Best In Football Writing Last Week: Seville’s Irish manager, Italy’s Organised Chaos & Monchi’s Desire
- THE INCREDIBLE STORY OF THE IRISH WAR HERO WHO MANAGED SEVILLA AND THEN VANISHED
Eoin O’Callaghan for The 42
Perhaps it is the result of the arrogance that led the British nations to snub the early editions of the World Cup and the European Cup but their roles as pioneers of the game has been overshadowed. However, wherever you look you will find stories of Britons and Irishmen who played a pivotal role in the development of the game. Sometimes, however, you have to look a little bit harder. That is the case of Charles O’Hagan, whose story is brought to light in this wonderful piece.
Memorable Quote: “It’s only conjecture but knowing O’Hagan’s initial work in Liverpool — in the office of a Spanish fruit merchant — he may have made contacts there that subsequently led him to Sevilla’s early administrators and decision-makers.”
2. ORGANISED CHAOS
Kevin Nolan For The Gentleman Ultra
I always find that some of the most interesting stories are away from the spotlight of the top flight. There is more character in those leagues and often this isn’t suffocated by the fear of it being criticised. That is why I particularly enjoy articles like this which look at what is happening in such leagues, in this case, in Italy.
Memorable Quote: “Just days after the fixtures had been released for the 2016/17 Serie A season, Lega Pro finds itself in a state of chaos.”
3. BEING SEVILLA’S SAVIOUR HAS COME AT GREAT COST TO SPORTING DIRECTOR MONCHI
Graham Hunter for ESPN
There is little doubt that Monchi has done a phenomenal job at Sevilla. He has shown an unfailing ability to bring in players who can seamlessly fill the voids of those that the club sells at a huge profit. It is largely thanks to this ability that Sevilla have managed to make the Europa League their personal domain. Such over-achievement, however, doesn’t come cheaply. It requires not only a clear plan and a focused team but also a lot of hard work.
Monchi himself has put in more than his fair share but, when he asked for a bit of breathing space earlier this summer, he was met with harsh criticism. In a world where a lot is made of players’ lack of loyalty, this is a sobering instance of clubs’ (and fans’) own ruthlessness.
Memorable Quote: “I get burned out, obviously, and I don’t actually know how long I’ll have the energy to carry on like this.”
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