3 reasons why Koeman is the wrong man for the Southampton job
Published:If Ladbrokes.com’s next manager markets are anything to go by, current Feyenoord coach Ronald Koeman will replace new Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino at Southampton, after being installed as 6/5 favourite for the St Mary’s gig.
Saints owner Katharina Liebherr must see something she likes in Koeman’s coaching style, but here’s three reasons why she should think again before making the appointment.
Having taken charge of seven clubs in 14 years, Koeman’s hardly one for the long-term
After Pochettino lasted just under 17 months before jumping ship, it’s fair to assume that Southampton could use a coach who’ll stick around for a while.
On all known form, Koeman would be the wrong candidate based on such logic, after jumping from post to post at Vitesse, Ajax, Benfica, PSV, Valencia, AZ and Feyenoord – where he’s still in charge, lest we forget – during a relatively short managerial career thus far.
The 51-year-old left four of his previous employers in some disgrace after being in charge during dreadful runs of results
Few Valencia fans will ever forgive Koeman, despite their 2007/08 Copa del Rey success under the former Oranje midfielder, for leading them out of the Champions League and down to 16th place in La Liga the following season.
Koeman suffered similar ignominy during spells at Ajax, Benfica and AZ, with his stay at the latter lasting just 16 Eredivisie games, of which the Alkmaar side won just eight.
Appointing England’s World Cup ’94 qualifying tormentor could make one of the country’s most-liked clubs instantly unpopular
Three Lions fans have long memories and the thought of the man who arguably cheated Graham Taylor’s side out of a place at USA ’94 21 years ago managing in the Premier League is sure to stir the blood.
England were in with every chance of qualifying when they travelled to the Netherlands for their Group 2 away clash against the Oranje, but referee Karl-Josef Assenmacher’s decision to award a free-kick – as opposed to a penalty – and leave Koeman on the pitch for a cynical foul on David Platt in the box proved a major turning point.
Five minutes later, the Zandaam native curled in a free-kick to put his country – who ended up winning the match 2-0 – ahead.
Saints may wish to foster a Chelsea-style siege mentality, which could make turning to Koeman a good move, but the much-travelled coach clearly carries a fair share of baggage.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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