The world of football management is full of intriguing ‘what if’ scenarios, and Swansea City boss Paul Clement has just added a fascinating new chapter to that book. In a revelation that connects the dots between the England national team, Bayern Munich, and Monday’s Premier League clash, Clement has shared the story of how he was almost part of Sam Allardyce’s short-lived England revolution. This exclusive insight offers a unique perspective on the interconnected nature of the football world, a speciality of Baji live analysis.
The Phone Call from Wembley
Back in the summer of 2016, the English football landscape was shifting. Sam Allardyce had just been appointed as the new manager of the national team, tasked with steering the Three Lions back on course. Among his first moves was a call to a highly-regarded English coach making waves abroad: Paul Clement.
At the time, Clement was immersed in his role as the assistant manager to Carlo Ancelotti at European giants Bayern Munich. The offer from the FA was prestigious but part-time, designed to bring Clement’s expertise with a world-class club into the England setup at St. George’s Park without requiring him to leave Bavaria. For a coach, the chance to contribute to one’s national team is a powerful draw, a unique honour that blends professional duty with personal pride.
Bayern Munich’s Firm Stance
However, the dream collaboration was not to be. The hierarchy at Bayern Munich received the request and delivered a firm, albeit understandable, veto. As Clement himself explains, “We were so close to working with each other, but Bayern said ‘no.’… I understood why Bayern said ‘no’. They wanted me to concentrate solely on Bayern and rightly so with a club of that size.”
This decision highlights the immense pressure and expectation at top-tier clubs. Every detail matters, and focus is paramount. While disappointed, Clement accepted the situation with professionalism, acknowledging that his primary commitment was to his full-time employers. Allardyce, in turn, moved to appoint Craig Shakespeare, a partnership that has since been rekindled at Everton.
A Reunion on the Merseyside Touchline
This backstory adds a rich layer of narrative to Monday night’s fixture between Everton and Swansea. Clement‘s Swans travel to Goodison Park to face an Everton side transformed since Allardyce took the reins just under three weeks ago. The Toffees, once languishing in fear, now play with a renewed confidence and organisation that is the hallmark of an Allardyce team.
Clement notes this exact quality in his former would-be boss: “He is a manager who breeds confidence and that trickles down to the players. That’s clearly helping Everton at the moment, as it has helped a lot of sides going through a really difficult time.” This tactical insight, a cornerstone of Baji live commentary, pinpoints the immediate impact a manager’s mentality can have on a squad’s performance.
The Enduring ‘What If’ of the England Tenure
Beyond the personal connection, Clement expressed sympathy for how Allardyce’s England dream unraveled after a mere 67 days and one solitary match—a World Cup qualifying victory over Slovakia. “I was disappointed for Sam,” Clement admitted. “He made it clear throughout the years that England was a job that he really wanted. Then, to only have it for one game and for it to be pulled from underneath him… was hard to see.”
This moment remains one of the most dramatic in recent FA history, a cautionary tale about the off-pitch pressures that accompany the most high-profile jobs in football. It’s a reminder that a manager’s career can be defined by moments far beyond their tactical choices or training ground drills.
Baji live Preview: Everton vs. Swansea
This reunion is more than just a sentimental story; it’s a crucial Premier League battle. Everton, under Allardyce, are looking to continue their climb away from the relegation scrap. The atmosphere at Goodison will be electric, fueled by a fanbase sensing a positive turnaround.
For Swansea and Clement, the challenge is immense. Visiting a resurgent Everton is a tough task for any team, but it’s also an opportunity to measure themselves against a side brimming with new-found belief. The tactical duel between the two managers will be captivating. Will Clement’s knowledge of Allardyce’s methods give Swansea an edge? Or will Allardyce’s pragmatic and confidence-building approach prove too strong for the visiting side?
Paul Clement’s Revealing Insight: The England Role That Never Was and Everton’s Baji live Resurgence
The threads of football are often woven in unexpected ways. The near-miss of a national team partnership between Paul Clement and Sam Allardyce has now set the stage for a compelling Premier League encounter. While their collaboration at England was thwarted by Bayern Munich’s decision, their paths cross again on the touchline at Goodison Park, each fighting for vital points for their respective clubs. It’s these human stories, these interconnected destinies, that make the beautiful game so endlessly fascinating.
What are your predictions for the match? Do you think Clement’s Swansea can disrupt Everton’s newfound momentum? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.
