The First Interview
I hardly slept all night; I kept thinking how the interview will go. I imagined myself along with my favourite
Steven Gerrard raising the League trophy, and the champions league too. I kept thinking until out of exhaustion, I fell asleep.
I felt a lot of pride, since first timing walking into Liverpool, not as a fan, but as a potential candidate to lead the team. I was quickly introduced to the chairman's office where Mr. Thomas Werner was expecting me. After a series of formalities and pleasantries he said:
TW - Thomas Werner
AM - Ahmed Mohamed
TW: "Your application and analysis of the current situation is quite impressive, especially considering your age and experience. I believe you have been playing in Egypt's lower leagues?"
AM: "Yes, I've also been assistant manager at some clubs there too."
TW: "Good. Frankly, we wanted a lesser known ambitious manager to lead the club at this time, in order to lower the expectations of him, giving him more freedom to thrive. You fit the mould perfectly..."
AM: "It is a fantastic chance to get to manage the club close to my heart, but are you sure I'm your man? I don't want to make a decision that may let the club down."
TW: "We are aware of that issue, but gladly, the current backroom staff will gladly stay and aid you should accept the offer. You also will have the full backing of us(the board). What you say?"
He presents me a written paper, a one year contract at 1.9M p/a. I honestly didn't think about the money or even the length, I almost instantly signed the contract.
TW: "Good, we are glad you accepted our offer. Now we need to discuss your expectations for the season, and some philosophies we would like to be implemented."
AM: "I believe we can be serious title contenders this year. We've got a talented squad, and with a bit of spending we can be challenge for the title!"
TW: "Your confidence is pleasing, so we will find sufficient funding to meet your ambition. As for philosophies, do you have any thoughts about it?"
AM: "I've been a fan of Brendan and his possession attacking style of play, and I intend to build upon it. Also, we have great Youth facilities which brought up some of England's finest talents, I look to graduate our own youth players from it."
TW: "Very well, you make a strong case. Now that we have agreed upon everything, I'd like to tour you in the club and introduce you to the fans."
The rest of the day was great... until the press conference:
The first press conference
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Faced by dozens of rambling journalists, whom I felt they wanted to discredit me, I decided to be assertive and stern with them:
[J]ournalist: "You stand here as the new Liverpool manager, your first managerial job. Do you think your lack of experience will affect the club's ambitions?"
AM: "Not at all. I wouldn't have taken the job and risked the club's future if I wasn't confident in my ability. Experience plays a part, but it is an indicator of the manager's success. I believe David Moyes is a thousand times more experienced than me, yet look at his team's results!"
J: "Speaking of the Northwest derby, what can you say about Manchester United?"
AM: "Well, they were on the rise the last few years, and it is up to me to push that tin-pot of a club back to it's original position, and get Liverpool back on it's perch!"
J: "Any thoughts about David Moyes?"
AM: "He is a good manager, but not enough for United. No more questions about them please!"
J: "How do you intend to get your team playing this season?"
AM: "I intend to play a free flowing style, it has always been a trademark of the Liverpool team."
J: "Would you make any changes to the staff at the moment."
AM: "No, none will be leaving, but I may get new faces in."
J: "Who do you think will when the league?"
AM: "
(with a lot of confidence and challenge) Liverpool!"
That last answer caused a lot of stir, during which Colin Pascoe, along with me left the room. I was surprised how well I handled the conference, but it was no time of pride, a lot of work has to be done!
