The Mail Bag
Jurgen Klinsmann
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I remember reading in the tabloids in the summer of 1994 that Peter Johnson and Mike Walker offered Jurgen Klinsmann a helicopter to fly to and from London for training if he agreed to join Everton. True or not, he decided to join Spurs instead and all year we heard about his Cup dream until Amokachi ruined it in the semi-final drubbing.
Clearly Jurgen holds a grudge against us because, on USA TV, I've no heard him suggest that Tim Howard, Landon Donovan and Steven Pienaar should all forget about Everton who are "nice an all" and join a "top 10 team in the world." His idea of the top ten if anyone cares is comprised of the sky 4, Barce, Real, Juve, AC, Inter and – suprise surprise – Bayern Munich. I haven't heard him say anything about anyone else needing to join these "top ten clubs" — just Everton players or, in Donovan's case, a player who had just been interviewed about how he loved playing at Everton this year.
I am just waiting now for the Slovakia - Paraguay match on Sunday so we can hear about how Jan Mucha "should join a top 10 in the world club although Everton is nice and all...."
Kieran Kinsella, Posted 18/06/2010 at 02:33:53
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I haven't seen him saying these things, but I find it really funny if a man — who has had an incredible footballing career by any standards — still holds a grudge against us because of THAT FA Cup semi-final.
The thing that makes it all the more brilliant is that Amo wasn't even supposed to be on the field when he scored his two goals. If my memory serves me right, someone mis-read the physio's signal that Rideout who had gone down injured was ok, and sent on Amo anyway. That game is one of my happiest Everton memories... It makes it even better that it is one of Klinsmann's worst!
The thing that makes it all the more brilliant is that Amo wasn't even supposed to be on the field when he scored his two goals. If my memory serves me right, someone mis-read the physio's signal that Rideout who had gone down injured was ok, and sent on Amo anyway. That game is one of my happiest Everton memories... It makes it even better that it is one of Klinsmann's worst!
There's a lot of this shit about. In the build up to the Holland game the other day, the supposedly 'TOP' Dutch footy jorno stated on the BBC he was worried about Johnny H,as he plays for a 'mediocre' club!
As to Klinsmann, I remember him as a smarmball diving cheat.
In the "Top 10 Club" comment about Howard (Jurgen did say Everton were a great club prior to that, btw) but I don't recall him extending the same to Pienaar or Donovan. In fact Jurgen was happy to see Landon come to us, "It (Landon's Bayern Munich loan) didn't work out the way he hoped, and I felt bad about it. Because I knew: Give him more time. I asked the club: Leave him there for another two months. But others made those decisions. So I was really pleased when he said I'll do those three months with Everton. Good, good for you! There he got the support, he got the playing time."
I think James hit it on the head in that we are having more casual fans paying attention to the World Cup and even they have heard of some of the "Bigger" teams, so I think it was more of connecting to the audience and pumping up how good he felt some of the US players are. I really don't think after winning a World Cup, a Euro Championship, some UEFA Cups, etc., that he is holding some burning animosity towards us.
In a related story, Howard had these awesome comments on Soccernet, "I do have an ambition to get there," said Howard of the Champions League. "I love Everton. I think it's disrespectful when players talk about other clubs. It's a disgrace really, people always flogging themselves for another contract. I think we're in touching distance. The gap has become the top four, and then the next four, with ourselves, Tottenham, [Aston] Villa and [Manchester] City. It's a big fight, a really big fight. We had a boatload of injuries, it's not an excuse, but I believe in our team and we did some really awesome things and we can get back there, we just need a really good start." I think it's brilliant that he appears to be showing his loyalty to the club and maybe sending a message to a certain Mr Pienaar and Heitinga.
I think James hit it on the head in that we are having more casual fans paying attention to the World Cup and even they have heard of some of the "Bigger" teams, so I think it was more of connecting to the audience and pumping up how good he felt some of the US players are. I really don't think after winning a World Cup, a Euro Championship, some UEFA Cups, etc., that he is holding some burning animosity towards us.
