Post by QPR Report on May 19, 2009 6:41:31 GMT
Edit: Three and half years ago today:
, QPR officially announced the appointment of Paulo Sousa as first team coach. Below: How it was announced/reported. (]On the day of the appointment, the Mirror (crazily!) wrote: "...Vc Bet offer 5-2 that Sousa is no longer in charge on the first day of next season".)
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
QPR OFFICIAL SITE-
-Queens Park Rangers Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Paulo Sousa as First Team Coach.
- The 38 year-old, who won 51 caps for Portugal during an illustrious playing career and spent five years as assistant to Luis Felipe Scolari with the Portuguese national team, has penned a two-and-a-half year contract until the summer of 2011.
Sousa, who will retain the services of temporary Caretaker Manager Gareth Ainsworth within his backroom staff, will take charge of the R's Coca Cola Championship fixture against Watford on Saturday.
- Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Sousa said: "It is an honour to be part of this project. I have always wanted to work for a big Club and I am very excited about the opportunity to work for Queens Park Rangers.
"I have great belief in my ideas and my coaching ability and I firmly believe I can achieve the objectives set by the management."
Sousa added: "I believe in playing positive, attacking football. To achieve positive results you have to maintain a focused outlook and my team will aim to do this, both for ourselves and for the fans.
"I am looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead."
- Flavio Briatore, QPR Holdings Limited Chairman, added: "Paulo is a very good appointment for this Football Club.
- "I have been keeping track of his work for the last few months and he is the right man for our project.
- "He has great experience after working with the Portuguese national team and he is part of the new generation of coach. He has worked with some of the World's best players and we are excited about having him.
- "His football career was highly impressive and he has great knowledge of the game. After five years with Portugal, he is ready for a new challenge and I am delighted he has agreed to join us."
- Briatore added: "I would like to thank Gareth Ainsworth for his contribution as Caretaker Manager and confirm that he still has a very important role to play at this Club. He is QPR through and through and will work very closely with Paulo as we build for a successful future."
- The Club will be making no further comment at this stage. QPR Official Site - Sousa Appointed
London Informer/Paul Warburton - Paulo Sousa takes QPR top job
QPR believe they've got the new Jose Mourinho as their eighth boss in two years.
And no less a person than Luiz Felipe Scolari recommended Paulo Sousa to the Hoops, who are set to unveil the Portuguese assistant manager tommorow morning.
Sousa will take charge of the team in time for Saturday's game at Watford with Gareth Ainsworth set to take a place alongside the Portuguese as number two.
Ainsworth had been in temporary charge since the sacking of Iain Dowie last month, but had his ear bent on more than a few occasions by chairman Flavio Briatore who made it plain who he wanted in the team.
Sousa was equally adamant he wanted a free hand to run things, and has got his wish as well as a three-year contract worth around £1million a year - but with massive bonuses for promotion thrown in.
However, a chat with Scolari down the road at Chelsea sealed the Rs job for the former Benfica, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus midfielder.
A Rangers insider said: "He is going to be the new Jose Mourinho with all his flair, charm and talent. Paulo got the job because he wanted it just that little bit more than the rest, and unlike the others is up-and-coming.
"Scolari spoke warmly about his potential, and with Sousa's connections it could be a very exciting time for Rangers."
The Portuguese beat off a challenge from former Italian national team boss Roberto Donadoni, who's been out of work since he was sacked following Italy's disastrous showing in Euro '08 in the summer." London Informer
Mail: HatchetMan - HATCHET MAN: Just like his prospective new manager, it appears that QPR chief Briatore needs to learn a few things
- Flavio Briatore claims to know all about sport and believes he has the nous to turn QPR into a top flight success.
- But somehow the Rangers chairman doesn't seem to have noticed how badly the last former playing legend who went into management is struggling in English football, or he wouldn't be on the verge of appointing Paulo Sousa the club's new manager.
If the Portuguese starts anywhere near as badly as Gianfranco Zola at West Ham then he will not last too long at Loftus Road.
The Italian has struggled since taking over at Upton Park in September and has a similar background to Sousa as their previous managerial experience has been with international sides.
- But Briatore, who laughably considered himself for the post, must think that Sousa's knowledge from working as an assistant for the Portugal national team and coaching the country's under-15s makes him perfect for getting the team out of the Championship.
- Either that or he thought it would be better to have a big-name figurehead to take training and face the press while he picks the team. Mail
The Guardian - QPR set to appoint Sousa as manager•
Former Portugal midfielder is friends with Briatore• Will be club's sixth manager in two yearsguardian.co.uk, Wednesday November 19 2008
- Queens Park Rangers are set to name the former Portugal midfielder Paulo Sousa as their new manager in succession to Iain Dowie, who was sacked last month.
- Sousa, currently a coach with his country's national team, has held talks with the Rangers co-owner Flavio Briatore and is expected to be confirmed as the club's sixth manager, including caretakers, in two years before the weekend.
The club's temporary manager, Gareth Ainsworth, saw his hopes of assuming the reins on a permanent basis wrecked by recent defeats to Ipswich and Burnley.
- Sousa, 38, struck up a friendship with Briatore during his time playing in Italy with Internazionale, Juventus and Parma. The Guardian
Dave McIntyre/BBC606 - Back to the Future- QPR boss Flavio Briatore is close to installing a new coach to work under him and should have his man in place by the weekend.
- Former Portugal midfielder Paulo Sousa, hotly tipped to take over, had a glittering playing career and will no doubt be compared to compatriot Jose Mourinho if he is appointed.
- Betting on the QPR manager's job was suspended yesterday, apparently after a massive bet on Sousa was placed, so someone was very confident ex-Italy boss Roberto Donadoni won’t be tempted to take the job after being approached.
- Former Italy defender Alessandro Costacurta will come into contention if both Donadoni and Sousa turn Rangers down.
- Several British managers have stayed out of the running because of the board’s role in transfers and team selection.
- That was also the case before the appointment of Gigi De Canio 13 months ago, when Glenn Roeder was the leading British candidate.
- Iain Dowie was later brought in because it was accepted by the owners that having a foreign coach brought various problems.
- He also took the role believing he would have ultimate control over signings and other football matters – again based on lessons learned at QPR previously.
- On both counts, there has been a U-turn and Rangers are back to where they started; looking for a suave foreign coach in the belief he’ll weave his magic while his bosses take the wider – arguably more important – decisions.
- A home defeat to Burnley was enough to end Gareth Ainsworth’s chances of getting the job, but he did his managerial aspirations no harm at all during a spell as caretaker.
- Ainsworth enjoyed his taste of the job and is keen for more of the same – and his credentials have been boosted by his time at the helm of such a volatile club.
