[Archived] Henning Berg - Rovers Manager

[DaveyB]

The worrying thing this is that there does not even seem to have been the usual 'new manager bounce'.

You mean like Bolton have had under Freedman (1 win, 4 draws) or Ipswich under McCarthy (2 wins, 1 draw & 2 defeats - by a combined score of 11-0 btw)??

But of course they're both 'proper' managers aren't they?

So sick of seeing our so-called supporters revelling in defeats and things not going right. How hard is it to see that the best thing for Rovers is that Berg succeeds and then actually rooting for that, as opposed to wanting him to fail so you can tell us you were right all along??

[DavidMailsTightPerm]

So sick of seeing our so-called supporters revelling in defeats and things not going right. How hard is it to see that the best thing for Rovers is that Berg succeeds and then actually rooting for that, as opposed to wanting him to fail so you can tell us you were right all along??

Must admit it is disappointing that some fans are already starting with their "I told you so" routines. Lets give the guy a chance - he took over a squad that most thought wasn't fit enough, and was unbalanced - and yet against this back drop he is expected to turn things around in a matter of weeks.

Yesterday we played one of the form teams of the division - it was a tight match and all about who scored first. If Olsson, or King had converted early in the second half we would probably be talking about a win rather than picking over a defeat. Anybody that can't see the improvment under Berg must be blind - we just need a bit of luck at the right times to get us on a roll.

[K-Hod]

Must admit it is disappointing that some fans are already starting with their "I told you so" routines. Lets give the guy a chance - he took over a squad that most thought wasn't fit enough, and was unbalanced - and yet against this back drop he is expected to turn things around in a matter of weeks.

Yesterday we played one of the form teams of the division - it was a tight match and all about who scored first. If Olsson, or King had converted early in the second half we would probably be talking about a win rather than picking over a defeat. Anybody that can't see the improvment under Berg must be blind - we just need a bit of luck at the right times to get us on a roll.

Indeed. People are more bothered about being right than the team doing well seemingly....

[Kelbo]

I would ask people on this messageboard what they would do in a given situation, Henning Berg took over and virtually within a day had the Pace game away, more than likely his input would have been minimal due to the time involved, then we had Huddersfield and Birmingham where the performances were much better and Peterborough with a good away win, would you have changed the team after that, I am sure I wouldnt, things were progressing nicely, we had a setback against Millwall, yes, we knew they would be physical yet had Ollsons shot gone in early doors, it could have thrown a different slant on the game!

I think Henning knows where he needs to be and the Friedel thing was that he probably saves many more shots from outside the box than any keeper worldwide, more importantly, his command of his box allows the centre backs to concentrate on the man, so I do feel he will get things right and quickly too, give the guy a bit of time, as some on here have mentioned, two suggested alternatives to Berg (mcCarthy and Freedman) arnet pulling up any trees and even Holloway tasted defeat yesterday!

[chaddyrovers]

You mean like Bolton have had under Freedman (1 win, 4 draws) or Ipswich under McCarthy (2 wins, 1 draw & 2 defeats - by a combined score of 11-0 btw)??

But of course they're both 'proper' managers aren't they?

So sick of seeing our so-called supporters revelling in defeats and things not going right. How hard is it to see that the best thing for Rovers is that Berg succeeds and then actually rooting for that, as opposed to wanting him to fail so you can tell us you were right all along??

great points and I agree with your points.

Berg is the right manager for us and needs to be given time to put his own ideas into the team. some fans wouldnt even be happy if Mourinho or Pep G was manager.

[Mercer]

You mean like Bolton have had under Freedman (1 win, 4 draws) or Ipswich under McCarthy (2 wins, 1 draw & 2 defeats - by a combined score of 11-0 btw)??

But of course they're both 'proper' managers aren't they?

So sick of seeing our so-called supporters revelling in defeats and things not going right. How hard is it to see that the best thing for Rovers is that Berg succeeds and then actually rooting for that, as opposed to wanting him to fail so you can tell us you were right all along??

