool fan and her father took her to Anfield since she was 4 or 5 and now she writes a blog on Liverpool, I might have popped the other question.  But hey, I don't value our owners that much.  Not yet, at least...

[xerxes1]

Anyone worried that the "strategy" for the club going forward is going to be to invest in young players (English/British where if possible) similar to Wenger at Arsenal.

While it is certainly a good idea in parts, it will be more and more of a wait before we win the League or CL again if we invest in youngsters.

I just hope that the "strategy" includes investing in some World Class players regardless of their age, but I'm worried it won't happen - maybe I'm just once bitten twice shy.

I can't see Fenway putting in the sort of investment required to buy World Class players, nor can I see World Class players joining us at the moment (look how hard it has been for Man City to buy the very best).

The froth reagrding Roy is deflecting attention from what we should reasonably expect, a long haul which will probably involve us going through another manager after Roy before we "get there".

[Fordy]

Comments from Comolli and Henry recently do seem to indicate that they are willing to just ride out this season before they really get to work and try to mark their stamp on the club. Are they ok with failure to qualify for European competition? If that is then its unlikely they will look to get rid of Hodgson until the summer as there will be no need to make a quick decision.

Well sit back and enjoy the ride cause fucking hell you dont need a manual to work out we need improving.

To be honest I think we will spend in the Jan window and its a tactic not to tell the world how much money we have.

[happy guy]

Time will tell on that one. His stint at Spurs was not convincing.

Spot on their was hardly an array spurs fan in outcry at his departure I hope he succeeds but i'm very sceptical

[djschembri]

Spot on their was hardly an array spurs fan in outcry at his departure I hope he succeeds but i'm very sceptical

Funny. Four years later 6 (should have been 7 had Gomes not been suspended) of the team that beat Inter where all his buys, including flavour of the month Gareth Bale. So certainly, in the long run it worked out well for Spurs. Also he was the one that bought Berbatov and they made 20m profit of him. Not a bad piece of business.

[Ronanoman]

I can't see Fenway putting in the sort of investment required to buy World Class players, nor can I see World Class players joining us at the moment (look how hard it has been for Man City to buy the very best).

The froth reagrding Roy is deflecting attention from what we should reasonably expect, a long haul which will probably involve us going through another manager after Roy before we "get there".

We don't need to buy world class players to get to where we want though. I can't remember the last time the mancs bought a player that was already deemed world class. I'm probably forgetting someone but the last I can think of was Rooney? If we can start producing some quality players from the academy every now and then and target young players in the 10-15m region before they turn into real quality players we won't need to buy world class players to challenge for the league. It may take some time but I really think that the strategy is right if it means when large sums are spent on a player, they should be reasonably (no more than 24 in most cases maybe).

Once our stadium is built and with the new rules, we'll be one of the financial powerhouses of the league because of our revenue. With a new stadium we'd be making as much as the mancs but maybe if managed well, we'll have a lower wage bill and we also won't be burdened with debt like they are (oh it's nice to say that). I don't think we should worry about not being backed financially. They don't plan to take money out of the club so we will be investing a lot into players in the years to come.

[Pepe Reina Is Rafas Son]

We don't need to buy world class players to get to where we want though. I can't remember the last time the mancs bought a player that was already deemed world class. I'm probably forgetting someone but the last I can think of was Rooney? If we can start producing some quality players from the academy every now and then and target young players in the 10-15m region before they turn into real quality players we won't need to buy world class players to challenge for the league. It may take some time but I really think that the strategy is right if it means when large sums are spent on a player, they should be reasonably (no more than 24 in most cases maybe).

We do need to buy World Class players to get where we want and also to keep there 3 World Class Players we have.

We probably only need 2 more World Class Players and better squad players.

You mention the Mancs, in fairness they have had a strong squad for years and have always until recently topped up their squad each season with a 20-30 million pound signing - now whether that player turned out to be World Class is debatable.

United didn't win anything of note last season nor are they going to win anything of note this season - failure to replace World Class/TopClass players is the reason why (Ronaldo/Tevez)

Arsenal have failed to invest in big money signings instead going with some quality youth players, they have won nothing in 5/6 seasons and are going to lose their best player in the Summer if they don't win the League or Champions League this season. If Arsenal had invested in a few big money signings over the last few seasons (namely a goalkeeper, striker, arguably a centre back and holding midfielder) they would of had some silverware including at least one League.