- For now, it seems Ainsworth will have a place among the backroom team at QPR. But when managerial jobs are up for grabs elsewhere in the future, expect him to attract some interest. BBC606
The MAIL/Ben Hunt - QPR plump for Paulo Sousa but Ainsworth expected to stay on Paulo Sousa is today expected to be appointed as Queens Park Rangers' new manager.
Player-coach Gareth Ainsworth had been placed in temporary charge and was keen to win the role the full-time, but defeats to Burnley and Ipswich ruined his chances of landing the job on a permanent basis.
Ainsworth is, however, expected to stay at the club as part of the coaching staff under Sousa, who could be in the dug-out for Saturday's Championship match against Watford.
Co-owner Flavio Briatore sees the former Portugal midfielder as the right candidate to lead his side to the top flight. Sousa has been working as assistant to Portugal boss Carlos Queiroz and has also coached the Under-15 national team
The 38-year-old won 51 caps and enjoyed a successful playing career with clubs including Benfica, Juventus and Inter Milan before he was forced to retire through injury. Briatore's choice is something of a surprise - it had been reported he was considering appointing himself as Iain Dowie's replacement.
He had been keen for Dowie to include loan-signings such as Real Madrid youngster Daniel Parejo and Samuel Di Carmine in his squad.
However, the former Crystal Palace and Charlton boss was clearly unhappy with the Italian's input when it came to team selection and left the club after only 15 games.
Briatore and Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone completed their takeover of the club just over a year ago and were later joined in their investment by Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal.
Back then, Italian Luigi de Canio was in charge and led the club to a respectable finish in the Championship.
However, his time at Loftus Road was cut short after only 35 games and he left in May this year.
Although reign was brief, De Canio won over the club's supporters, who are likely to be sceptical about Sousa's appointment given his lack of club management, not to mention his knowledge of the English game - though he at least speaks the language.
Sousa's first job will be to boost the club's attacking line-up with more loan signings.
Ainsworth missed out on Bolton Wanderers' Heidar Helguson last week, while Sunderland's Michael Chopra agreed to rejoin Cardiff City.
He is expected to be handed substantial transfer funds in the January transfer window, while Briatore will continue to use his link in Italy to secure more arrivals on loan. Mail
The Mirror/John Cross - QPR to name Paulo Sousa as new manager
Paulo Sousa is the surprise choice as the new QPR manager.
The former Portugal midfielder was at Loftus Road and the club’s training ground yesterday for talks.
Sousa, whose clubs as a player included Benfica, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund, is Portugal assistant coach but did not travel with the team for their friendly in Brazil.
Sousa’s odds to replace axed Iain Dowie plunged from 25-1 to 1-3 favourite yesterday. Mirror
The Sun SHOCK ... Paulo Sousa in line for job-
The Sun - Sousa set for QPR boss job
PAULO SOUSA is Flavio Briatore’s shock choice as the next manager of QPR.
The former Portugal midfielder, 38, has agreed a deal and will replace Gareth Ainsworth.
Ainsworth has been in caretaker charge since co-owner Briatore sacked Iain Dowie last month.
Defeats to Burnley and Ipswich scuppered his chances of getting the job on a permanent basis but he will stay on at the club.
Sousa is currently assistant to Portugal boss Carlos Queiroz and played 51 times for his country.
Briatore also considered ex-Italy boss Roberto Donadoni but settled on Sousa, who is likely to be at the helm for Saturday’s Championship trip to Watford. The Sun
From The Mirror/John Cross - FLAVIO SO PICKY WITH SOUSA - Paulo Sousa was last night confirmed as QPR's new boss - but owner Flavio Briatore wants to pick the team. - Former Benfica and Juventus star Sousa was named as first-team coach at Loftus Road, as revealed in yesterday's Mirror Sport.
But QPR owner Briatore has put Sousa in charge of coaching duties rather than naming him manager because he insists on having a hands-on role in team affairs. Iain Dowie was axed as boss after objecting to Formula One tycoon Briatore's interference.
However, Briatore went for Sousa - a member of Portugal's 'Golden Generation' and an exnational team assistant coach - because he is prepared to let the owner call the shots in terms of team selection.
A club insider said: "Flavio wants to be heavily involved, thinks he can do a good job and wants a coach, rather than a manager, to work with the players he picks and signs. Mirror
The Mirror II/Derek McGovern - RESULT!: New boss Sousa will have to do as so-and-so Flavio says so - Iain Dowie's record as QPR manager was so-so but so-so just isn't good enough when mega-rich Flavio Briatore is chairman.
- So Flavio, the old so-andso, has brought in as new manager a man named Sousa.
- Reports earlier this week that Paulo Sousa had been spotted at QPR's training ground surprised even the hardened football fan. Rangers actually train?
- Briatore knows money usually brings success, but this strategy only works if you actually spend some of it. So far the only figures that threatened to go up at Loftus Road this season were the ticket prices.
- Just 13,226 turned up on Saturday, and most of the first team were not among that number.
- Insiders believe they know what Sousa's tactics will be - exactly the same as Flavio's.
- Vc Bet offer 5-2 that Sousa is no longer in charge on the first day of next season.
- That's not the best bet in the world, but it's an awful lot better than so-so. Mirror
The Sun/Paul Jiggins - Paulo Sou right for Rangers
PAULO SOUSA has been confirmed as QPR’s new first-team coach — just as we said he would in yesterday’s SunSport.
The former Portugal midfielder, 38, last night signed a 2½-year deal at Loftus Road but can expect to be no more than a puppet in Flavio Briatore’s Rangers regime.
We told you last month that co-owner and chairman Briatore axed Iain Dowie 24 hours before last month’s clash at Reading because the Italian demanded a say in picking the team.
Midfielder Gavin Mahon admitted after the 0-0 draw with the Royals that the team Dowie selected before he was given his P45 was not the line-up that took to the field at the Madejski.
Briatore was said to be furious with Mahon for speaking to the Press after that game and the player has not started in the three Championship games since.
Caretaker boss Gareth Ainsworth also refused to deny the Italian’s interference when he spoke exclusively to The Sun last Friday.
Sousa, however, is thrilled by his new appointment.
The man who had spells with Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, Juventus, Inter Milan, Parma and Borussia Dortmund, said: “It is an honour to be part of this project.
“I have always wanted to work for a big club and I am very excited.
“I have great belief in my ideas and my ability and I firmly believe I can achieve the objectives set by the management.” The Sun
- The Times/Kaveh Solhekol - Paulo Sousa charms his way into QPR hotseat- Queens Park Rangers are hoping that they have found the new José Mourinho after Paulo Sousa agreed to become the club's first-team coach. Sousa, who had been working as the Portugal assistant head coach, was recommended to QPR by Luiz Felipe Scolari, the Chelsea manager. The Brazilian worked with Sousa when he was in charge of Portugal and had no hesitation in recommending the 38-year-old former Juventus and Inter Milan midfield player when he was asked for his opinion.