Would be grateful if you could get both your context and facts right.

Firstly, Berg wasn't my choice, however, as I have previously stated, like any other reasonable supporter would, I am prepared to give him a fair crack of the whip and really, really hope that he can lead us back to the PL this season.

Secondly, as I posted yesterday, of the newly appointed managers, Berg, so far, has fared least well: Holloway 12 points from 5 games, Dyche 9 points from 5 games, Freedman 7 points from 5 unbeaten games, McCarthy 7 points from 5 and Berg 5 points from 5 games. Those are facts and you can't argue with them - at the moment, he's bottom of that little league.

On the plus side, he has seen through Orr amd CKM and has given chances to the likes of Henley and Rochina. On the downside, we haven't got the points return that we would have hoped for, we've seen the the exclusion of a fit Givet (the warrior type player we need in this league) and although we've seen more of Simon, Berg's apparent reluctance to start a match with him is mystifying. Also, I personally think Berg made a mountain out of a molehill about the lad from Brockhall putting the team on this MB and I also think that his move for Friedel was ill judged.

[Amo]

Berg is the right manager for us and needs to be given time to put his own ideas into the team.

Surely we won't know if Berg is the right man UNTIL he builds his own team, ja?

some fans wouldnt even be happy if Mourinho or Pep G was manager.

Pep's overrated, brah.

[Fife Rover]

Re: Friedel - could it be that Berg is looking for a leader? Seems we're kinda short in that department. That was the first thing that came to mind when I heard about this, that Berg wants some old head in that the younger players will listen to, who speaks his mind but with the clubs interest at heart, someone who will be "feared" when (defensive) errors are made and with a pedigree (& ability!) that commands respect. In other words: someone to lead the charge in our attempt to bring some repect and "arte et labore" back to this club.

I would LOVE Friedel back in any capasity! Monster of keeper - beauty of a man. Hope to see him here in january!

+100

[thenodrog]

He really needs to sort out set-piece takers.

Why, when we have Danny Murphy on the pitch ie someone who took them for a Premier League side last year, does Formica and Rochina take the free-kicks and corners, which were poor all day.

Too near the keeper with no one instructed to stand in front of him. Perplexing that.

[Ianrally]

great points and I agree with your points.

Berg is the right manager for us and needs to be given time to put his own ideas into the team. some fans wouldnt even be happy if Mourinho or Pep G was manager.

Totally agree.

Berg is the manager so support the guy.

Time is what he must be given to stamp his mark and create his own team.

We will get beaten in some games, that's football, unless some have forgotten what the game is all about.

[John]

Don't think I would change team selection too much from what Berg has been selecting - difficult to get a more combative team out there given the players we have.

[den]

Yesterday we played one of the form teams of the division - it was a tight match and all about who scored first. If Olsson, or King had converted early in the second half we would probably be talking about a win rather than picking over a defeat. Anybody that can't see the improvment under Berg must be blind - we just need a bit of luck at the right times to get us on a roll.

Comments like this really bring home the tragedy of the past two years. Pre Venky's, we regularly fielded much weakened teams against lower league teams, in cup competitions - and beat them with considerable ease, home or away.

[broadsword]

Berg is the right manager for us and needs to be given time to put his own ideas into the team. some fans wouldnt even be happy if Mourinho or Pep G was manager.

Do you have any reasoning for this, because it seems like blind optimism to me to say that Berg is the right manager for Rovers.

A few years in Norway, where he didn't appear to pull up any trees, and then nothing doing since last year. Not exactly the managerial CV of a man who apparently is already judged the right man to lead Rovers after being here for a month or so. How many other clubs did we have to beat off to secure the signature of this managerial genius?

