EPL Talk - Latest Comments in Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

Jurpobeidiodo — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 22:15:49 -0000

I’d prefer reading in my native language, because my knowledge of your languange is no so well.

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

Jurpobeidiodo — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 12:19:48 -0000

I’d prefer reading in my native language, because my knowledge of your languange is no so well. But it was interesting! Look for some my links:

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

US Soccer Fan — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 23:36:45 -0000

I better go and track down this interview before I write a long comment, but it just seems to me SA readers would need too much of the back story to understand the questions you wish they asked.

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

Corey B. — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 04:19:04 -0000

Gaffer, I have to say that this post seemed a bit malicious in nature and wasn't fair your peers at Soccer America. I understand that this is a blog and not a standard news site so you have full editorial leeway on your posts but I still think that it would of been fair to at least contact the writers you were criticizing for their response.

Just to reiterate what has been said before, Soccer America has a different focus then EPL Talk so you have to take that into consideration when you look at their work. The readers of SA want to know about information focused on the American game and not about the politics, current stories, or history of the European professional leagues so why should of the guys at SA asked those questions you listed?

Gaffer, remember not to get so wrapped up in the agenda of your own site that you forget that fellow writers have their own audience & missions they are trying to accomplish; and remember most that although you don't work for the same companies, these other writers are your colleagues and they deserve better then being called inept.

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

kkfla737 — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:54:01 -0000

Good points, Wanderer Abroad. American fans can be rude and obnoxious in other sports. Those of us who are Football fans are used to fighting off those same obnoxious people who seem to think guys who run nonstop for 90 minutes aren't athletes but some obese guy who bats 4 times a game as AL DH and probably goes drinking every night is an athlete.

My problem with English Soccer fans are multi folded however.

1- The English assume any American players in inferior to any English player. While this is a general rule it is NOT ALWAYS THE CASE.

2- The majority of English Soccer fans look down on Continental Football. Yet when you can learn from the French system and success as the SA writers were trying to learn (and I'm sorry Gaffer's explanation that they could have done the research doesn't fly- hearing from the horses mouth so to speak about specific training techniques for youth are worth asking questions not merely looking up on the internet)the majority of English would be more eager to put down the French League and talk about how much better England's midfield play is and how much more pace the English game has, thus when a game has more pace it is better and if it lacks pace it is worse. (A terrible rule- for example MLS is a much quicker league the Mexican League but is also an inferior league to the Mexican League.) I always hear English fans complain about how slow the Italian game is and how that means the English game is actually better. It does not mean that!

3- English Soccer fans are always anxious to force their opinion or game down foreigners throats. If the game isn't played the way that is familiar for them, then it is not real football. I except many of our British friends on this site from this general rule. For example, I know TT watches games from across the globe and appreciates the differences.

4- Something is wrong with MLS/USL goes the logic of English fans because we have divisions and a season played from April to November. Strangely the Irish League and all of the leagues in Scandinavia play on the EXACT SAME CALENDER AS THE MLS/USL DOES though this is scarcely noticed or acknowledged in any English paper except the Guardian/Telegraph. In addition we have divisions because if you haven't noticed this country is HUGE. Instead of boarding a coach and taking a two hour drive to a road game, in this country take a USL trip from Seattle to San Juan. 8 hours by plane across 4 time zones. In MLS you can go from LA to Boston- 6 hours and 3 time zones. The body needs time to adjust to this as we all know what long plane flights do especially since our clubs are poorer and the players generally fly in Economy Class.

I could go on and on. I actually enjoy English Football but the problem is the majority of English media and fans are so xenophobic in everything they do and cover that they feel the need to tear down anything that isn't theirs and they can't claim or they are unfamiliar with.

I was actually telling somebody tonight that when I have traveled to France, Germany and Italy and have discussed American Soccer/Football with the locals their has been mostly respectful discussion and constructive ideas on how to improve the America
n game. When I have gone to England I have gotten mostly snickers, laughter and an attitude of "how can a bloody yank pretend to know this game, our game?" Now why exactly does not happen to me in Paris or Rome? I think the answer is obvious.