- Sousa spoke to Scolari before deciding to move to London after the Chelsea manager told him that QPR's offer was too good to turn down. Sousa has signed a 2½-year contract worth about £20,000 a week and will be in charge of the first team for Saturday's match away to Watford.
- “He is going to be the new José Mourinho with all his flair, charm and talent,” a source at the Coca-Cola Championship club said. “Paulo got the job because he wanted it that little bit more than the rest and, unlike the others, he is up and coming. Scolari spoke warmly about his potential, and with Sousa's connections it could be a very exciting time for the club.”
- Flavio Briatore, the QPR chairman, had wanted to give the job to Gareth Ainsworth after the player-coach impressed his employers during his six games as caretaker manager, but the 2-1 defeat at home to Burnley on Saturday convinced the Italian that he needed someone with more experience. Bernie Ecclestone, the co-owner, Amit Bhatia, the vice-chairman who represents Lakshmi Mittal's 20 per cent stake in the club, and Gianni Paladini, the sporting director, convinced Briatore that appointing Ainsworth on a permanent basis would be too big a gamble if the club were serious about being promoted to the Barclays Premier League at the end of the season.
- Roberto Mancini, the former Inter coach, who is learning English in London, turned down the job because he did not want to work in the Championship. His rejection meant that QPR had to choose between Sousa and Roberto Donadoni, the former Italy coach, and the Portuguese got the job after Scolari's recommendation.
- “I believe in playing positive attacking football and I'm looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead,” Sousa said after becoming the club's eighth manager in two years.
- “I always wanted to work for a big club and I'm very excited about working for QPR.”
- Sousa has been given assurances by Briatore that he will have money to spend when the transfer window opens in January and he has also been told that he is in sole charge of first-team affairs. Briatore is a hands-on chairman and the departure last month of Iain Dowie, the manager, was caused by his refusal to pick the players that the Italian wanted in the team. Briatore was said to have had a big say in team selection when Ainsworth, who has agreed to stay as the club's player-coach, was in charge.
- Several British managers are said to have decided not to apply for the job because they were concerned that the chairman would interfere with their work.
- “Paulo has great experience after working with the Portuguese national team and he is part of a new generation of coaches,” Briatore said. “He has worked with some of the best players in the world and we are very excited about having him here.”
- Sousa is unlikely to be the only new arrival at Loftus Road this week, with the club set to announce the signing of Heidar Helguson on loan from Bolton Wanderers until January. The Iceland forward failed a medical in West London last week but the deal was resurrected after QPR agreed to pay half his £16,000-a-week wages and Bolton agreed to take him back if he was injured during his loan spell. The Times
BBC - Sousa is new QPR first-team coach
- QPR have named former Portugal midfielder Paulo Sousa as their new first-team coach.
Sousa, who was assistant coach of the Portuguese national team, has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract.
The 38-year-old played 51 times for his country and had spells with Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, Juventus, Inter Milan, Parma and Borussia Dortmund.
Gareth Ainsworth, who had been in caretaker charge at Rangers, will stay on as part of Sousa's backroom team.
Sousa told QPR's website: "It is an honour to be part of this project.
"I have always wanted to work for a big club and I am very excited about the opportunity to work for Queens Park Rangers.
"I have great belief in my ideas and my coaching ability and I firmly believe I can achieve the objectives set by the management.
"I believe in playing positive, attacking football and am looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead."
Player/coach Ainsworth was placed at the helm by boss Flavio Briatore following the sacking of Iain Dowie in October.
Dowie was dismissed after refusing to select a team suggested to him by Briatore, who owns the west London club along with fellow Formula One magnate Bernie Ecclestone.
- Briatore had a major say in team affairs under Ainsworth, who was initially the frontrunner to land the coach's job on a permanent basis, despite a number of big names being linked with the role.
- But the search for an alternative was stepped up following Rangers' home defeat against Burnley on Saturday.
- Several British managers are understood to have stayed out of the running for the job because of the R's board's role in team selection and transfers. - Briatore described Sousa's appointment as "very good for this football club."
Briatore added: "He has great experience after working with the Portuguese national team and he is part of the new generation of coach.
- "He has worked with some of the world`s best players and we are excited about having him.
- "His football career was highly impressive and he has great knowledge of the game. After five years with Portugal, he is ready for a new challenge and I am delighted he has agreed to join us."
- Sousa won the Champions League twice as a player, first with Juventus in 1996 and then Dortmund the following year.
- He also won the Serie A title with Juventus and represented Portugal at the European Championships in 1996 and 2000. BBC
INDPENDENT/Andy Sims - Sousa ready to deal with QPR's great expectations- Paulo Sousa: 'I have great belief in my ideas and my ability, and I want to play attacking football'
- Paulo Sousa, the former Portugal international, yesterday became Queens Park Rangers' sixth manager in a little over a year when he was confirmed as their new first-team coach. Sousa follows John Gregory, Luigi De Canio and Iain Dowie, as well as caretaker managers Mick Harford and now Gareth Ainsworth, who have been dispensed with since Flavio Briatore became the chairman.
Sousa, 38, capped 51 times by his country and a Champions League-winner with Juventus in 1996 and Borussia Dortmund in 1997, has signed a two-and-a-half year contract at Loftus Road. Dowie was dismissed last month amid claims that Briatore, who is also the co-owner, wanted too much say in team selection. But Sousa, who worked under Luiz Felipe Scolari on the coaching staff of the Portuguese national team, is believed to have insisted on being in sole charge of team affairs.
"Paulo is a very good appointment," Briatore said. "I have been keeping track of his work for the last few months and he is the right man for our project. He has great experience after working with the Portuguese national team and he is part of the new generation of coaches. He has worked with some of the world's best players and we are excited about having him.
"His football career was highly impressive and he has great knowledge of the game. After five years with Portugal, he is ready for a new challenge and I am delighted he has agreed to join us."
Ainsworth's chances of being handed the full-time role disappeared after last Saturday's disappointing 2-1 home defeat by Burnley, which saw Rangers slip to 10th in the Championship, but the popular winger will stay on as a member of Sousa's backroom team.
Sousa will be expected to mount a promotion bid this season, and the former midfielder has no qualms about dealing with the expectation. "It is an honour to be part of this project," he said. "I have always wanted to work for a big club and I am very excited about the opportunity to work for Queens Park Rangers.
"I have great belief in my ideas and my coaching ability and I believe I can achieve the objectives set by the management. I believe in playing positive, attacking football. To achieve positive results you have to maintain a focused outlook and my team will aim to do this. I am looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead." Sousa's first game in charge will be away to Watford on Saturday. Independent
Telegraph/Sandy Macaskill
- Queens Park Rangers name former Portugal international Paulo Sousa as new coach
Paulo Sousa, the former Portugal international, has been confirmed as first-team coach of Queens Park Rangers after signing a 2½-year contract at Loftus Road.