Henning appears a reasonably erudite chap, he's good for a soundbite and he's already sent Orr packing. Granted, it is hard to untangle the reasons for our results under him, how much of it is down to the manager's decisions, and how much is down to players being unfit, untalented or uncaring. So I would say we don't have enough evidence of his capability as a manager in England to say that he won't succeed. Conversely, unquestioning adulation is just as narrow-minded and premature.

What we do know is that the club's a mess, the squad's a mess, and it wasn't a job for a novice. My intuitive feeling is that he won't get us out of this division this season or next (which isn't just down to him, transfer budgets etc will come into play). This isn't some sort of negative wish fulfillment, but it's more that it's an incredibly difficult situation to deal with, and I just don't see him doing it.

One thing I have noticed is that blind optimism is on the increase, and this is not a good sign. I saw it last year as well, the usual "we're only 6 points off of 10th, get behind them" style nonsense. Well, we all know how last year ended, don't we?

[Mercer]

Comments like this really bring home the tragedy of the past two years. Pre Venky's, we regularly fielded much weakened teams against lower league teams, in cup competitions - and beat them with considerable ease, home or away.

Very true. I didn't go yesterday but have spoken with a few who have, feedback not great, and have seen some match highlights.

Could have conceded more with at least one marginal offside decision going in our favour - what worries me is the number of times we were opened-up.

Hanley's pwder-puff challenge for Millwall's first goal was shocking whilst Etuhu cost us the second by dallying in possession. I attach no blame to Robbo for either goal with the second taking a deflection and making any potential save even more improbable.

Mixed feelings about Wednesday's Bolton match. Always look forward to clashes with Bolton but fear that the wily Freedman will have Berg in his pocket.

Very good post from Bryan above, +1.

[martonrover]

Do you have any reasoning for this, because it seems like blind optimism to me to say that Berg is the right manager for Rovers.

A few years in Norway, where he didn't appear to pull up any trees, and then nothing doing since last year. Not exactly the managerial CV of a man who apparently is already judged the right man to lead Rovers after being here for a month or so. How many other clubs did we have to beat off to secure the signature of this managerial genius?

Henning appears a reasonably erudite chap, he's good for a soundbite and he's already sent Orr packing. Granted, it is hard to untangle the reasons for our results under him, how much of it is down to the manager's decisions, and how much is down to players being unfit, untalented or uncaring. So I would say we don't have enough evidence of his capability as a manager in England to say that he won't succeed. Conversely, unquestioning adulation is just as narrow-minded and premature.

What we do know is that the club's a mess, the squad's a mess, and it wasn't a job for a novice. My intuitive feeling is that he won't get us out of this division this season or next (which isn't just down to him, transfer budgets etc will come into play). This isn't some sort of negative wish fulfillment, but it's more that it's an incredibly edifficult situation to deal with, and I just don't see him doing it.

One thing I have noticed is that blind optimism is on the increase, and this is not a good sign. I saw it last year as well, the usual "we're only 6 points off of 10th, get behind them" style nonsense. Well, we all know how last year ended, don't we?

Excellent post. Pretty much sums up how I feel.

He's here because of Shebby Singh's delusions.

However, I'm hoping against hope he succeeds.

[Steve Kean's Hypnotoad]

So sick of seeing our so-called supporters revelling in defeats and things not going right. How hard is it to see that the best thing for Rovers is that Berg succeeds and then actually rooting for that, as opposed to wanting him to fail so you can tell us you were right all along??

Its a pretty ridiculous claim to make that fans would rather be proven right than see rovers do well.

The only reason a few I told you so's are coming out now is that to begin with those against Berg's appointment were subjected to name calling, being told to shut up and much general angry shouting down by his supporters.

I said the tone of this topic would be very different by Christmas. Well unfortunately (emphasis on the unfortunately), its right on track.

[PAFELL]

Do you have any reasoning for this, because it seems like blind optimism to me to say that Berg is the right manager for Rovers.

A few years in Norway, where he didn't appear to pull up any trees, and then nothing doing since last year. Not exactly the managerial CV of a man who apparently is already judged the right man to lead Rovers after being here for a month or so. How many other clubs did we have to beat off to secure the signature of this managerial genius?

