I have just resigned as a Manager at Liverpool FC, and back in Singapore with my parents. Over the past few days, life seems so slow without working. However, I’m lucky to have saved up at least S$50 million to last my whole life. Recently I have met up with my old friends and they were so surprised that after all my success with Liverpool, I had resigned. There was even a whole 2 pages in The New Paper Afternoon Edition dedicated to reporting about it.
Following is the report on 24 July 2016:
Liverpool Boss Shocking Resignation
ENGLAND Liverpool boss, Chiong Winston, had resigned at 7am (SINGAPORE TIME) today. There was no news regarding this decision from the past week, however the management did not seem shocked regarding his decision. A search for a new manager to take over the now vacant post is on.
Winston have been at Liverpool for 6 years, closing in on 7 years. Over his time there, he have gained the respect of many within the organization. Following his dismissal was 11 other backroom members, who were known to respect the 37 years old. They are:
- Vincenzo Pincolini – Coach
- Mike Rigg – Coach
- Zinedine Zidane – Coach
- Ulf Kirsten – Coach
- Gerry Taggart – Coach
- Ander Garitano – Coach
- Alberto Sales – Coach
- Ben Petty – Coach
- Franco Tancredi – Goalkeeping Coach
- Juan Jose Lasuen – Goalkeeping Coach
- John Keeley – Goalkeeping Coach
This leaves the next manager with only 5 coaches for a large team. It is not known how or who will be recruited to join the team. News have surfaced that ex-boss, Rafael Benitez will be taking over the position. No confirmations have been made by the management as of now.
The New Paper have managed to get an interview from Winston with Skype.
TNP: Hi, Winston. It is our honor to be speaking with you now. How has your day been?
W: Hi. I was not expecting an interview from the Singapore media till my return. I’m packing up my stuff right now. To be honest, I cannot bear to leave this place. It contains all the bitter and sweet times that I have gone through.
TNP: Speaking of bitter and sweet times, it reminds me when you first started out as the first Asian manager of Liverpool. Everyone was so proud, although you did not have a strong credential, your application was accepted.
W: I was surprised by that too. Liverpool was my favourite club. Since young, I have been following them. After getting my license, I decided to try out for the club. They were kind of struggling at that time, I wanted to revive the club. Everyone around me was so against it, however when I was accepted, everyone was just lost for words. Even Rafael Benitez sent me a congratulatory message.
TNP: Well, 6 years have past. Over the years, you have garnered a reputation for yourself. 18 personal awards won in total with 3 consecutive European Champions Cup, League Cup and League titles, 2 consecutive Super Cup, Community Shield, Super Cup and FA Cup. Not mentioning a few other titles and cups. And also becoming the manager of Norway and now, England, leading them to their first World Cup title in a long while and the European Football Championship.
W: I could not have done those without the help of all players and backroom members. I started out when the club had little money to spent, and build it up. My focus was on the youngsters. I wanted to build a team that can sustain itself in the long run. You can say I’m the Liverpool’s Arsene Wenger. However, I’ve spent a total of S$1.2b on getting in 53 players over the years.
TNP: Wow! That’s alot of money. The club was not angry about it?
W: The first owner limited my spendings, there were times when arguments ensued. When the new owner took over, my budget was increased to more than 100m every season. At first, I had to sell players to get money. In total, S$424m worth of players were sold. It helps to provide financing for the club. So, they weren’t really mad about it. Plus, I produce results, so they got the returns they want.
TNP: The new stadium, Rush Park, was built in 2015 for the season just ended. Are there any feelings towards Anfield?
W: Everyone was pretty emotional about it, especially players like Gerrard and Carragher. Stevie and Jamie had petitioned for the history of Anfield to be shown within the new stadium and many of us actually kept a bottle of a handful of the pitch. The new stadium’s design is modeled after Anfield, with great improvements in technology. The place looks similar yet feels so different.
TNP: Everyone must be sad about it. It must be the same when you left?
W: Everyone was emotional about it too. However, there will be a party tonight. All Liverpudians are invited, legends, favourites and icons of Liverpool are invited. I was told that I am a savior of Liverpool. I’m honored by that, however I just want the squad to stay strong and embrace the values we believed in.
TNP: Are there anyone who you will miss most?
W: I’ll definitely miss Gerrard, Carragher,Torres, Alba, Plinio, Lima and everyone else.
TNP: What are your plans for the future?
W: I’m not too sure of it yet. I’m planning to rest and visit my family back in Singapore before planning yet again. However, I resigned from Liverpool due to the success I have achieved. I feel that I have reach the peak. I want to challenge myself further. Not to say that Liverpool provides no more challenges for me, however I know that the players will represent me, my soul, my values when playing in future. I wanted to move on. Liverpool will always be in my heart. I’ll be there for them when they need. I hope to meet them in a match in future. Maybe I’ll challenge myself with leading a small team and bring it up to the top. I hope Liverpudians and the squad will still welcome me.
TNP: Any tips for managers who want to follow in your footstep?
W: Dare to dream. Nothing is too big for you. Do not follow Chiong Winston, follow your heart. You are what you are and what you think, learn from what I did, but do not attempt to follow what I exactly do. Know why I did that and what can be learnt. That way, you can even be leading some of the best clubs such as AC Milan, Inter Milan and Barcelona who are in front of us in terms of coefficients now.
TNP: That is a great tip. Thank you for your time.
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