In a related story, Howard had these awesome comments on Soccernet, "I do have an ambition to get there," said Howard of the Champions League. "I love Everton. I think it's disrespectful when players talk about other clubs. It's a disgrace really, people always flogging themselves for another contract. I think we're in touching distance. The gap has become the top four, and then the next four, with ourselves, Tottenham, [Aston] Villa and [Manchester] City. It's a big fight, a really big fight. We had a boatload of injuries, it's not an excuse, but I believe in our team and we did some really awesome things and we can get back there, we just need a really good start." I think it's brilliant that he appears to be showing his loyalty to the club and maybe sending a message to a certain Mr Pienaar and Heitinga.
And let's be honest. I love Everton - I believe we ARE a big club, but for many on the outside; a club that doesn't get to the CL and doesn't spend money (in their narrow mind) equals a medicore club. I mean how many times this past season have we heard that Man City is a massive club. Man City for crissakes! Since when? Since they got promoted... again?
Until we win something big, I'm afraid we won't be recognised as a big club by anyone outside of Merseyside, get over it!
I watched the same interview and it didn't even cross my mind to get irritated by that. In fact I even thought Klinsmann came across well.
We need to get this chip off our shoulders.
I'm confused.
Are people saying we're NOT by far the greatest team the world has ever seen?
This changes everything!
Are people saying we're NOT by far the greatest team the world has ever seen?
This changes everything!
Once the World Cup has died down and Spain have won it (4-2 against Argentina in the final), Everton will settle into a pre-season that is arguably our most important for a long, long time.
If we keep the squad we have, perhaps an addition, and if we don't leave our energy on airplanes the other side of the world, and if we are not distracted by public pursuits of our best players, and if David Moyes makes the right calls on al those things, and if we go to Ewood Park on 14 August settled, focused and confident then yes we can.
We surely can. Despite the shitiest of starts, despite the injuries, despite the swathe of draws in the last 12 games that should have been victories, despite everything, we missed the CL by 9 points. And had we beaten (or at least drawn with Spurs after battering them in the 2nd half at WHL and missing sitter of the season), then the gap would have been negligible.
And in saying that, Spurs' 70 pts was a very high tally for 4th place. Our points tally in 8th matched our 4th place tally and CL qualification a few years back.
This is a pivotal season for us. The ability is there. I think we have the best midfield in the EPL. We have two excellent goalkeepers, a decent defence and perhaps just up front are we exposed. We need a marauding attacker.
Spurs WILL be distracted by the CL. Villa and City will be distracted by the Europa, whilst Liverpool start playing games in July.
Outside of the Pienaar situation, the two players who could have most bearing on our season are Saha and Yak. Saha went off the boil last season, whilst Yak was obviously dealing with the psuchological difficulties of returning from an Achilles snap. If these two boys do as they can, then we are in business. Or even if they are replaced and their replacements do the business.
As for Klinsmann, he's a German living in California. Be realistic, WTF does he know about Everton? Like most people he will work on headlines, top few teams and CL. It is in some ways a mark of disrespect, whilst it is in other ways an inverted compliment to our players. I'd rather he shut the fuck up, but I don't really give a toss.
It is enough to know. The perception of others is just that & nothing else.
If we keep the squad we have, perhaps an addition, and if we don't leave our energy on airplanes the other side of the world, and if we are not distracted by public pursuits of our best players, and if David Moyes makes the right calls on al those things, and if we go to Ewood Park on 14 August settled, focused and confident then yes we can.
We surely can. Despite the shitiest of starts, despite the injuries, despite the swathe of draws in the last 12 games that should have been victories, despite everything, we missed the CL by 9 points. And had we beaten (or at least drawn with Spurs after battering them in the 2nd half at WHL and missing sitter of the season), then the gap would have been negligible.
And in saying that, Spurs' 70 pts was a very high tally for 4th place. Our points tally in 8th matched our 4th place tally and CL qualification a few years back.
This is a pivotal season for us. The ability is there. I think we have the best midfield in the EPL. We have two excellent goalkeepers, a decent defence and perhaps just up front are we exposed. We need a marauding attacker.
Spurs WILL be distracted by the CL. Villa and City will be distracted by the Europa, whilst Liverpool start playing games in July.