- The 38-year-old immediately promised to provide attacking football to fulfil the club's ambitions of promotion to the Premier League.
- Sousa is the sixth coach to have been appointed by the club in 13 months, but the Portuguese waved away any concerns about dealing with the pressure of living up to his paymasters' high expectations.
- "I have great belief in my ideas and my coaching ability and I firmly believe I can achieve the objectives set by the management," he said. "I believe in playing positive, attacking football. To achieve positive results you have to maintain a focused outlook and my team will aim to do this, both for ourselves and for the fans.
- "It is an honour to be part of this project," he added. "I have always wanted to work for a big club and I am very excited about the opportunity to work for Queens Park Rangers."
- Sousa, who has been assistant coach of the Portuguese national side for the past five years, replaces caretaker manager Gareth Ainsworth, who will be kept on as a member of the coaching staff. Ainsworth was initially given the board's backing after Iain Dowie was sacked last month, yet it now appears that the club's chairman, Flavio Briatore, had already earmarked Sousa as a long-term replacement.
- "I have been keeping track of his work for the last few months and he is the right man for our project," Briatore said. "He has great experience after working with the Portuguese national team and he is part of the new generation of coach.
- "He has worked with some of the world's best players and we are excited about having him," Briatore added. "His football career was highly impressive and he has great knowledge of the game. I am delighted he has agreed to join us. He is a very good appointment for this football club." Telegraph
Sceptical About Sousa
Mail/This is London - Christopher Davies - Palace chief Jordan says 'know nothing' Sousa is not the man to lead QPR
Simon Jordan, the Crystal Palace chairman, doubts whether Paulo Sousa is the man to lead Queens Park Rangers into the Premier League.
Sousa has been assistant to Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz. It is the first time the 38-year-old will take charge of a team and Jordan believes it is significant that the Portuguese has the title of first team coach.
Jordan, whose team are 17th, 10 places below QPR, joked that co-owner Flavio Briatore, who allegedly has an influence on team selection, is really the manager.|
He said: 'I think it's brilliant that a guy who knows nothing about the Championship has been appointed. The terminolgy is important. Isn't Briatore the manager?
'I was more concered when Rangers appointed Iain Dowie because although I don't have a lot of regard for him, he knows the Championship.
'Paulo Sousa knows next to nothing about the Championship which is a very specific league. You need a special knowledge of it to get out of it and you can't buy this.
'When Portsmouth finally got out of Championship they did it with an experienced manager in Harry Redknapp.'
Palace are just above the relegation zone but Jordan is convinced Eagles boss Neil Warnock is the best manager in the Championship.
He said: 'I thought that when Neil was at Sheffield United, too. I used to use United as a benchmark for us. He's the best manager in the Championship and he would be the difference between Palace being promoted or not. Managers are very important in this league.' Mail
Paul Parker/Setanta - You can't buy your way to The Premier League
Paulo Sousa has been appointed as the new Queens Park Rangers first-team coach and he comes into The Championship as a foreign manager without the experience, that worries me.
I think you need a bit of grit or at least experience down there because it doesn’t matter how much money you’ve got, it doesn’t guarantee you that Championship.
As long as the owner has relinquished the strings I think there might be a chance for him but you need a bit more than that. QPR are the team to beat in the division because they’ve got money behind them. But I don’t know if they’ve gone in the right direction with that manager.
His first job is to take three points in his next game, that’s a must. He’s got to go on an unbeaten run, which not many teams do in The Championship. If there’s money in January then maybe he can make a few changes.
There’s a lot of infuriated fans down at QPR – not just for the football but for what’s happening with the prices. All they want is their club back in The Premier League and I believe a team like QPR should be in the top division.
But they’ve got to do it right on and off the park and at the moment they’re chasing things in the wrong way. you’ve got to have the money to spend and spend it wisely. Setanta
David McIntyre - Sousa takes over
- QPR boss Flavio Briatore has installed former Portugal midfielder Paulo Sousa as coach. - Sousa had a glittering playing career and will no doubt be compared to compatriot Jose Mourinho.
- Odds on Sousa being named QPR manager were slashed yesterday, apparently after a massive bet was placed, so someone was very confident ex-Italy boss Roberto Donadoni wouldn’t be tempted to take the job after being approached.
-Several British managers stayed out of the running because of the board’s role in transfers and team selection.
-That was also the case before the appointment of Gigi De Canio 13 months ago, when Glenn Roeder was the leading British candidate.
- Iain Dowie was later brought in because it was accepted by the owners that having a foreign coach brought various problems.
- He also took the role believing he would have ultimate control over signings and other football matters – again based on lessons learned at QPR previously.
- On both counts, there has been a U-turn and Rangers are back to where they started; appointing a suave foreign coach in the belief he’ll weave his magic while his bosses take the wider – arguably more important – decisions.
- A home defeat to Burnley was enough to end Gareth Ainsworth’s chances of getting the job, but he did his managerial aspirations no harm at all during a spell as caretaker.
-Ainsworth enjoyed his taste of the job and is keen for more of the same – and his credentials have been boosted by his time at the helm of such a volatile club.
Ainsworth will have a place among the backroom team at QPR. But when managerial jobs are up for grabs elsewhere in the future, expect him to attract some interest. BBC606
Press Association - QPR appoint Sousa- QPR have confirmed the appointment of Portugal legend Paulo Sousa as their new first-team coach.
Sousa has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Loftus Road and will be in charge for Saturday`s Championship clash with Watford at Vicarage Road.
Sousa told the club`s official website, http://www.qpr.co.uk: "It is an honour to be part of this project. I have always wanted to work for a big club and I am very excited about the opportunity to work for Queens Park Rangers."
He added: "I have great belief in my ideas and my coaching ability and I firmly believe I can achieve the objectives set by the management."
- The 38-year-old, who won 51 caps for his country and spent five years as assistant to former national team coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, takes over from Iain Dowie, who was sacked on October 24.
- Sousa, who confirmed he will retain Gareth Ainsworth - who has been in caretaker charge - in his backroom staff, added: "I believe in playing positive, attacking football."To achieve positive results you have to maintain a focused outlook and my team will aim to do this, both for ourselves and for the fans. I am looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead."
Chairman Flavio Briatore described the capture as "a very good appointment for this football club".
He said: "He has great experience after working with the Portuguese national team and he is part of the new generation of coach. He has worked with some of the world`s best players and we are excited about having him.