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

wanderer_abroad — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 22:51:10 -0000

I think this post is really getting out of hand. The accusations of 'British snobbery' are both ridiculous and insulting. I'm British too and wish American soccer nothing but the best, and you are accusing all Brits of being snobs are idiots. Funnily enough, I recently had a similar experience of American snobbery. This was, however, in boxing where, in a pub in Seattle watching the Hatton vs. Mayweather fight, an American said "What do you know about boxing, you're English?". I'm sorry but just because boxing is bigger in America than Britain in terms of the number of American world champions, it doesn't mean I know nothing about boxing. I know this is about a totally different sport the point I'm getting at is that snobbery works both ways and has nothing to do with the stereotypes that some people are pointing out here.

The second point I wanted to make was that I actually agree with PART of gaffers post. Let me stress that it is only the part that it was bad journalism to ask obvious questions that could be found out by research. Its a journalist's job to ask the questions that others haven't thought of, not repeat those that people know the answer to. However, I do not agree that a question about an English topic would have been more appropriate as Gaffer suggests. This was obviously a convention on AMERICAN soccer, so the questions should have been about AMERICAN soccer.

I hope people don't misinterpret my comments because I honestly dont have anything against Americans or their right to enjoy the game of soccer (football). To those who are almost definitely going to accuse me of being another 'Brit snob' a big middle finger and also another middle finger to that idiot in Seattle....because we beat you (as did your much laughed at neighbours Mexico) in the world amateur boxing tournament.

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

eplnfl — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 22:42:05 -0000

Kartik:

You forgot to mention how American's are ruining English football by buying Man. U. and winning championships with them. Just something the Eurosnobs always seem to forget.

You have advocated well the different focus of American football and this whole post might be an example of the American way in action. I would like to point out that the USMNT without getting one of the many players in has in the EPL
in the line-up beat a strong Swedish side. just think if we had our best players that we "loan" to the EPL.

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

kkfla737 — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 22:19:13 -0000

Shakira, I typically agree with you but those issues for some of us are MORE IMPORTANT than what is going on at Liverpool or Newcastle.

For the rest of you.....

here in the US where our ingenuity can conquer anything , we want to learn from the best. This was a coaches convention and for those attending Houllier's view on Hicks and Gillett is less important than training methods, how the French develop and how to structure a youth and national academy program. The Anglo-philes don't care because England doesn't have a national academy or a national training ground. They invented the game so they are the all mighty and we are simply the inferior heathen Yanks who aren't allowed a say or opinion about the game since we didn't invent it and we mean to ruin it.

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

Shakira Graham — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 22:08:15 -0000

How clueless are the Soccer America people if they asked Houllier those questions and not anything of real importance?

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

The Gaffer — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:26:50 -0000

For someone who is "passing by," you definitely spend a lot of time on this site. I did not "crash Soccer America's interview." I received permission from Adidas to interview Houllier and had every right to, so don't makee accusations unless you were there and saw something different.

Cheers,
The Gaffer

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

Passing by — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:24:39 -0000

Well it was the wrong view, and your failure to not get shows how wrong you are.

What did you do anyway crash Soccer America's interview anyway. For that you should apologize.

The truth is in post 36 where it says that this entire post should be taken down. If anything to prevent you from being shown a fool. Then again, anyone who read this post came to that conclusion rather quickly.

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

eplnfl — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:15:43 -0000

I think we should respect the Gaffer's last statement and end this one. Personal attacks are of no value. The Gaffer and Kartik and the Soccer America reporters are all quality journalists. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and everyone makes their mistakes now and then regret it.

So, lets get back to talking football.

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

The Gaffer — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 16:36:42 -0000

I appreciate everyone giving their honest criticism and feedback. I welcome it (seriously).

I don't appreciate the personal attacks. None of those deserve a response.

But, sorry, I'm not going to apologize to the readers or Soccer America for purely stating my opinion. I mean no malice. I'm just sharing my views of what I saw.

Regarding the comment about another soccer network out there, I have no affiliation with them and do not plan to do so in the future.

Regarding my so-called euro snobbery and anti-American soccer viewpoints, I think it's ridiculous. I want the sport to succeed in this country more than anything.

Cheers,
The Gaffer

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

EPL isn't the only league in t — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 16:22:39 -0000

What a firestorm! When I initially posted last night I had read the post once and the full gravity of the implications of such an amateurish post hadn't dawned on me.