Outside of the Pienaar situation, the two players who could have most bearing on our season are Saha and Yak. Saha went off the boil last season, whilst Yak was obviously dealing with the psuchological difficulties of returning from an Achilles snap. If these two boys do as they can, then we are in business. Or even if they are replaced and their replacements do the business.
As for Klinsmann, he's a German living in California. Be realistic, WTF does he know about Everton? Like most people he will work on headlines, top few teams and CL. It is in some ways a mark of disrespect, whilst it is in other ways an inverted compliment to our players. I'd rather he shut the fuck up, but I don't really give a toss.
It is enough to know. The perception of others is just that & nothing else.
I think were doing just fine despite all the negative pish the press and other ex pro's give us, I like it this way. When we outplay a team like Man U or Chelsea, you can garentee the papers will read 'Man U Slip up at Goodison' etc. Makes me laugh, and I wouldnt change it for anything, I actually enjoy being the underdog with no money doing it the hard way, how much better will it be when we reach the top COYB
There was a good interview with DM on the World Cup footage talking about players and values. He said he has been able to catch a lot of our player's performances and has been looking but isn't getting lured into the increased value the WC puts on players as there have been plenty of examples of failures after big competitions. He also made a joke about everyone being after our current players if you believe the newspapers but that was rubbish.
My reason for my distaste of Klinsmann is that he dived to gain a penalty in that semi-final and then converted it. This was the ONLY solitary goal we conceded in the entire tournament that year. What a record to be stolen by a cheat.
His opinion means little to me beyond the pleasure in believing that loss really hurt him. It's okay though, I'm over it now... ;o)
His opinion means little to me beyond the pleasure in believing that loss really hurt him. It's okay though, I'm over it now... ;o)
Lee, the dive for the penalty in the '95 SF was by Sheringham. He'd obviously received tuition from Klinsmann, as he collapsed like President Kennedy (no offence intended) in front of Dave Watson, despite not being touched by anyone.
I think big Dave wanted to strangle Sheringham, as that made it 2-1 and a bit squeaky for a few mins. Then Danny boy did his thing and I found myself hugging the fiddle player in an Irish bar in Camden Town. One of our very best days since '87.
I think big Dave wanted to strangle Sheringham, as that made it 2-1 and a bit squeaky for a few mins. Then Danny boy did his thing and I found myself hugging the fiddle player in an Irish bar in Camden Town. One of our very best days since '87.
Happy day, Alan... I'm smiling as I type — it's memories like that like that that make the disappointments bearable. Nobody celebrates like Evertonians — God, when our day comes again...
The other point missed about the penalty in 95 semi was that it was the only goal we conceded on our entire cup run that season.
As a player he was a cheat, and as a manager he was shit...
Donovan couldn't hack it in germany, and neither could Pienaar...yet they should join Munich....Aye ok!
I think we can safely say the man hasn't a scooby doo what he's on about...
Donovan couldn't hack it in germany, and neither could Pienaar...yet they should join Munich....Aye ok!
I think we can safely say the man hasn't a scooby doo what he's on about...
Don't worry he will soon be managing the redshite from the comfort of his LA mansion.......if only!
Football did not exist before the Sky / Premiership revolution. Nada! Consequently we are not a big club. Seemples
Just like to point out that McManamanamanaman was a boyhood Blue and, unlike Carragher, remains a Blue. In an interview with the Sunday Times a while back he admitted to looking for Everton's result first, this at a time he was playing for Real Madrid. He may not be a great pundit but he still retains an affection for EFC.
It would be nice Ray if he mentioned, and bulled us up a bit more, and quoted a few home truths to those other fucking Wallies!!
Colin Potter
That's true, mate, but if we can't rely on the likes of our most successful captainRatcliffe to promote us we can't expect ANYONE too.
That's true, mate, but if we can't rely on the likes of our most successful captainRatcliffe to promote us we can't expect ANYONE too.
And a further note about the penalty in the semi-final was Nev almost saved it he got a hand to it and it went in off the post.
Memories indeed... that performance remains the greatest I have ever seen by an Everton team, I was too young for the mid 80s but the style of football, quality of opposition the beauty of the goals were superb.