"His football career was highly impressive and he has great knowledge of the game. After five years with Portugal, he is ready for a new challenge and I am delighted he has agreed to join us." Press Association
qprreport.blogspot.com/2008/11/sousa-second-choice.html
, QPR officially announced the appointment of Paulo Sousa as first team coach. Below: How it was announced/reported. (]On the day of the appointment, the Mirror (crazily!) wrote: "...Vc Bet offer 5-2 that Sousa is no longer in charge on the first day of next season".)
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
QPR OFFICIAL SITE-
-Queens Park Rangers Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Paulo Sousa as First Team Coach.
- The 38 year-old, who won 51 caps for Portugal during an illustrious playing career and spent five years as assistant to Luis Felipe Scolari with the Portuguese national team, has penned a two-and-a-half year contract until the summer of 2011.
Sousa, who will retain the services of temporary Caretaker Manager Gareth Ainsworth within his backroom staff, will take charge of the R's Coca Cola Championship fixture against Watford on Saturday.
- Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Sousa said: "It is an honour to be part of this project. I have always wanted to work for a big Club and I am very excited about the opportunity to work for Queens Park Rangers.
"I have great belief in my ideas and my coaching ability and I firmly believe I can achieve the objectives set by the management."
Sousa added: "I believe in playing positive, attacking football. To achieve positive results you have to maintain a focused outlook and my team will aim to do this, both for ourselves and for the fans.
"I am looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead."
- Flavio Briatore, QPR Holdings Limited Chairman, added: "Paulo is a very good appointment for this Football Club.
- "I have been keeping track of his work for the last few months and he is the right man for our project.
- "He has great experience after working with the Portuguese national team and he is part of the new generation of coach. He has worked with some of the World's best players and we are excited about having him.
- "His football career was highly impressive and he has great knowledge of the game. After five years with Portugal, he is ready for a new challenge and I am delighted he has agreed to join us."
- Briatore added: "I would like to thank Gareth Ainsworth for his contribution as Caretaker Manager and confirm that he still has a very important role to play at this Club. He is QPR through and through and will work very closely with Paulo as we build for a successful future."
- The Club will be making no further comment at this stage. QPR Official Site - Sousa Appointed
London Informer/Paul Warburton - Paulo Sousa takes QPR top job
QPR believe they've got the new Jose Mourinho as their eighth boss in two years.
And no less a person than Luiz Felipe Scolari recommended Paulo Sousa to the Hoops, who are set to unveil the Portuguese assistant manager tommorow morning.
Sousa will take charge of the team in time for Saturday's game at Watford with Gareth Ainsworth set to take a place alongside the Portuguese as number two.
Ainsworth had been in temporary charge since the sacking of Iain Dowie last month, but had his ear bent on more than a few occasions by chairman Flavio Briatore who made it plain who he wanted in the team.
Sousa was equally adamant he wanted a free hand to run things, and has got his wish as well as a three-year contract worth around £1million a year - but with massive bonuses for promotion thrown in.
However, a chat with Scolari down the road at Chelsea sealed the Rs job for the former Benfica, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus midfielder.
A Rangers insider said: "He is going to be the new Jose Mourinho with all his flair, charm and talent. Paulo got the job because he wanted it just that little bit more than the rest, and unlike the others is up-and-coming.
"Scolari spoke warmly about his potential, and with Sousa's connections it could be a very exciting time for Rangers."
The Portuguese beat off a challenge from former Italian national team boss Roberto Donadoni, who's been out of work since he was sacked following Italy's disastrous showing in Euro '08 in the summer." London Informer
Mail: HatchetMan - HATCHET MAN: Just like his prospective new manager, it appears that QPR chief Briatore needs to learn a few things
- Flavio Briatore claims to know all about sport and believes he has the nous to turn QPR into a top flight success.
- But somehow the Rangers chairman doesn't seem to have noticed how badly the last former playing legend who went into management is struggling in English football, or he wouldn't be on the verge of appointing Paulo Sousa the club's new manager.
If the Portuguese starts anywhere near as badly as Gianfranco Zola at West Ham then he will not last too long at Loftus Road.
The Italian has struggled since taking over at Upton Park in September and has a similar background to Sousa as their previous managerial experience has been with international sides.
- But Briatore, who laughably considered himself for the post, must think that Sousa's knowledge from working as an assistant for the Portugal national team and coaching the country's under-15s makes him perfect for getting the team out of the Championship.
- Either that or he thought it would be better to have a big-name figurehead to take training and face the press while he picks the team. Mail
The Guardian - QPR set to appoint Sousa as manager•
Former Portugal midfielder is friends with Briatore• Will be club's sixth manager in two yearsguardian.co.uk, Wednesday November 19 2008
- Queens Park Rangers are set to name the former Portugal midfielder Paulo Sousa as their new manager in succession to Iain Dowie, who was sacked last month.
- Sousa, currently a coach with his country's national team, has held talks with the Rangers co-owner Flavio Briatore and is expected to be confirmed as the club's sixth manager, including caretakers, in two years before the weekend.
The club's temporary manager, Gareth Ainsworth, saw his hopes of assuming the reins on a permanent basis wrecked by recent defeats to Ipswich and Burnley.
- Sousa, 38, struck up a friendship with Briatore during his time playing in Italy with Internazionale, Juventus and Parma. The Guardian
Dave McIntyre/BBC606 - Back to the Future- QPR boss Flavio Briatore is close to installing a new coach to work under him and should have his man in place by the weekend.
- Former Portugal midfielder Paulo Sousa, hotly tipped to take over, had a glittering playing career and will no doubt be compared to compatriot Jose Mourinho if he is appointed.
- Betting on the QPR manager's job was suspended yesterday, apparently after a massive bet on Sousa was placed, so someone was very confident ex-Italy boss Roberto Donadoni won’t be tempted to take the job after being approached.
- Former Italy defender Alessandro Costacurta will come into contention if both Donadoni and Sousa turn Rangers down.
- Several British managers have stayed out of the running because of the board’s role in transfers and team selection.
- That was also the case before the appointment of Gigi De Canio 13 months ago, when Glenn Roeder was the leading British candidate.
- Iain Dowie was later brought in because it was accepted by the owners that having a foreign coach brought various problems.
- He also took the role believing he would have ultimate control over signings and other football matters – again based on lessons learned at QPR previously.
- On both counts, there has been a U-turn and Rangers are back to where they started; looking for a suave foreign coach in the belief he’ll weave his magic while his bosses take the wider – arguably more important – decisions.
- A home defeat to Burnley was enough to end Gareth Ainsworth’s chances of getting the job, but he did his managerial aspirations no harm at all during a spell as caretaker.
- Ainsworth enjoyed his taste of the job and is keen for more of the same – and his credentials have been boosted by his time at the helm of such a volatile club.
