[Archived] Henning Berg - Rovers Manager

[Kelbo]

While the start hasn’t been good, personally I think that it is way too early to judge Henning.

However, I suspect that internally he might come under pressure as he has been told that the requirement this season is to get up, especially if results against Cardiff and Blackpool go against us, both of whom I expect to be in the top 6 come the end of the season.

From what I have gathered, the players are impressed by Henning, he has got them doing different type of training and they can see what he wants to achieve, they are being given different patterns of play and the way he wants them to play in very different to what they have been used to. That kinda thing takes time to implement, maybe he should have taken a more pragmatic approach and gradually changed the style of play etc? But a lot of work is being done at Brockhall at the moment however whatever work is being done on the training ground isn’t yet yielding points. I also wonder if Henning needs to freshen up his coaching staff, too many staff from Kean era are still there, maybe new staff who are familiar with his philosophy might help take things forward.

So in a nutshell, for me too early to judge. But I suspect that if results don’t improve over the next 2/3 games then he might come under pressure internally due to the goal of getting promoted this season which he has been given.

I would go along with that Kamy and the patterns of play do take a little time to come together, as mentioned earlier, Berg seems to recognise the importance of partnerships, especially central defence and it does appear as though Hanley & Dann are getting there, it takes time to mould a team into what you want, we have seen in patches what we are capable of, now its making those patches last for 90 minutes but it wont happen overnight and look back to the early Wenger at Arsenal, took him time to get where he wanted, now they are sufferin because despite having good players, they havent got an enforcer in midfield and lost Song, plus Fabregas and Van Persie!! I do agree though, the backroom team does need to change with a fresh impetus and fresh ideas different to the ones we had with Kean!!

[Mercer]

This was a huge job for whoever took it on.

Singh has openly said that the requirement is simply promotion this season.

Unfortunaterly, for Berg, time is not on his side in terms of being given the opportunity to get his own players in and playing the way he wants.

The new manager had to take the current squad and simply hit the ground running, with presumably a facility to tweak the squad in the window. As someone has pointed out earlier in the thread, presumably, this was a key part of the selection / interview process.

Could we have expected Berg to have made a bigger impact and better start ? I think the answer is yes - look what McCarthy has done at Ipswich who, you could argue, squad wise, were in an even bigger mess than Rovers. This is where both experience and proven ability come in and areas where some are questioning Berg and the wisdom in appointing him.

Let's get this straight, this is not about a 2 or 3 year plan, it's about getting Rovers up this season.

I have expressed my doubts about Berg being the man but not once called for his sacking as some have claimed on here.

To give Berg a chance, he must be allowed absolute freedom to select his own backroom staff. If he has and he's happy with Brunskill, Black and Hendry then fine - he will live or die with that decision. If there are constraints in this area then surely he should put his b a l l s on the block and get the changes he wants, otherwise he should walk.

I think the time is over for excuses - simply, Berg has to start delivering, and fast.

[Stuart]

This was a huge job for whoever took it on.

Singh has openly said that the requirement is simply promotion this season.

Unfortunaterly, for Berg, time is not on his side in terms of being given the opportunity to get his own players in and playing the way he wants.

The new manager had to take the current squad and simply hit the ground running, with presumably a facility to tweak the squad in the window. As someone has pointed out earlier in the thread, presumably, this was a key part of the selection / interview process.

Could we have expected Berg to have made a bigger impact and better start ? I think the answer is yes - look what McCarthy has done at Ipswich who, you could argue, squad wise, were in an even bigger mess than Rovers. This is where both experience and proven ability come in and areas where some are questioning Berg and the wisdom in appointing him.

Let's get this straight, this is not about a 2 or 3 year plan, it's about getting Rovers up this season.

I have expressed my doubts about Berg being the man but not once called for his sacking as some have claimed on here.

To give Berg a chance, he must be allowed absolute freedom to select his own backroom staff. If he has and he's happy with Brunskill, Black and Hendry then fine - he will live or die with that decision. If there are constraints in this area then surely he should put his b a l l s on the block and get the changes he wants, otherwise he should walk.

I think the time is over for excuses - simply, Berg has to start delivering, and fast.

A fair and reasoned post. Where were you yesterday?

[onlyonejackwalker]

This was a huge job for whoever took it on.

Singh has openly said that the requirement is simply promotion this season.

Unfortunaterly, for Berg, time is not on his side in terms of being given the opportunity to get his own players in and playing the way he wants.

The new manager had to take the current squad and simply hit the ground running, with presumably a facility to tweak the squad in the window. As someone has pointed out earlier in the thread, presumably, this was a key part of the selection / interview process.