Henning appears a reasonably erudite chap, he's good for a soundbite and he's already sent Orr packing. Granted, it is hard to untangle the reasons for our results under him, how much of it is down to the manager's decisions, and how much is down to players being unfit, untalented or uncaring. So I would say we don't have enough evidence of his capability as a manager in England to say that he won't succeed. Conversely, unquestioning adulation is just as narrow-minded and premature.

What we do know is that the club's a mess, the squad's a mess, and it wasn't a job for a novice. My intuitive feeling is that he won't get us out of this division this season or next (which isn't just down to him, transfer budgets etc will come into play). This isn't some sort of negative wish fulfillment, but it's more that it's an incredibly difficult situation to deal with, and I just don't see him doing it.

One thing I have noticed is that blind optimism is on the increase, and this is not a good sign. I saw it last year as well, the usual "we're only 6 points off of 10th, get behind them" style nonsense. Well, we all know how last year ended, don't we?

Of course it is too soon to say he is the right man for the job. But lets be honest, whoever came in and took on this job, would have an uphill battle on their hands. But at this moment in time, he does deserve the fans to get behind him. Lets HOPE he is the right man for the job. Afterall a lot rests on him being so.

Hard to judge on a few matches. But apart from the millwall match, there have been signs of improvement. After these players have been fed the stuff from Kean, it will take Berg awhile to get them playing the way he wants them to do.

[Rover_Shaun]

How much time do we give Berg? I remember the last man wasn't given much time. He was Anderson's stooge, Berg is Singh's stooge. Both Anderson and Singh know bugger all. So what's different?

So far only two conclusions can be drawn and they haven't changed from the start of the season, or last season

Squad - not good enough

Manager - not good enough

[Salgado Is A Hero]

How many matches has Berg really had with the squad? So not counting Palace.....4 matches.

Hughes' 4th and 5th matches in the league were when we lost 4-0 twice in a row to Boro and Chelsea.

He took over in mid-September and his 2nd win in the league was against Norwich on the 12th of February.

Patience is key.

[Rover_Shaun]

I lost my patience after the 3-4 defeat at Wigan 18 months ago

[chaddyrovers]

How many matches has Berg really had with the squad? So not counting Palace.....4 matches.

Hughes' 4th and 5th matches in the league were when we lost 4-0 twice in a row to Boro and Chelsea.

He took over in mid-September and his 2nd win in the league was against Norwich on the 12th of February.

Patience is key.

very good points. Berg has been here 3 weeks. give the guy a chance. it takes time to put ur ideas accross to the team.

Patience is the crucial and fans need to be this.

[gumboots]

So what now B&W? Are you suggesting we sack him? I don't think he was anyone's first choice or even 5th or 6th. Most of us wanted a more seasoned manager. Opinion was very divided on who that would be, but whoever came in was not going to be universally acclaimed judging by the splits in all the polls we saw (I know lots wanted Redknapp when that looked an outside chance, but nobody was really convinced he would come) So what else is there to do but support Berg and hope it comes off? I'm sick of the poison that was around during Kean's time and want to get back to supporting my team. Berg has a lot of players unsuited to this league and to build team spirit and collective responsibility takes a lot of time. It's not really done on those weekend courses that firms lay on. It's built on facing defeats like saturday and accepting responsibility for your part in the failure and moving on from it together.

[Dave S]

WE have to support Berg. He has inherited a relegated squad put together in an almost incompetant manner. Some players bought by members of the Venky family, Vineeth Rao is supposed to have bought Goodwillie. Anderson is alledged to have been involved in the purchase of Formica, Rochina and of course Anderson. Venkys South American manager is supposed to have brought in Bruno and Kean signed Bradley Orr. No one knows who signed the young Portugese players and Shebby Singh is claiming that he was behind the Jordan Rhodes signing.