- For now, it seems Ainsworth will have a place among the backroom team at QPR. But when managerial jobs are up for grabs elsewhere in the future, expect him to attract some interest. BBC606
The MAIL/Ben Hunt - QPR plump for Paulo Sousa but Ainsworth expected to stay on Paulo Sousa is today expected to be appointed as Queens Park Rangers' new manager.
Player-coach Gareth Ainsworth had been placed in temporary charge and was keen to win the role the full-time, but defeats to Burnley and Ipswich ruined his chances of landing the job on a permanent basis.
Ainsworth is, however, expected to stay at the club as part of the coaching staff under Sousa, who could be in the dug-out for Saturday's Championship match against Watford.
Co-owner Flavio Briatore sees the former Portugal midfielder as the right candidate to lead his side to the top flight. Sousa has been working as assistant to Portugal boss Carlos Queiroz and has also coached the Under-15 national team
The 38-year-old won 51 caps and enjoyed a successful playing career with clubs including Benfica, Juventus and Inter Milan before he was forced to retire through injury. Briatore's choice is something of a surprise - it had been reported he was considering appointing himself as Iain Dowie's replacement.
He had been keen for Dowie to include loan-signings such as Real Madrid youngster Daniel Parejo and Samuel Di Carmine in his squad.
However, the former Crystal Palace and Charlton boss was clearly unhappy with the Italian's input when it came to team selection and left the club after only 15 games.
Briatore and Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone completed their takeover of the club just over a year ago and were later joined in their investment by Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal.
Back then, Italian Luigi de Canio was in charge and led the club to a respectable finish in the Championship.
However, his time at Loftus Road was cut short after only 35 games and he left in May this year.
Although reign was brief, De Canio won over the club's supporters, who are likely to be sceptical about Sousa's appointment given his lack of club management, not to mention his knowledge of the English game - though he at least speaks the language.
Sousa's first job will be to boost the club's attacking line-up with more loan signings.
Ainsworth missed out on Bolton Wanderers' Heidar Helguson last week, while Sunderland's Michael Chopra agreed to rejoin Cardiff City.
He is expected to be handed substantial transfer funds in the January transfer window, while Briatore will continue to use his link in Italy to secure more arrivals on loan. Mail
The Mirror/John Cross - QPR to name Paulo Sousa as new manager
Paulo Sousa is the surprise choice as the new QPR manager.
The former Portugal midfielder was at Loftus Road and the club’s training ground yesterday for talks.
Sousa, whose clubs as a player included Benfica, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund, is Portugal assistant coach but did not travel with the team for their friendly in Brazil.
Sousa’s odds to replace axed Iain Dowie plunged from 25-1 to 1-3 favourite yesterday. Mirror
The Sun SHOCK ... Paulo Sousa in line for job-
The Sun - Sousa set for QPR boss job
PAULO SOUSA is Flavio Briatore’s shock choice as the next manager of QPR.
The former Portugal midfielder, 38, has agreed a deal and will replace Gareth Ainsworth.
Ainsworth has been in caretaker charge since co-owner Briatore sacked Iain Dowie last month.
Defeats to Burnley and Ipswich scuppered his chances of getting the job on a permanent basis but he will stay on at the club.
Sousa is currently assistant to Portugal boss Carlos Queiroz and played 51 times for his country.
Briatore also considered ex-Italy boss Roberto Donadoni but settled on Sousa, who is likely to be at the helm for Saturday’s Championship trip to Watford. The Sun
From The Mirror/John Cross - FLAVIO SO PICKY WITH SOUSA - Paulo Sousa was last night confirmed as QPR's new boss - but owner Flavio Briatore wants to pick the team. - Former Benfica and Juventus star Sousa was named as first-team coach at Loftus Road, as revealed in yesterday's Mirror Sport.
But QPR owner Briatore has put Sousa in charge of coaching duties rather than naming him manager because he insists on having a hands-on role in team affairs. Iain Dowie was axed as boss after objecting to Formula One tycoon Briatore's interference.
However, Briatore went for Sousa - a member of Portugal's 'Golden Generation' and an exnational team assistant coach - because he is prepared to let the owner call the shots in terms of team selection.
A club insider said: "Flavio wants to be heavily involved, thinks he can do a good job and wants a coach, rather than a manager, to work with the players he picks and signs. Mirror
The Mirror II/Derek McGovern - RESULT!: New boss Sousa will have to do as so-and-so Flavio says so - Iain Dowie's record as QPR manager was so-so but so-so just isn't good enough when mega-rich Flavio Briatore is chairman.
- So Flavio, the old so-andso, has brought in as new manager a man named Sousa.
- Reports earlier this week that Paulo Sousa had been spotted at QPR's training ground surprised even the hardened football fan. Rangers actually train?
- Briatore knows money usually brings success, but this strategy only works if you actually spend some of it. So far the only figures that threatened to go up at Loftus Road this season were the ticket prices.
- Just 13,226 turned up on Saturday, and most of the first team were not among that number.
- Insiders believe they know what Sousa's tactics will be - exactly the same as Flavio's.
- Vc Bet offer 5-2 that Sousa is no longer in charge on the first day of next season.
- That's not the best bet in the world, but it's an awful lot better than so-so. Mirror
The Sun/Paul Jiggins - Paulo Sou right for Rangers
PAULO SOUSA has been confirmed as QPR’s new first-team coach — just as we said he would in yesterday’s SunSport.
The former Portugal midfielder, 38, last night signed a 2½-year deal at Loftus Road but can expect to be no more than a puppet in Flavio Briatore’s Rangers regime.
We told you last month that co-owner and chairman Briatore axed Iain Dowie 24 hours before last month’s clash at Reading because the Italian demanded a say in picking the team.
Midfielder Gavin Mahon admitted after the 0-0 draw with the Royals that the team Dowie selected before he was given his P45 was not the line-up that took to the field at the Madejski.
Briatore was said to be furious with Mahon for speaking to the Press after that game and the player has not started in the three Championship games since.
Caretaker boss Gareth Ainsworth also refused to deny the Italian’s interference when he spoke exclusively to The Sun last Friday.
Sousa, however, is thrilled by his new appointment.
The man who had spells with Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, Juventus, Inter Milan, Parma and Borussia Dortmund, said: “It is an honour to be part of this project.
“I have always wanted to work for a big club and I am very excited.
“I have great belief in my ideas and my ability and I firmly believe I can achieve the objectives set by the management.” The Sun
- The Times/Kaveh Solhekol - Paulo Sousa charms his way into QPR hotseat- Queens Park Rangers are hoping that they have found the new José Mourinho after Paulo Sousa agreed to become the club's first-team coach. Sousa, who had been working as the Portugal assistant head coach, was recommended to QPR by Luiz Felipe Scolari, the Chelsea manager. The Brazilian worked with Sousa when he was in charge of Portugal and had no hesitation in recommending the 38-year-old former Juventus and Inter Milan midfield player when he was asked for his opinion.
