Second Acts and comebacks, Part Three

1- Laurent Blanc and Auxerre, 1995/96

French sweeper Laurent Blanc’s career seemed to have stagnated since leaving Napoli in 1992. He had been playing for teams like Nimes and Saint Etienne, which were teams far below his standing. In the Summer of 1995, Guy Roux acquired him knowing fully well his potential. Blanc like the rest of his teammates had an excellent season and restored his reputation. He helped Auxerre clinch the League and Cup double. At the end of the season with the Bosman Ruling in effect he joined Spanish Giants Barcelona.

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 79, August 1995

(Laurent Blanc with Auxerre, 1995/96)

2- Juan Ernesto Simon and Gabriel Calderon and Argentina 1990

Argentine duo of defender Juan Simon and midfielder Gabriel Calderon had first been selected by Cesar Luis Menotti in the early 80s. After Bilardo took charge they were both out of international reckoning. Gabriel Calderon’s transfer to Paris St. Germain in the late 80s and Simon’s fine form for Boca Juniors earned both International recalls with the 1990 World Cup approaching and both saw significant action in the 1990 World Cup where Argentina reached the Final.

Photo From: El Grafico Number 3691, 1990-extra  

(Juan Ernesto Simon, July 3, 1990, World Cup, Italy 1-Argentina 1)

Photo From: El Grafico Number 3678, 1990

(Gabriel Calderon and Robert Fleck, March 28, 1990, Scotland 1-Argentina 0)

3- Ciro Ferrara and Juventus 1994/95

Italian and former Napoli defender had been out of the International limelight after Arrigo Sacchi had taken over as National Team Manager in 1991.

When former Napoli Manager Marcelo Lippi was appointed as Juventus Manager in 1994, he brought Ferrara with him. Ferrara resurrected his career and helped Juventus win the Scudetto that season and earned a recall to the national team.

Photo From: World Soccer, August 1996

(Ciro Ferrara with Juventus, 1995/96)

4- Thomas Berthold and Stuttgart 1993

German defender Thomas Berthold’s career had been in a downfall since 1991. After being sent off in an EC Qualifier in June 1991 vs. Wales, he earned a suspension that seemed to have ended his International career. That summer he transferred to Bayern Munich, but the move did not work out. He was offloaded to Stuttgart in the summer of 1993. This move worked out and he adapted well at Stuttgart. His fine form that season earned him a recall to the National Team and he was selected for Germany’s 1994 World Cup finals squad.

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 23, December 1990

(Thomas Berthold with AS Roma, November 28, 1990, UEFA Cup, AS Roma 5-Bordeaux 0)

5- Alex Czerniatinski and Antwerp 1992/94

Belgian striker Alex Czerniatinski had last played for Belgium in 1986 and by all accounts his International career seemed over. His impressive displays in 1992 with Antwerp earned him a recall to the National Team. He was involved for the 1994 World Cup Qualification campaign and participated in the 1994 World Cup.

Photo From : Le Dictioonaire Des Diables Rouges, 2000

(Alex Czerniatinski)