Football’s Messiah Complex

Want to write for e-Football? email us at e-football@live.co.uk - Article by Rowan Simmons

This modern age of top level football is dominated by chief executives, directors of football, multi-million pound, state of the art, training centres. Not to mention a number of complex and rigorously tested tactical plans. However, is it the mathematicians and statisticians that the power the heart of the game? There is no end to the statistically and tactical analysis of modern football these days but somewhat surprisingly in the age of sport science the likes of nostalgia, history and legendary status still live well in the game.

The idea of a messiah complex in football may seem very vague, but think, as a first example, of David Beckham’s free-kick against Greece, yes that one. Think of how you felt went that ball hit the back of net. A primitive gut feeling of joy, it was one of those golden moments. In football we hunger for some form saviour, someone to lead us to the Promised Land. But why? It has to be asked why, in this sport more than any other; do certain players and managers develop a cult status? And is it a good thing?

There are number of examples of this being a bad thing. Kenny Dalglish’s second spell at Liverpool, the fans couldn’t be happier with his appointment and understandably so, but it wasn’t successful. It seems to be a recurring theme with certain big clubs with a huge history, Liverpool, Newcastle, Leeds etc. In regards to Newcastle, Alan Shearer’s appointment as interim manager was a failure, in truth he had an impossible job. Most knew that but it didn’t matter, I remember thinking, wouldn’t it be great if he could pull it off, that would be another great football memory. When clubs get through numerous managers over a few seasons my thoughts are always, well why didn’t you look well and hard for the right man for the job rather than just one of your Marc Hughes’ and your Steve Bruce's? The clubs previously mentioned seem to have now done this, Liverpool have most definitely found the right man to keep the club moving forward, and Alan Pardew has an unusually long contract given that managers are seen as disposable these days.

We all know the term legend is thrown around far too carelessly in football, but there are some who become heroes of their cities for their contribution to their respective clubs, and deservedly so; Bill Shankly for example, or the recently retired Sir Alex Ferguson, men honoured with statues outside the ground. Now I’m sure I don’t have remind any of you the huge contribution the late Michael Jackson made to Fulham.

Sometimes, in the interests of success things need to be looked at more clinically, but of course I don’t want that, it’s boring. As a Gooner I could be accused of the same, Arsene Wenger certainly has his place in Arsenal history, and I would call him a legend at the club, does that cause problems? Possibly it can affect the way people view poor results, but we’re not getting any at the moment.

It can work for a team when a player has this status; just look at Steven Gerrard his legendary status adds something to the team when he leads them out, like a general and his men. Or Thierry Henry, his return to Arsenal was the highlight of our season two seasons ago, and his goal at Leeds was just so incredible that I spat my tea on my dog.

It all goes to show, that football is more than just a game.

The terraces of thousands all shouting in unison be it in despair or delight, braving the cold all for that one moment that sets a fifty thousand strong crowd alight.

Why have I chosen to write about this? Well the return of Jose Mourinho brought the thought to me. Now if he isn’t a walking stereotype of everything I’ve just discussed I don’t know what is. Has he been successful in his return? Now it’s early days of course but recently no. We will have to wait and see if he delivers success and if he does he really is the special one, if he doesn’t, will he get away with it? And if he does will that be due to his relationship with the Chelsea faithful?