Could we have expected Berg to have made a bigger impact and better start ? I think the answer is yes - look what McCarthy has done at Ipswich who, you could argue, squad wise, were in an even bigger mess than Rovers. This is where both experience and proven ability come in and areas where some are questioning Berg and the wisdom in appointing him.

Let's get this straight, this is not about a 2 or 3 year plan, it's about getting Rovers up this season.

I have expressed my doubts about Berg being the man but not once called for his sacking as some have claimed on here.

To give Berg a chance, he must be allowed absolute freedom to select his own backroom staff. If he has and he's happy with Brunskill, Black and Hendry then fine - he will live or die with that decision. If there are constraints in this area then surely he should put his b a l l s on the block and get the changes he wants, otherwise he should walk.

I think the time is over for excuses - simply, Berg has to start delivering, and fast.

Well said.

Berg was not my preferred choice, nor the choice of many, but deserves our support now as he tries to get to grips with the workings / failings of the club. This was always a bigger job than many were originally making out and it was always going to take some time for things to fully settle before we could evaluate with any clarity any progress made.

Backroom changes must be on the agenda as Berg will surely need someone he can fully trust and whose abilities he rates. I am happy for Black to remain if necessary, but if either of the others goes then so be it. New players in January will be vital as will removing some of the dross we have recruited as currently we seem to be choosing from 15 or 16 players only as starters and many in the squad are not even in contention for the subs bench.

[CapeTownRover]

again, ill stress the fact, that Berg needs a proper full season in charge. This would include pre season, bringing in his own players, and then taking it from there. This ultimatum that Berg has been given is harsh, especially since this squad is useless apart from a few players.

If i was Berg though, then i would grow some hair, because he looks just like coco lol. Other than that, he should say to heck with pretty football, and hit the long ball route. Get the players to get physical with the opposition, and soften them up.

[yoda]

again, ill stress the fact, that Berg needs a proper full season in charge. This would include pre season, bringing in his own players, and then taking it from there. This ultimatum that Berg has been given is harsh, especially since this squad is useless apart from a few players.

If i was Berg though, then i would grow some hair, because he looks just like coco lol. Other than that, he should say to heck with pretty football, and hit the long ball route. Get the players to get physical with the opposition, and soften them up.

You mean like SA did when he took over?

[imy9]

This was a huge job for whoever took it on.

Singh has openly said that the requirement is simply promotion this season.

Unfortunaterly, for Berg, time is not on his side in terms of being given the opportunity to get his own players in and playing the way he wants.

The new manager had to take the current squad and simply hit the ground running, with presumably a facility to tweak the squad in the window. As someone has pointed out earlier in the thread, presumably, this was a key part of the selection / interview process.

Could we have expected Berg to have made a bigger impact and better start ? I think the answer is yes - look what McCarthy has done at Ipswich who, you could argue, squad wise, were in an even bigger mess than Rovers. This is where both experience and proven ability come in and areas where some are questioning Berg and the wisdom in appointing him.

Let's get this straight, this is not about a 2 or 3 year plan, it's about getting Rovers up this season.

I have expressed my doubts about Berg being the man but not once called for his sacking as some have claimed on here.

To give Berg a chance, he must be allowed absolute freedom to select his own backroom staff. If he has and he's happy with Brunskill, Black and Hendry then fine - he will live or die with that decision. If there are constraints in this area then surely he should put his b a l l s on the block and get the changes he wants, otherwise he should walk.

I think the time is over for excuses - simply, Berg has to start delivering, and fast.

No you have said it in a million other ways:

"His one signing so far, King, IMO, looks absolutely hopeless and offered no impact or added value at all."

"Quite simply, he isn't delivering and doesn't look like delivering."

Berg, IMO, is now almost as delusional as Kean and looking like as equally out of his depth !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!The writing is on the wall."

"There can be no excuses, just look at the facts." (see above)

"Berg is not the man.

One could claim that you are doing a "Kean! lol

[CapeTownRover]

well, its Pre Big Sam days. In the days of Hughes, we were such a difficult team to play against, because the opposition players were terrified of going into a 50/50 challenge. We didnt play ugly football under Hughes, but it was that mix up, between long ball and balls played on the floor. Our current squad lacks that punch in midfield, but we have no general in midfield. This might sound crazy, but i would play Givet just in front of Dann and Hanley, and have Ruben, King and Murphy ahead of him, with CKR and Rhodes up top.

Robbo

Henley Dann Hanley Martin O

Givet

Ruben Murphy King

CKR Rhodes

Get Givet to start breaking up play, while also providing cover for the back 4

[LeChuck]

4-1-3-2 is definitely not the answer, it's very weak formation. It's certainly not the answer with Givet in midfield!

