I remember Southall, and he was an absolutely ridiculous keeper. Probably the best one of the eighties.
But it was a time when keepers were expected to stand on their line and save stuff. They did have an expectation to build play, pass accurately or play as a sweeper.
It’s worth remembering that the change in the back-pass rule radically changed what was expected of a keeper. At the time, he was probably as accomplished as you could hope for. Also a really brilliant guy as well.
It was also a great choice to pick from: Ancelotti and Klopp. Much better from the lazy days of Curbishley, O’Neill, Hodgson, etc.
Some of my friends pointed out that Klopp could be a better fit for the task at hand and looking back, I agree. Still, if it turned out to be Ancelotti, would’ve loved that also.
Great career from Ancelotti, full respect. We met many times.
20 games against his sides: 6 wins, 3 draws, 11 defeats.
I think Ancelotti would have been a disaster. We needed someone to oversee a rebuild, and carry the club. Ancelotti has always been more of a finisher.
I remember a report saying that he had asked FSG for a budget of over £200m for rebuilding the squad straight off. He probably wasnt wrong but Klopp got us going for far less and allowing that level of investment to be spread over a few years and aided through some cunning player sales.
I do think that FSG had their first choice nearly nailed on before they decided to interview Ancelotti.
A lot of times , these interviews are conducted just to reinforce the view that the first candidate ticked all the boxes. It’s happened to me before and I’ve done it too before.