|
No! That's the whole thing! People laugh at and dismiss this whole thing about the 'West Ham way' (including our current cunt of a manager) but the 'West Ham way' actually refers to something real: adopting the most technically advanced style of football (at the time Hungary's) and putting results to one side. We had a reputation for being great to watch, playing 'good', entertaining football without ever being that successful. Bielsa represents the epitome of that.
The concept is encapsulated by our manager Ron Greenwood who introduced the idea and the tactics in the sixties, when he said that
“The crowds at West Ham have never been rewarded by results but they keep turning up because of the good football they see. Other clubs will suffer from the old bugbear that results count more than anything. This has been the ruination of English soccer.”
Not even every West Ham fan agrees with that but some (including me) absolutely do.
Bielsa represents that to the absolute hilt. Only Pep can compete with him on that level, and we're never gonna get him, and even he idolises Bielsa over everyone else (and Pep's ultmately far more pragmatic than Bielsa).
It's why I said I'd happily be relegated under him. Odd I know, but I honestly feel that way.
EDIT: The reality is our current owners would never go for anyone as bold as Bielsa. They'll go for a far safer bet because they're terrified of relegation before we move into the Olympic Stadium. I almost wish his name had never been mentioned. For me anyway it makes every other alternative a massive let-down, even though I should simply be happy that Allardyce is going.
Given we'll never get Bielsa, I'd love Klopp, but like you I can't see him leaving Dortmund now. Amd if he does it'll be for Arsenal not us.
I should feel happy but I just feel so deflated at the overwhelming likelihood that the dream won't come true.
|