It will be a long international break for Frank Rijkaard

By: Bob | November 13th, 2007

The weeks where club football comes to a halt and international games take the stage always seem to creep by at a glacial pace. I love international football, but not the days leading up to it. Wake me up when it is kickoff. The current international break will certainly be a long one as well for Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard who is under fire because of his team’s poor performance away from home in La Liga.

Being four points behind Real Madrid at the top of the table isn’t good enough for some at Barca and having just one road win away from the Nou Camp is enough to send people to the window ledge. A poll in El Mundo shows that 66% want Rijkaard to follow Elvis leave the building.

According to the tabloids in Spain, Rijkaard has until Christmas to right the ship or he will be replaced, possibly by Jose Mourinho, whose shadow seems to be lurking behind every big club managerial position. Rijkaard has the backing of the club president Joan Laporta and his players, but everyone knows that such backings often turn out to be the kiss of death.

It seems to me that all this talk is way too premature even for a club with Barcelona’s expectations. The guy has managed the club to two La Liga titles and a Champions League title. In the process his team has played some very attractive football. He has gotten results. Would someone with Jose Mourinho’s coaching philosophy really be a better fit for a team with players like Henry, Messi and Eto’o? I’m not so sure about that. What do you think?

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Category: Spain La Liga, World Football

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Yclif

How worthless is this article. Really, Rijkaard has until Christmass to save his job?!! yeah and Jessica Alba is a lesbian (see how it hurts when you spread these lies). Rijkaard is the best coach for Barca and will definitely be there until his contract expires next year. If I was a betting man look for his contract renewal by mid season, after all, we're not savages like Real Madrid, what is it now, 10 managers in 4 years? Laporta and the Board know what Frank can do, missing the title last year (tied for first place mind you) was his only blemish. so relax folks. wait till Eto'o comes back...wait :o)
Mat

So True...Barca fans need to give Rijkaard some time...at least this season to show whether he can do it or not...although, I have to admit the players seem to be out of ideas right now playing away from home. Barca just seems to lack that intensity for their away games..but putting pressure on the coach is not good..don't ruin this season too...and how would we all feel when Mourinho asks the players to stop playing once the score is say 2-0?
yaph

I think Rijkaard is curently the best coach for Barca and Mourinho would make a mess out of it.