[Puffsan]

That is not the most stupid suggestion I have read here. Could work maybe, desperately need a warrior out there

[Mercer]

No you have said it in a million other ways:

"His one signing so far, King, IMO, looks absolutely hopeless and offered no impact or added value at all."

"Quite simply, he isn't delivering and doesn't look like delivering."

Berg, IMO, is now almost as delusional as Kean and looking like as equally out of his depth !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!The writing is on the wall."

"There can be no excuses, just look at the facts." (see above)

"Berg is not the man.

One could claim that you are doing a "Kean! lol

Serious expressions of doubt, yes, calling for him to be sacked, no.

As per my post, Berg accepted the job knowing the parameters.

IMO, he has one more card to play and that is his backroom staff. As already stated, If he's happy with Brunskill, Black and Hendry then fine - he lives or dies with that decision. If he isn't happy replace them and if the club wont let him then be man enough to walk and show that he's a man of principle.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

I think the players have to stand up and take some of the blame. 99% of people on here wanted Pedersen back in the team ahead of King, yet Ped was useless and we only got playing as a team when he was replaced by King, who looked really good (first time i'd seen him).

As someone else has said, we're not far off a decent side (for this league), I think that when Dunn and Gomes are back that will give us more options in supporting Rhodes.

Still worried about Murphy though. He was nowhere in the first half. Bringing Lowe in was a good move, he got around everywhere yesterday in the second half.

The defense looked good yesterday too, they had to be on their game in the first half. I will give credit where its due to Scott Dann for his headers and blocks.

I must be the one percent who didn't want him anywhere near the team yesterday. The most predictable substitution ever. If I can see the guy hasn't got what it takes why can't Berg and 99% of the people on this board who were clamouring for him to play at Burnley on the strength of a good 20 minutes against a tiring Bolton. Oh yeah, he's a nice guy and loves the club. So am I.

[martonrover]

While the start hasn’t been good, personally I think that it is way too early to judge Henning.

However, I suspect that internally he might come under pressure as he has been told that the requirement this season is to get up, especially if results against Cardiff and Blackpool go against us, both of whom I expect to be in the top 6 come the end of the season.

From what I have gathered, the players are impressed by Henning, he has got them doing different type of training and they can see what he wants to achieve, they are being given different patterns of play and the way he wants them to play in very different to what they have been used to. That kinda thing takes time to implement, maybe he should have taken a more pragmatic approach and gradually changed the style of play etc? But a lot of work is being done at Brockhall at the moment however whatever work is being done on the training ground isn’t yet yielding points. I also wonder if Henning needs to freshen up his coaching staff, too many staff from Kean era are still there, maybe new staff who are familiar with his philosophy might help take things forward.

So in a nutshell, for me too early to judge. But I suspect that if results don’t improve over the next 2/3 games then he might come under pressure internally due to the goal of getting promoted this season which he has been given.

Thanks for this insight into what's going on behind the scenes.

To me it was unrealistic to expect any new manager to deliver promotion this season, a more realistic target would be the end of next season.

If it really is do or die this season it makes this appointment all the more baffling as Berg was always likely to need more time to adjust.

You're the second person inside 24 hours to state that Berg is now under pressure to get results in the next two games.

I think this is unfair and although I don't think he was the right appointment he surely should be given until the end of the season to start turning things around.

Even if someone else comes in, what realistic chance will they have of attaining promotion unless given a huge transfer kitty?

I agree about the backroom staff and it really worries me that the lack of change is by the choice of Singh / Venky's rather than Berg.

Let's hope the players can turn their liking of Berg's methods into results.

I have had this argument recently on twitter that players 'liking' a manager is not always a good thing.

A good win on Friday would be a huge morale boost.

P.S. Next time a train I'm driving breaks down I know who to call ;-)

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Thanks for this insight into what's going on behind the scenes.

To me it was unrealistic to expect any new manager to deliver promotion this season, a more realistic target would be the end of next season.

If it really is do or die this season it makes this appointment all the more baffling as Berg was always likely to need more time to adjust.

You're the second person inside 24 hours to state that Berg is now under pressure to get results in the next two games.

I think this is unfair and although I don't think he was the right appointment he surely should be given until the end of the season to start turning things around.

Even if someone else comes in, what realistic chance will they have of attaining promotion unless given a huge transfer kitty?

I agree about the backroom staff and it really worries me that the lack of change is by the choice of Singh / Venky's rather than Berg.

Let's hope the players can turn their liking of Berg's methods into results.

I have had this argument recently on twitter that players 'liking' a manager is not always a good thing.

A good win on Friday would be a huge morale boost.

P.S. Next time a train I'm driving breaks down I know who to call ;-)

I agree about the players liking a manager not always being a good sign. Most players like whoever picks them for the squad, if they don't get picked the manager must be a prick.