The publisher of this site has repeatedly cited web hit statistics when comparing his work to other sites including sites which former contributors here moved to. He even decided to compare last night his hits with Soccer America, the most respected magazine covering the sport in the nation.

For someone who has nurtured such a wide readership to blatantly insult three well thought of writers, a magazine with a top reputation and the premise under which Houllier came to America using dripping hyperbole smacks of the worst writing and practices of journalism around. This isn't the Drudge Report for Football or at least I didn't think it aimed to be. This used to be a respectable place with respectful views towards others where we could share ideas and thoughts with one another.

Gaffer you must consider the consequences of your posts. You quite frankly may suffer the worst possible consequences from this post. Hate to say it but this was not just merely over the line. This is the sort of post that would end careers. I hope it doesn't end yours but things like this have ended careers before.

Now as Wanderer Abroad has pointed out this site has had more and more sensational headlines, like "Why Jack Bell is a Wanker" and "Hicks and Gillet give Americans a bad name." etc etc etc.

Why have you gone from the tough critic to the sensational bitter, angry Brit? Why did you having obviously paid your dues both literally and figuratively to attend this conference and then attack three of the most respect and may I add seasoned soccer journalists in this country. It isn't a coincidence Paul Gardner was the voice of the NASL, and still writes for World Soccer, the most distributed sports magazine on the planet.

Think about it. This post should come down.

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

Harvey — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 15:47:15 -0000

Honestly Gaffer, I hate to pile on here but what has already been said is not out of line but well within line. You pass yourself off a legitimate journalist with the most popular site on the web and correctly I suppose point out that you get more traffic than these other sites.

Then as a journalist, is it within your realm to attack other journalists especially ones as noted above with as much of a reputation as Paul Gardner and his sidekicks? Does it occur to you as a journalist that they may have another point of view than what you have and may come from another perspective. Is the fact that they write for a magazine that has been in business for thirty years and has countless print subscribers and is on every newsstand in the country when you have a bitter, angry over the top post like this one. Michael has some good opinions but all of the so called growing up that needs to be done with all due respect must be done by the Gaffer first and foremost. This post was so over the top, so clearly out of line in the decorum of journalism and so clearly written out of spite and anger that it is tough to excuse this post as Kartik seems willing to do as an exception. This post is very telling about the Gaffer, this webpage and the view of Brits towards soccer publications whose priorities do not match that of the BCC and the Daily Mirror.

AS for you Kartik, you have a great platform. A show on CSRN listened to by everyone I speak to in the game. TAKE A FREAKING STAND INSTEAD OF PLAYING THE MIDDLE AS YOU DO HERE. That political background means you try and be nice to everyone. That doesn't cut it. Euro snobbery in its most obvious form is found in this post. Why then do you point out the obvious like everyone else and then at the end say, oh but Gaffer's a good guy?!

Back to Gaffer. This post is way way way out of line and I suggest you send an apology to Gardner and Soccer America. The entire world of Football does not revolve around the Premier League and whatever topics show up on BBC Sport. I too was in Baltimore this weekend and will tell you point blank Houllier was invited to discuss coaching fundamentals. The questions SA's experienced writers asked were exactly the reason he was in Baltimore. He didn't come to a coaches convention in America to talk about the Republic of Ireland or two American billionaires he's never met.

I think an apology is in order.

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

Michael — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:36:28 -0000

Here's the deal.

There's nothing wrong with criticism, especially that of the constructive variety. As a blogger on this site and on my own site, I can say that there's nothing I like more than to read the comments I get on my work and look at the feedback from the readers. I appreciate each and every single comment I get, whether it's supporting or disagreeing with whatever I've written about.

When that criticism starts focusing less on the body of work and turns more into a personal attack, that's where I have a problem and the line needs to be drawn. If you want to disagree with what someone writes, fine, you're entitled to your opinion and more than welcome to speak your mind. Don't resort to attacking the writer because you don't like what he wrote; there's no reason for you to do it and it just makes you look that much more ignorant and immature.

For the record, I don't agree with the Gaffer's point of view in this post. Those journalists were from Soccer America and thus could care less about Houllier's ties in Europe, and their readers probably don't care either. They have an American constituency, as someone said before, and whether or not Houllier's been connected to the Ireland job or why he didn't have success in Europe with Lyon is irrelevant to them.