I don't think we have the time to be waiting around for some good young players to come through because at this rate - Nando & Reina will be gone and Gerrard will be too old.

Also as someone else pointed out Comolli's record is a mixed bag, for every very good player there are has been some shocking players.

We need a few big signings, a few middle of the road signings (who can be young players with potential) and a few teenage kid signings for the future.

[Young Young]

In a cute way he is telling us we have to be REALLY patient!!! Scary.

[Promised to never post on RAWK again]

Comolli's comments about "no need to rush transfers" = Hodgson here until the end of the season.

I think that Hodgson staying until the end of the season is pretty much certain ...

[Pepe Reina Is Rafas Son]

I think that Hodgson staying until the end of the season is pretty much certain ...

Hip Hip Hooray   

[Gnurglan]

It seems to me that because most want the manager gone they agree with this appointment because it suits agenda.
Regardless who the manager is it just doesnt feel right to me.
He says Roy will have last say on any transfers. Do we really believe that ? If not, then why is he lying ?

I want a change of managers, but it's short-sighted to hope that is Comolli's prime job. I've been sceptical of this recruitment, as I'd rather have Kenny as a kind of guru to guide our overall football philosophy. For me, that's the DoF's job - to make sure we keep in tune with our philosophy. Meaning that if we do a proper job scouting our next manager, the DoF will have an easy ride.

From the recent interview, it seems the manager will have a final say in transfers, which is fair. I would say it's fair if the scouts find the targets and the manager signs whoever he wants within the budget. With the DoF's job being to keep an eye on the manager's progress. If he deviates from the philosophy too much, he will have to answer for it.

[simesy]

Comments from Comolli and Henry recently do seem to indicate that they are willing to just ride out this season before they really get to work and try to mark their stamp on the club. Are they ok with failure to qualify for European competition? If that is then its unlikely they will look to get rid of Hodgson until the summer as there will be no need to make a quick decision.

But if they do that then prepare for an exodus of our few world class players.Why would they stay for another season knowing there's no cl football to look forward to.If roy is sacked soon that gives them time to get in someone who can turn around the shite roy has created.

[Gnurglan]

But if they do that then prepare for an exodus of our few world class players.Why would they stay for another season knowing there's no cl football to look forward to.If roy is sacked soon that gives them time to get in someone who can turn around the shite roy has created.

That's a worry. I appreciate they have spoken to players, but I am not convinced they know just how important it is for us to at least get CL football again next season. This time it's not just for financial reasons, it's to ensure we have a chance of keeping our best players.

I am also worried that they don't quite understand the (IMO potentially dreadful) effects  we could face if we let Roy have his wishes and he manages to sign the 5-6 players he wants. If they want to replace him in the summer, the next manager would stand there with half of Rafa's squad and the other half would be Roy's signings. Just how many changes do we want?

[xerxes1]

But if they do that then prepare for an exodus of our few world class players.Why would they stay for another season knowing there's no cl football to look forward to.If roy is sacked soon that gives them time to get in someone who can turn around the shite roy has created.

Torres staying requires CL football and significant net Fenway investment.The prospects of us making top four with Masch and Yosser gone dented the prospects of a team that only managed seventh last season before Roy had worked his magic. I don't think that a new manager stands much chance of producing a top four finish nor am i conficent of Fenway putting in sufficient cash to persuade Torres that we are back at the top table of challengers.

All the froth around Roy has detracted from the prospect of no short term fixes for the next season or so.

[Gifted Right Foot]

i just dont understand how anyone could want us to just ride out the rest of the season playing mediocre football.  its so frustrating.  i want us to take action now while we still have the likes of torres, reina and gerrard is still performing.  i dont want us to wait til we lose our star players and have to start from scratch with poulsen as captain and konchesky as vice captain. 

[Cochise]

I think that Hodgson staying until the end of the season is pretty much certain ...

That depresses me.

[TheoRacle]

From what he has seen in his short period at Anfield, Comolli does not believe the problems are as bad as they are sometimes portrayed. The club had a difficult start to the year but appeared to have bounced back from that only to lose at Stoke on Saturday.

"The club is not in a bad state. We've had some great results. It's not in ruins. Everything is there to be successful," he said. "We have to win and bring back trophies. For a club this size, it's not about top six or top four – we must win everything that's winnable."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/nov/16/liverpool-january-transfers-comolli

Is he saying "the squads not as bad as people are saying, we just need to use what we have more effectively"?

