|
Owen expecting English-speaking boss in Madrid
(The Sun)
Updated: 2004-09-23 11:04
Boss Jose Camacho quit after his decision to pick Owen ahead of skipper Raul
sparked a player revolt against him and his hardline managerial style.
Owen, 24, admits Camacho’s exit is a huge setback in his bid to establish
himself at the Bernabeu after believing he was winning over the former Spain
boss.
He said: “There’s no doubt this has come as a shock. It’s strange but
everyone has assured me it is not the norm for this to happen so soon.
“But you just have to get on with it. I seemed to be playing more and more
under Camacho even though I know it was only three games.
“It’s disappointing, not least for him. I’m sure he wanted to be
successful.
“Unfortunately, it’s part of football. Players come and go, as do managers,
but you just have to get on with it, there’s nothing else you can do.”
Now he has to start all over again under new coach Mariano Garcia Remon, who
has made it clear Owen is back to fourth-choice striker — behind Raul, Ronaldo
and Fernando Morientes.
Remon won his first game in charge — 1-0 against Osasuna on Tuesday — thanks
to a stunning David Beckham free-kick, with Owen coming on as a sub only in the
last 10 minutes.
But the team’s display did nothing to convince angry fans or Real president
Florentino Perez.
Owen could yet find himself with a third boss unless stop-gap Remon inspires
a big improvement.
The England ace admits his lack of Spanish is a problem. Remon, like Camacho,
does not speak English.
So the arrival of an English-speaking boss would be a massive boost to the
former Liverpool king.
In the meantime, Owen is adamant he is not being cold-shouldered in the
dressing room following his ￡8million summer arrival.
He said: “I don’t know all their conversations because of the language
problem.
“But from what I’ve seen I’ve been surprised how united the players are. When
you have so many big stars that can sometimes not be the case.”
Owen insists he will prove he is worthy of his place among the galacticos if
he is given a run in the side.
He said: “I’d love to get the first goal under my belt. There’s no pressure
then.
“There are four strikers here and any one of us can perform with each
other.
“I’m new to the country and new to the club but I’ll show some good form soon
— if I get the chance.”
Perez is already chasing a big-name boss to command the respect of Madrid’s
disgruntled millionaire stars.
But England coach Sven Goran Eriksson and former Real chief Vicente Del
Bosque are non-starters, while snatching Arsene Wenger from Arsenal is pure
fantasy.
Ex-Bayern Munich boss Otmar Hitzfeld and former Argentina coach Marcelo
Bielsa tempt Perez but Bobby Robson seems to be his No 1 choice to mind the
store for the rest of the season. The one-time England gaffer is a legend in
Europe after successful spells at PSV Eindhoven, Sporting Lisbon and
Barcelona.
And Sir Bobby would love a crack at another European giant to bring an
amazing end to his illustrious career.
Becks, meanwhile, insists it is good news for England that Eriksson has
denied any contact with Madrid.
The midfielder said: “He has shown his commitment to the country and that’s
what people want.
“It’s what the players want and I’m sure it’s what 90 per cent of the
supporters want.” Becks’ confidence has been boosted by the glory of winning
Real’s last two home games with his trademark free-kicks.
But he says even that will probably not silence calls for him to be dropped
by his country.
He admitted: “I doubt I’ve put that behind me.
“If I have a bad game I’m sure it will come back.
“But as long as I can look at myself in the morning and I’m happy that I’ve
worked hard, that is enough for me.”
It seems Owen is the one who will be more worried about his England future
unless Madrid get a boss who believes in him.
| |
 |
|
|
|
|
Today's
Top News |
|
|
|
Top Sports
News |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