- Sousa spoke to Scolari before deciding to move to London after the Chelsea manager told him that QPR's offer was too good to turn down. Sousa has signed a 2½-year contract worth about £20,000 a week and will be in charge of the first team for Saturday's match away to Watford.
- “He is going to be the new José Mourinho with all his flair, charm and talent,” a source at the Coca-Cola Championship club said. “Paulo got the job because he wanted it that little bit more than the rest and, unlike the others, he is up and coming. Scolari spoke warmly about his potential, and with Sousa's connections it could be a very exciting time for the club.”
- Flavio Briatore, the QPR chairman, had wanted to give the job to Gareth Ainsworth after the player-coach impressed his employers during his six games as caretaker manager, but the 2-1 defeat at home to Burnley on Saturday convinced the Italian that he needed someone with more experience. Bernie Ecclestone, the co-owner, Amit Bhatia, the vice-chairman who represents Lakshmi Mittal's 20 per cent stake in the club, and Gianni Paladini, the sporting director, convinced Briatore that appointing Ainsworth on a permanent basis would be too big a gamble if the club were serious about being promoted to the Barclays Premier League at the end of the season.
- Roberto Mancini, the former Inter coach, who is learning English in London, turned down the job because he did not want to work in the Championship. His rejection meant that QPR had to choose between Sousa and Roberto Donadoni, the former Italy coach, and the Portuguese got the job after Scolari's recommendation.
- “I believe in playing positive attacking football and I'm looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead,” Sousa said after becoming the club's eighth manager in two years.
- “I always wanted to work for a big club and I'm very excited about working for QPR.”
- Sousa has been given assurances by Briatore that he will have money to spend when the transfer window opens in January and he has also been told that he is in sole charge of first-team affairs. Briatore is a hands-on chairman and the departure last month of Iain Dowie, the manager, was caused by his refusal to pick the players that the Italian wanted in the team. Briatore was said to have had a big say in team selection when Ainsworth, who has agreed to stay as the club's player-coach, was in charge.
- Several British managers are said to have decided not to apply for the job because they were concerned that the chairman would interfere with their work.
- “Paulo has great experience after working with the Portuguese national team and he is part of a new generation of coaches,” Briatore said. “He has worked with some of the best players in the world and we are very excited about having him here.”
- Sousa is unlikely to be the only new arrival at Loftus Road this week, with the club set to announce the signing of Heidar Helguson on loan from Bolton Wanderers until January. The Iceland forward failed a medical in West London last week but the deal was resurrected after QPR agreed to pay half his £16,000-a-week wages and Bolton agreed to take him back if he was injured during his loan spell. The Times
BBC - Sousa is new QPR first-team coach
- QPR have named former Portugal midfielder Paulo Sousa as their new first-team coach.
Sousa, who was assistant coach of the Portuguese national team, has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract.
The 38-year-old played 51 times for his country and had spells with Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, Juventus, Inter Milan, Parma and Borussia Dortmund.
Gareth Ainsworth, who had been in caretaker charge at Rangers, will stay on as part of Sousa's backroom team.
Sousa told QPR's website: "It is an honour to be part of this project.
"I have always wanted to work for a big club and I am very excited about the opportunity to work for Queens Park Rangers.
"I have great belief in my ideas and my coaching ability and I firmly believe I can achieve the objectives set by the management.
"I believe in playing positive, attacking football and am looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead."
Player/coach Ainsworth was placed at the helm by boss Flavio Briatore following the sacking of Iain Dowie in October.
Dowie was dismissed after refusing to select a team suggested to him by Briatore, who owns the west London club along with fellow Formula One magnate Bernie Ecclestone.
- Briatore had a major say in team affairs under Ainsworth, who was initially the frontrunner to land the coach's job on a permanent basis, despite a number of big names being linked with the role.
- But the search for an alternative was stepped up following Rangers' home defeat against Burnley on Saturday.
- Several British managers are understood to have stayed out of the running for the job because of the R's board's role in team selection and transfers. - Briatore described Sousa's appointment as "very good for this football club."
Briatore added: "He has great experience after working with the Portuguese national team and he is part of the new generation of coach.
- "He has worked with some of the world`s best players and we are excited about having him.
- "His football career was highly impressive and he has great knowledge of the game. After five years with Portugal, he is ready for a new challenge and I am delighted he has agreed to join us."
- Sousa won the Champions League twice as a player, first with Juventus in 1996 and then Dortmund the following year.
- He also won the Serie A title with Juventus and represented Portugal at the European Championships in 1996 and 2000. BBC
INDPENDENT/Andy Sims - Sousa ready to deal with QPR's great expectations- Paulo Sousa: 'I have great belief in my ideas and my ability, and I want to play attacking football'
- Paulo Sousa, the former Portugal international, yesterday became Queens Park Rangers' sixth manager in a little over a year when he was confirmed as their new first-team coach. Sousa follows John Gregory, Luigi De Canio and Iain Dowie, as well as caretaker managers Mick Harford and now Gareth Ainsworth, who have been dispensed with since Flavio Briatore became the chairman.
Sousa, 38, capped 51 times by his country and a Champions League-winner with Juventus in 1996 and Borussia Dortmund in 1997, has signed a two-and-a-half year contract at Loftus Road. Dowie was dismissed last month amid claims that Briatore, who is also the co-owner, wanted too much say in team selection. But Sousa, who worked under Luiz Felipe Scolari on the coaching staff of the Portuguese national team, is believed to have insisted on being in sole charge of team affairs.
"Paulo is a very good appointment," Briatore said. "I have been keeping track of his work for the last few months and he is the right man for our project. He has great experience after working with the Portuguese national team and he is part of the new generation of coaches. He has worked with some of the world's best players and we are excited about having him.
"His football career was highly impressive and he has great knowledge of the game. After five years with Portugal, he is ready for a new challenge and I am delighted he has agreed to join us."
Ainsworth's chances of being handed the full-time role disappeared after last Saturday's disappointing 2-1 home defeat by Burnley, which saw Rangers slip to 10th in the Championship, but the popular winger will stay on as a member of Sousa's backroom team.
Sousa will be expected to mount a promotion bid this season, and the former midfielder has no qualms about dealing with the expectation. "It is an honour to be part of this project," he said. "I have always wanted to work for a big club and I am very excited about the opportunity to work for Queens Park Rangers.
"I have great belief in my ideas and my coaching ability and I believe I can achieve the objectives set by the management. I believe in playing positive, attacking football. To achieve positive results you have to maintain a focused outlook and my team will aim to do this. I am looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead." Sousa's first game in charge will be away to Watford on Saturday. Independent
Telegraph/Sandy Macaskill
- Queens Park Rangers name former Portugal international Paulo Sousa as new coach
Paulo Sousa, the former Portugal international, has been confirmed as first-team coach of Queens Park Rangers after signing a 2½-year contract at Loftus Road.
