Sousa Second Choice?...Sousa Believes in Attacking

-
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, 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