That said, I don't need to make my point by going after the Gaffer as a person; I don't need to attack him because it doesn't accomplish anything. If someone disagrees with what he writes, leave a comment and explain your point of view, criticizing the Gaffer himself just proves your ignorance.

Grow up.

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

kkfla737 — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:36:19 -0000

It has been pointed out to me Sunil Gulati the head of the USSF is trying to rebuild the US Academy system and youth development program on a French model. Thus that explains Houllier's invitation and his interview with Gardner. Gardner is one of the best writers around and were he able to take shots at the English he would have so as someone said above the interview must have been done under the premise to which he was invited to the convention.

Again, I think Gaffer's post was totally out of line but ASRW you are an ass wipe: excuse my language please.

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

thegafferisanidiot — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:15:03 -0000

who the hell cares about asking questions about newcastle, lyon, and the french national team..shit that happened in the past when the whole point of houllier being there was sharing his tips on coaching...he would have never showed up to share his autobiography. who the hell do you think you are gaff face? four four two? the bbc? sky sports? this is the last time im going to go to this site.....IVES RUNS A BETTER BLOG THAN YOU.

and as far as mentioning the top blogs way back when, why not give some consideration to arseblog.com as one of the top team related blogs.

gafffffffffffffff

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

thegafferisanidiot — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:10:31 -0000

foxsoccer.com too.

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

thegafferisanidiot — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:08:53 -0000

hey do you want to know something gaff face?

what was the point of the NSCAA? Coaching?
Ok, so if the point of this whole event is coaching, isnt it right for someone to ask about coaching techniques? Especially in a country lacking them. Bingo

what kind of name is gaffer anyway.? who team do you manage? the epl talk team? who's on this team? you, your mouse and your key board?

You're a selfish c*unt who need to consider other people. Why the hell are you living in this country anyway? An englishman wants to share his knowledge of football? No. You're just a selfish english c*unt. You always hate on arsenal and you live for the controversy so people could go to your little site. you say you're the top premier league site in america, well why not consider that maybe espn soccernet is a much bigger site than yours and wait, where are the espn head quarters? BRISTOL, CT, USA? ok so am i the only one who thinks you're full of it?

bastard.

and what are you going to do, berate me for being ignorant?
then look in the mirror.

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

wanderer_abroad — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 13:38:49 -0000

Being one of the first men to criticize American football and journalism, and also being an Englishman, I still think that what Gaffer said was out of line. Soccer America were asking legitimate questions and it was unfair to portray them as being amateur and unprofessional, because that is certainly far from the case. In recent weeks I have become worried at some of your 'criticism for criticism sake' articles. However, despite saying this EPLTalk has always been a quality site for news and opinions, just try to tone it down a bit Gaffer next time ;)

Oh and btw, shut your mouth ASRW, you're just getting personal and nasty. Stop being so obnoxious and just because you don't agree with Gaffer's opinion, dont start ranting at us English.

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

kkfla737 — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 12:32:24 -0000

ASRW, for the last time I agree with you and thank you for your patronage of my show. Gaffer was out of line here, but I'm saying you can't judge the Gaffer who supports US Soccer and actually was an aficionado of the Fusion and MLS and probably spent more money and time supporting the game here in south Florida based on this one very silly off base post. I know the Gaffer and know where he stands.

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

Passing by — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 12:30:51 -0000

Harris,

I am not sure if there is a link, but based on his writings of late, and his forum post about there being a 'big announcement' to come, it wouldn't shock me if that was the case.

Pure speculation on my end.

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

ASRW — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 12:14:40 -0000

Kartik......you are pathetic. You atttack Eurosnobbery on your show but simply because you claim to know the Gaffer you are willing to say this was a mistake and accident, etc.

Has it ooccurred to you that Soccer America likely had contacted Houllier before and had a pre-arranged interview about specific topics related to the French system that the Gaffer decided to crash? Moreover, keep in mind this was the annual American coaches convention, not the English Premier League get together.

You are undermining your own credibility as a leader of the pro-US Soccer movement with these comments.

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

Harris — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 12:06:41 -0000

Passing By, are you sure of the link with WSD? If that is the case, this post and the one last week are easily explainable.