- The 38-year-old immediately promised to provide attacking football to fulfil the club's ambitions of promotion to the Premier League.
- Sousa is the sixth coach to have been appointed by the club in 13 months, but the Portuguese waved away any concerns about dealing with the pressure of living up to his paymasters' high expectations.
- "I have great belief in my ideas and my coaching ability and I firmly believe I can achieve the objectives set by the management," he said. "I believe in playing positive, attacking football. To achieve positive results you have to maintain a focused outlook and my team will aim to do this, both for ourselves and for the fans.
- "It is an honour to be part of this project," he added. "I have always wanted to work for a big club and I am very excited about the opportunity to work for Queens Park Rangers."
- Sousa, who has been assistant coach of the Portuguese national side for the past five years, replaces caretaker manager Gareth Ainsworth, who will be kept on as a member of the coaching staff. Ainsworth was initially given the board's backing after Iain Dowie was sacked last month, yet it now appears that the club's chairman, Flavio Briatore, had already earmarked Sousa as a long-term replacement.
- "I have been keeping track of his work for the last few months and he is the right man for our project," Briatore said. "He has great experience after working with the Portuguese national team and he is part of the new generation of coach.
- "He has worked with some of the world's best players and we are excited about having him," Briatore added. "His football career was highly impressive and he has great knowledge of the game. I am delighted he has agreed to join us. He is a very good appointment for this football club." Telegraph
Sceptical About Sousa
Mail/This is London - Christopher Davies - Palace chief Jordan says 'know nothing' Sousa is not the man to lead QPR
Simon Jordan, the Crystal Palace chairman, doubts whether Paulo Sousa is the man to lead Queens Park Rangers into the Premier League.
Sousa has been assistant to Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz. It is the first time the 38-year-old will take charge of a team and Jordan believes it is significant that the Portuguese has the title of first team coach.
Jordan, whose team are 17th, 10 places below QPR, joked that co-owner Flavio Briatore, who allegedly has an influence on team selection, is really the manager.|
He said: 'I think it's brilliant that a guy who knows nothing about the Championship has been appointed. The terminolgy is important. Isn't Briatore the manager?
'I was more concered when Rangers appointed Iain Dowie because although I don't have a lot of regard for him, he knows the Championship.
'Paulo Sousa knows next to nothing about the Championship which is a very specific league. You need a special knowledge of it to get out of it and you can't buy this.
'When Portsmouth finally got out of Championship they did it with an experienced manager in Harry Redknapp.'
Palace are just above the relegation zone but Jordan is convinced Eagles boss Neil Warnock is the best manager in the Championship.
He said: 'I thought that when Neil was at Sheffield United, too. I used to use United as a benchmark for us. He's the best manager in the Championship and he would be the difference between Palace being promoted or not. Managers are very important in this league.' Mail
Paul Parker/Setanta - You can't buy your way to The Premier League
Paulo Sousa has been appointed as the new Queens Park Rangers first-team coach and he comes into The Championship as a foreign manager without the experience, that worries me.
I think you need a bit of grit or at least experience down there because it doesn’t matter how much money you’ve got, it doesn’t guarantee you that Championship.
As long as the owner has relinquished the strings I think there might be a chance for him but you need a bit more than that. QPR are the team to beat in the division because they’ve got money behind them. But I don’t know if they’ve gone in the right direction with that manager.
His first job is to take three points in his next game, that’s a must. He’s got to go on an unbeaten run, which not many teams do in The Championship. If there’s money in January then maybe he can make a few changes.
There’s a lot of infuriated fans down at QPR – not just for the football but for what’s happening with the prices. All they want is their club back in The Premier League and I believe a team like QPR should be in the top division.
But they’ve got to do it right on and off the park and at the moment they’re chasing things in the wrong way. you’ve got to have the money to spend and spend it wisely. Setanta
David McIntyre - Sousa takes over
- QPR boss Flavio Briatore has installed former Portugal midfielder Paulo Sousa as coach. - Sousa had a glittering playing career and will no doubt be compared to compatriot Jose Mourinho.
- Odds on Sousa being named QPR manager were slashed yesterday, apparently after a massive bet was placed, so someone was very confident ex-Italy boss Roberto Donadoni wouldn’t be tempted to take the job after being approached.
-Several British managers stayed out of the running because of the board’s role in transfers and team selection.
-That was also the case before the appointment of Gigi De Canio 13 months ago, when Glenn Roeder was the leading British candidate.
- Iain Dowie was later brought in because it was accepted by the owners that having a foreign coach brought various problems.
- He also took the role believing he would have ultimate control over signings and other football matters – again based on lessons learned at QPR previously.
- On both counts, there has been a U-turn and Rangers are back to where they started; appointing a suave foreign coach in the belief he’ll weave his magic while his bosses take the wider – arguably more important – decisions.
- A home defeat to Burnley was enough to end Gareth Ainsworth’s chances of getting the job, but he did his managerial aspirations no harm at all during a spell as caretaker.
-Ainsworth enjoyed his taste of the job and is keen for more of the same – and his credentials have been boosted by his time at the helm of such a volatile club.
Ainsworth will have a place among the backroom team at QPR. But when managerial jobs are up for grabs elsewhere in the future, expect him to attract some interest. BBC606
Press Association - QPR appoint Sousa- QPR have confirmed the appointment of Portugal legend Paulo Sousa as their new first-team coach.
Sousa has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Loftus Road and will be in charge for Saturday`s Championship clash with Watford at Vicarage Road.
Sousa told the club`s official website, http://www.qpr.co.uk: "It is an honour to be part of this project. I have always wanted to work for a big club and I am very excited about the opportunity to work for Queens Park Rangers."
He added: "I have great belief in my ideas and my coaching ability and I firmly believe I can achieve the objectives set by the management."
- The 38-year-old, who won 51 caps for his country and spent five years as assistant to former national team coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, takes over from Iain Dowie, who was sacked on October 24.
- Sousa, who confirmed he will retain Gareth Ainsworth - who has been in caretaker charge - in his backroom staff, added: "I believe in playing positive, attacking football."To achieve positive results you have to maintain a focused outlook and my team will aim to do this, both for ourselves and for the fans. I am looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead."
Chairman Flavio Briatore described the capture as "a very good appointment for this football club".
He said: "He has great experience after working with the Portuguese national team and he is part of the new generation of coach. He has worked with some of the world`s best players and we are excited about having him.
"His football career was highly impressive and he has great knowledge of the game. After five years with Portugal, he is ready for a new challenge and I am delighted he has agreed to join us." Press Association
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