One thing I will say for Berg he's realised that teams like to play a high defensive line against us. There are three ways to counter this 1) Field a quick striker who can get in behind the back four ( Bellamy style ). As long as we're playing Rhodes up front that option doesn't exist. 2) Field a mobile runner or runners from centre midfield who can break through and catch the back four stepping out ( Lampard style ) We've nobody who seems really capable of playing that role at present. 3) Field a fast,hard running wide player who can get around the outside of the back four ( Henry style ) . With the signing of King I think Berg is trying to find a solution to the opposition high line defence.

[Puffsan]

just to clear one think up. Berg never brought in his own backroom staff in his two jobs in norway. When he moved from Lyn to Lillestrøm he took the Director of football with him to the club, not any coaching staff. he has worked with the staff already at the club in both clubs. I believe that the reason Blackburn hasn't changed any coaching staff is because henning chose to work with the people already here and see if it works out before he makes any changes. I don't think Venkys or shebby would block henning from bringing some staff in if he choose to do so

[thenodrog]

again, ill stress the fact, that Berg needs a proper full season in charge. This would include pre season, bringing in his own players, and then taking it from there. This ultimatum that Berg has been given is harsh, especially since this squad is useless apart from a few players.

If i was Berg though, then i would grow some hair, because he looks just like coco lol. Other than that, he should say to heck with pretty football, and hit the long ball route. Get the players to get physical with the opposition, and soften them up.

Unfortunately we don't have the personnel to accomplish that. In this division we are too easily knocked off our stride by a little over physical contact. Hughes and Allardyce were all pilloried by opposition managers for being over physical..... usually just after we had taken all 3 points. Personally I was proud of our physical strength under Hughes, we weren't a dirty team but we were certainly no pushovers and that fact alone gained many points by intimidating and effectively softening up the opposition.

[RoverScot]

just to clear one think up. Berg never brought in his own backroom staff in his two jobs in norway. When he moved from Lyn to Lillestrøm he took the Director of football with him to the club, not any coaching staff. he has worked with the staff already at the club in both clubs. I believe that the reason Blackburn hasn't changed any coaching staff is because henning chose to work with the people already here and see if it works out before he makes any changes. I don't think Venkys or shebby would block henning from bringing some staff in if he choose to do so

Sounds too sensible to me. Are sure it isn't because the Scottish Mafia lizards on the moon(who really bought the club) told him not to?

[martonrover]

just to clear one think up. Berg never brought in his own backroom staff in his two jobs in norway. When he moved from Lyn to Lillestrøm he took the Director of football with him to the club, not any coaching staff. he has worked with the staff already at the club in both clubs. I believe that the reason Blackburn hasn't changed any coaching staff is because henning chose to work with the people already here and see if it works out before he makes any changes. I don't think Venkys or shebby would block henning from bringing some staff in if he choose to do so

Thanks for this info though I have to say it fills me with little confidence.

[JAL]

Even if we had supposedly the best coaches in the world with the best manager, they couldnt make Murphy, Etuhu, into better players than they currently are.

[chris_h]

Even if we had supposedly the best coaches in the world with the best manager, they couldnt make Murphy, Etuhu, into better players than they currently are.

Danny Murphy has played at the highest level and for his country. What on Earth are you on about? (again)

[JAL]

Danny Murphy has played at the highest level and for his country. What on Earth are you on about? (again)

That was then, unfortunately this is now dear chris. What they need now is stronger players around them to pull them through a game.

[thenodrog]

danny Murphy was only ever bog ordinary even in his prime (thats why Lpool potted him) and now he's 36 he's way past his sell by date. Of course that IS only my opinion..... but as usual it's right.

[JAL]

danny Murphy was only ever bog ordinary even in his prime (thats why Lpool potted him) and now he's 36 he's way past his sell by date. Of course that IS only my opinion..... but as usual it's right.

Well done Theno take a bow bang on.

[John]

danny Murphy was only ever bog ordinary even in his prime (thats why Lpool potted him) and now he's 36 he's way past his sell by date. Of course that IS only my opinion..... but as usual it's right.

I think he had good spells at Fulham - he benefitted from very attack minded teams though with runners and plenty of options off the ball.

Only seen him twice live this season but looks fragile & well off the pace.

Etuhu has looked OK in brief glimpses - however, overall looks to have problems with moving generally let alone playing football! That 4 year deal is looking genius at the moment.....

[chris_h]

That was then, unfortunately this is now dear chris. What they need now is stronger players around them to pull them through a game.

Danny Murphy is 36 and has played at the top level. How is Henning Berg (or anybody else for that matter) going to make him into a better player at this stage in his career?