Error in Casting, Part Four

1- Friedrich Koncilia and Anderlecht 1979

Austrian goalkeeper Friedrich Koncilia of Wacker Innsbruck was signed by Anderlecht Manager Raymond Goethals who had been impressed with his performances with the Austrian national team vs. Belgium in the 1980 UEFA Euro qualifiers in March and May of 1979.

However, his and the team’s poor performances led to the sacking of Goethals early in the 1979/80 season.

Urbain Braems the new manager installed Nico De Bree as the starting goalkeeper and according to Koncilia behind his back was grooming the young Jacques Munaron by individually training him.

Koncilia expressed his displeasure in the media, which led to Braems asking him to depart.

He transferred in the mid-season to FK Austria Vienna, in all he played 8 matches for Anderlecht.

Photo From: Österreichs Fußball Länderspiele Chronik 1902 – 1993, Author: Anton Egger

(Friedrich Koncilia)

2- Bernard Lacombe and Saint Etienne, 1978/79

While not exactly a complete fiasco, nevertheless Lacombe’s season at Saint Etienne was below expectations. The fact that he had arrived from local rivals Olympique Lyonnais did not help matters. He did score a respectable tally of 14 goals, however it was less than his usual output at Lyon.

At the end of the end of the season, Saint Etienne manager Robert Herbin signed Dutch striker Johnny Rep from Bastia which signaled Lacombe’s departure.

He transferred to Bordeaux and won three League titles with them.

Photo From: Onze, issue 33, September 1978

(Bernard Lacombe with Saint Etienne, 1978)

3- Gheorge Hagi, Real Madrid 1990/92 and Barcelona 1994/96

Romanian superstar Gheorge Hagi has the distinction of having disappointing spells with both giants of Spanish Football. He joined Real Madrid in 1990 from Steaua Bucharest and much was expected him. After two poor seasons he left Real and joined Italy’s Brescia. After a couple of seasons, he again rose to prominence in leading Romania’s impressive performances during the 1994 World Cup. Barcelona Manager Johann Cruyff eagerly signed him as a replacement for Michael Laudrup. However, his Barcelona stay was just as unimpressive and after two seasons departed to Galatasaray in 1996.

Photo From: World Soccer, October 1990

(Gheorge Hagi with Real Madrid, 1990)

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 74, March 1995

(Gheorge Hagi , August 11, Bayern Munich 3-Barcelona 0, Summer Friendly)

4- Peter Davenport and Manchester United, 1986/88

English striker Peter Davenport made his name with Nottingham Forest with Brian Clough as Manager (1982/86). He was signed by Ron Atkinson as a prospective replacement for Mark Hughes who was to join Barcelona.

Atkinson would be sacked and replaced by Alex Ferguson. Despite scoring from time to time, he was never near as prolific as his Forest days and never won over the fans. When in 1988, Mark Hughes returned, he was transferred out to Middlesbrough.

Photo From: England, Player by Player, Author: Graham Betts

(Peter Davenport with Manchester United)

5- Johnny Ekstroem, Bayern Munich, 1988/89

Young Swedish striker Johnny Ekstroem joined Bayern Munich from relegated Italian club Empoli in the summer of 1988. However, he never really impressed and failed to settle. In an interview he stated that he was still to young to join a squad of Bayern’s stature and should have waited until he was at least 27.

Following his solitary season, he joined French club Cannes.

Photo From: World Soccer, December 1991

(Johnny Ekstroem with Bayern Munich, 1988/89)