Quite simply a mish mash of a squad brought together with no overall strategy with regard to formations or style of play. Some players are Good, Some are Bad, Some are unknown. Putting this squad together as a cohesive unit will take time, which is something we don't have.

We have five players who can play off a main striker, whilst at the same time we do not have a recognised right winger. So Formica plays that role, he works hard but hasn't got the pace or crossing ability. The others can't play elsewhere so I actually think that Formica has done a good job considering it is not his best position. Look at Goodwillie he simply cannot play on the wing. Gomes could play alongside Rhodes but does that mean Rochina should be left out of the team?

Whatever team is selected we can't play the best players in the same team, whilst at the same time haven't got the best players in key positions. This is not a quick fix situation.

Mark Hughes saved the ship in 2004. The first 14 games, a home win followed by 3 defeats of which two were 4-0 and five draws. Rovers then won at Fulham, three more draws. Then the fourteenth match gave only the second home win.

Total 14, Won 3, Drawn 8, Lost 3. Points 17. I know that avoiding relegation is a different situation than trying to gain promotion. But the team still has to be managed, coached and turned into a winning side.

I am not making excuses for Berg just looking at the squad as I see it. I will judge Berg as the season progresses. January and the transfer window will see where Rovers are at on and off the pitch. Berg will have had time to assess the squad. He will have had time to work with players, decide which he can use and who he may have to bin. Then will Venkys allow money to be spent to fill the gaps? Finally has Berg and the backroom staff the nouse to buy the right players?

The end of January will be the key to Rovers future never mind Henning Bergs.

[Kelbo]

WE have to support Berg. He has inherited a relegated squad put together in an almost incompetant manner. Some players bought by members of the Venky family, Vineeth Rao is supposed to have bought Goodwillie. Anderson is alledged to have been involved in the purchase of Formica, Rochina and of course Anderson. Venkys South American manager is supposed to have brought in Bruno and Kean signed Bradley Orr. No one knows who signed the young Portugese players and Shebby Singh is claiming that he was behind the Jordan Rhodes signing.

Quite simply a mish mash of a squad brought together with no overall strategy with regard to formations or style of play. Some players are Good, Some are Bad, Some are unknown. Putting this squad together as a cohesive unit will take time, which is something we don't have.

We have five players who can play off a main striker, whilst at the same time we do not have a recognised right winger. So Formica plays that role, he works hard but hasn't got the pace or crossing ability. The others can't play elsewhere so I actually think that Formica has done a good job considering it is not his best position. Look at Goodwillie he simply cannot play on the wing. Gomes could play alongside Rhodes but does that mean Rochina should be left out of the team?

Whatever team is selected we can't play the best players in the same team, whilst at the same time haven't got the best players in key positions. This is not a quick fix situation.

Mark Hughes saved the ship in 2004. The first 14 games, a home win followed by 3 defeats of which two were 4-0 and five draws. Rovers then won at Fulham, three more draws. Then the fourteenth match gave only the second home win.

Total 14, Won 3, Drawn 8, Lost 3. Points 17. I know that avoiding relegation is a different situation than trying to gain promotion. But the team still has to be managed, coached and turned into a winning side.

I am not making excuses for Berg just looking at the squad as I see it. I will judge Berg as the season progresses. January and the transfer window will see where Rovers are at on and off the pitch. Berg will have had time to assess the squad. He will have had time to work with players, decide which he can use and who he may have to bin. Then will Venkys allow money to be spent to fill the gaps? Finally has Berg and the backroom staff the nouse to buy the right players?

The end of January will be the key to Rovers future never mind Henning Bergs.

Great post and quite correct too, unfortunately with the clowns in charge, I do wonder what will happen, going to be an interesting few months!!

[bypass06]

Berg takes the positive despite Rovers' defeat to Millwall

http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/blackburn_rovers/news/10070354.Berg_takes_the_positive_despite_Rovers__defeat_to_Millwall/