And I do like his attitude as to where we should be aiming.  Quite a contrast to Hodgson's "fans expectations are too great" stinker.

[Shirley.]

Our fanbase is utterly schizophrenic. How many people slitting their wrists over the thought of Hidgson staying have read recent quotes from Comolli and Henry?

[TheoRacle]

I'd settle for Hogson being schizophrenic.  At least we'd have a 50% chance of someone other than the Hodgson we know now turning up on matchday.

[Promised to never post on RAWK again]

That depresses me.

Why ? It is pretty obvious that NESV and Comolli will use the remainder of the season for squad assessment, before they start the rebuilding in the summer ... Under a new manager ...

[Hunter Thompson]

Why ? It is pretty obvious that NESV and Comolli will use the remainder of the season for squad assessment, before they start the rebuilding in the summer ... Under a new manager ...

I'm guessing people are depressed about who might be left to rebuild with.

[Giono]

Interesting post on TIA -

Well dagger I dont think you ever have seen me post about going on a protest...But the way some are I would not doubt it.

As far as scare-monggering Dagger where in Henry's comments do you find any indication of acting now and preserving this season like the board is screaming for. Give me one-line out if his interview that gives any indication that says that.

It's not scare mongering...it is just what I think reality will be, they did the same thing with the Red Sox...verbatum...

1. Got rid of Duquette (Red Sox)/Purslow (LFC) within a week of buying.

2. Kept the manager Grady Little (Red Sox) for 2 years while young players were bought into the system and the "academy system overhauled.

3. Started dumping the dead-weight over paid players on the Red Sox...after a couple years the entire roster was turned over, bunch of home grown players and a new manager to lead them.

So no scare mongering here Dagger...been here and done this already about 10 years ago...maybe a different play and venue but so far this is carbon copy, no ITK material just looking at everything JH and NESV have done the past decade and coming up with my own thoughts of how I see it, which I dont believe makes me a monger of any type

There is no parallel between a baseball manager and a football manager. Baseball managers decide how to allocate resources (batting order, pitching rotation) and makes in game substitutions. A football manager/coach determines a lot more of the final result with his tactical choices.

For example, if the pitcher of baseball team A is on fire and is shutting down the batters of team B, there ain't much that the manager of team B can do. However, if football club A is dominating midfield, the manager of football team B can respond and alter his tactics in many ways.

So I don't see them waiting 2 years with Roy. They will want their guy sooner rather than later so that the players brought in will adapt to the various tactical systems of the manager.

[redjohnnw]

for somebody who isn'y bothered that’s a mighty long post?

as a man noted for my saintly demeanour and enduring patience I feel it would be churlish not to respond in an equally brief manner – thought most of my points were self explanatory if a little unforgiving

........


......


.......

Hope you enjoy – all in the spirit of cross atlantic friendship

Brilliant post and reply

[Asheroo]

I'm cringing the idea of post-match interviews with Hodgson blaming Comolli's signings

[Hal9000]

Could it not also mean, they don't want to be buying players for a manager who isn't going to be here much longer?

I was thinking and hoping this

[Fordy]

I'm guessing people are depressed about who might be left to rebuild with.

Spot on plus what manager will want to work with a Director of Football Strategy. Not convince Rafa would of done.

No Torres, No pepe wouldnt be a great to start a rebuilding process would it?

Our squad is thin and we need players in Jan. Dont care if Roy is here or not we need players or we might as well kiss top 6 goodbye.

[Liverbird 2010]

I think that Hodgson staying until the end of the season is pretty much certain ...

There will be murder if he is, so lets hope this is not true.

[Davvo7]

Hodgson will be sacked before Christmas or not until the end of the season imo.

Think you are right with that.

The business about him going within a certain time and only getting one years pay all seemed to come to nothing. I thought they would use that clause - if indeed it ever existed - to get rid. If we are going to replace him it would need to be soon to allow his replacement the opportunity to do a bit of shopping in January. If not, like Garstonette says, I think we are in for a long bleak winter.

[No.7 The King]

SiClancy
Simon Clancy
 
Reports in Spain this morning say that Liverpool have offered 8.2 million Euros for the signature of French winger Antoine Griezmann.

[xerxes1]

A Frenchman suggesting french players - this DOF lark is tricky isn't it?

[JP!]

A Frenchman suggesting french players - this DOF lark is tricky isn't it?

God, you're boring.