That warm spring day in 1995 the blues were poetry in motion.
Memories indeed... that performance remains the greatest I have ever seen by an Everton team, I was too young for the mid 80s but the style of football, quality of opposition the beauty of the goals were superb.
That warm spring day in 1995 the blues were poetry in motion.
Klinnsman is a gobshite. I too remember Johnson and Walker wanting to sign him and him saying he didn't want to play in England only to sign for Spurs a few weeks later so it was sweet when we destroyed his 'dream final'. Maybe he's still bitter about that.
Ray (18) - So I should cut him (McManaman) some slack?
James - he also left the redshite on a Bosman, costing them millions by not receiving a transfer fee. It was one of the first high profile ones. They've never really forgiven him either, so a bit of slack is due. Boyhood Blue, of course, as has been said.
Brendan (24) - Thanks. Got it. Slack it is.
Personally I liked Klinsmann as a player - I couldn't care less if he thinks we are a big/medium/small club. Who won the FA Cup in 1995? We did!!!
And as regards whether or not others think we are a big club — I am not bothered about that either. Let the followers of these so-called mega rich/big name clubs and any of their advocates among the media wallow in their own self importance. There have been plenty of examples of lesser known clubs doing well and causing the odd upset or two. After all, it wasn't all that long ago that the Champions League Final was contested by those two giants of European Football — Porto and Monaco.
Brendan, James - my old man used to work on the docks with Steve McManaman's dad. Met him in the shittest of pubs in Kirkdale (and that's saying something) a while back.
12 months before he left for Real Madrid, he was about to be sold to Barcelona for £12M. Barcelona were pissing around as they were after another signing (it may have been Figo - someone will correct me) and Steve was left on his own in a hotel room, with no-one from Barcelona coming to meet him, and no-one from Liverpool with him. In the end he flew back after 2 days, and vowed to sit out his contract and leave the fuckers on a free.
He also said he was always going to see out his contract at Real Madrid. Even though he didn't play every week, he loved the life (and the money but fair enough).
I remember we were linked with him when he was going to return. Glad we didn't sign him though, he was past his best when he went to City.
12 months before he left for Real Madrid, he was about to be sold to Barcelona for £12M. Barcelona were pissing around as they were after another signing (it may have been Figo - someone will correct me) and Steve was left on his own in a hotel room, with no-one from Barcelona coming to meet him, and no-one from Liverpool with him. In the end he flew back after 2 days, and vowed to sit out his contract and leave the fuckers on a free.
He also said he was always going to see out his contract at Real Madrid. Even though he didn't play every week, he loved the life (and the money but fair enough).
I remember we were linked with him when he was going to return. Glad we didn't sign him though, he was past his best when he went to City.
When he was at Madrid and they didn't have a game, McManaman was often seen in the Main Stand at Goodison.
I was hoping Liverpool were going to hire him.
Up until this season, when we spanked the Manchester teams, the whipping of Klinsmann and Spurs was the last time I felt an Everton team lived up to expectations, not only winning but playing brillliantly.
Speaking to a Bayern fan recently, he said Klinsmann put little Buddha shrines in the stadium and training area for the players; he goes in for all the Californian transcendental stuff... they consider him a prick of the highest order.
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1 Posted 18/06/2010 at 05:10:11
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The only mitigation (and I say this as an American rooting hard for his National Team, not an EFC fan) is he knows the "Big Club" names will be recognized easily by US soccer fans.
So, I think he's saying these clubs as his clumsy way of giving the "highest" praise to American players while talking on American TV to Americans. Hey, you want verbal subtlety, get a German; right? So I get it as an American.
But as an EFC fan, he could shut the fuck up. The kicker is, when he does finally shut-up, half the time he throws it over to Steve McManaman.
So, I'm in my country, watching the WC on American TV, and I'm stuck between Jurgen "They need to leave for a Big Club" Klinnsman and Steve "Played 350 games for Liverpool" McManaman.
We need to either tighten-up our immigration law or fall the fuck out of love with this nonsense notion that soccer expertise only comes in European accents. Ugh.