Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed the reason Manchester United did not sign Carlos Tevez permanently was because the Argentine had planned to retire in 2013.The former West Ham United forward spent two years on loan with the Red Devils, putting in strong performances as he made 99 appearances and scored 34 goals.
But following his loan spell at Old Trafford, the 27-year-old went on to join arch-rivals Manchester City and eventually win the FA Cup with them last season.
Now Ferguson insists that it was because of the former Boca Juniors man’s future plans that United decided against signing him.
“Tevez told us he was only going to play for four more years,” he said. “If we had signed him on a five-year contract knowing that he was going to quit in four, there would have been no re-sale value for us.”
The Argentina international has since made it clear he wants to leave City to be closer to his family in his homeland, but a potential deal with Brazilian club Corinthians did not reach come to fruition.
Serie A giants Inter have also been linked with a move for the industrious hitman.
“I’m not sure Inter would pay 45 million pounds, especially after he’s said he wants to go back to Argentina to see his kids. I can see him staying at City.”
Ferguson also commented on United’s 3-1 friendly victory over MLS outfit Chicago Fire, in which new signing David De Gea put in a good performance.
“He [De Gea] is technically very good. He saved us on many different occasions,” he said.
“Chicago Fire played well, very good on the counter attacks, a lot of pace up front and they gave us some problems.”
“They could’ve scored two or three more so it was a good workout for us.”
The home side drew first blood when Cory Gibbs outsmarted the opposition defence, but United grew into the game and eventually put three past Frank Klopas’ men.
“Well we don’t like being behind,” said the Scot. “We found ourselves in that situation numerous times. We don’t panic, we just keep creating chances and chances until we get our result.”
The equaliser came when Wayne Rooney came off the bench to make his mark on the game, and the United boss believes that the leveller changed to course of the clash.
“It was an excellent ball from [Rio] Ferdinand, perfectly awaited from Rooney and it takes serious skill to score like that,” Ferguson said.
“We had to work hard for the victory and I think once we equalised, we were always going to win it.”
Despite the win, the Old Trafford boss also believes that his squad are still some way from being match fit.
“Well we played three games so far and I think player-wise, our players need to play 90 minutes,” he said.
“I don’t think anyone has done that yet, except Ferdinand and [Nemanja] Vidic I think. It was the problem we struggled with last year at the start of the season and we need to improve on that.”
It has become quite clear that over the last three years, the Spanish football philosophy is way above those of the rest of the world right now and the current European Championship and World Cup holders show no signs of slowing down as a nation as proven when Spain’s Under-21 team won the European U21 Championship this year, a victory that illustrates just how bright the future of Spanish football is.
The Under-21 tournament threw up a number of Spanish players that will undoubtedly become the mainstay of the full Spanish team over the next few years and several of them are already catching the eye of Europe’s biggest clubs. The Spanish players who particularly shined during the tournament in Denmark are listed below and whilst they may not be familiar names with readers just now, there’s a good chance they will be in the future…
Juan Manuel Mata – Midfield: Although one of the older players in the squad, this Valencia midfielder possesses obvious class. He scored twice in the tournament and alongside Martinez and Alcantara, they formed a midfield that resembled their senior counterparts – Xavi and Iniesta. It is little wonder that Mata has been the subject of transfer rumours with Spain and England’s biggest teams.
Javi Martinez – Midfield: Just 22 years old and a mainstay in the Athletic Bilbao side, Martinez is regarded as the ‘midfield engine’ of the Under-21 side whose powerhouse performances were largely responsible for why the team enjoyed so much possession. He has already won four full caps for his country and he has been linked to Liverpool this summer. He was the captain of the Under-21 team and sure to be in the reckoning for the full squad for Spain’s defence of their European crown at Euro 2012.
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Thiago Alcantara – Midfield: One of the future stars of Barcelona, this highly rated midfielder has a buy-out clause of 90 million Euro in his contract, such is the belief that the club have in him. He played every game in the Under-21 Championship and was awarded Man of the Match in the final against Switzerland, scoring a 40 yard free kick in the process, another likely contender for the full Spain squad and will be knocking on the door of Barca’s starting XI this coming season
Adrian Lopez – Striker: A natural goalscorer who won the “Golden boot” award at the Under-21 tournament with five goals. Like Mata, he was one of the permitted older players in the tournament but at 23 he is still young and has a huge future ahead of him. Lopez plays for Deportivo who were relegated from La Liga last season which is there is currently a lot of interest in the striker from clubs all over Europe.
Didac Vila – Left Back: A quality left back who is currently on loan at Espanyol from his main club, AC Milan. Vila put in some top quality performances in Denmark, proving himself equally competent defending as he is when running forward to support the attack. He had been somewhat injury prone when he first came to prominence but now back to full fitness a call up to the full Spanish team is on the cards and domestically, Milan is unlikely to be letting him leave any time soon!
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David de Gea – Goalkeeper: Signed this summer by Manchester United from Atletico Madrid for just under £19m, this young keeper is hugely talented and heads to Old Trafford with a huge reputation and looks the ideal long-term replacement for the now retired Edwin Van Der Saar. At just 20 years old he has a very long and exciting future ahead of him in the game and is likely to replace Iker Casillas as the Spanish number one.
With the current Spanish squad boasting such names as Villa, Torres, Iniesta, Xavi, Busquets and Pique, the chances are that some of these names may not feature too prominently in the Euro’s next year in Poland and Ukraine, however, by the 2014 World Cup comes around in Brazil, it is likely that many will form the backbone of Spain’s next generation of talent, not a thrilling thought for fans of other International teams around the globe, particularly England whose youngsters, like their seniors, crashed out of a major tournament with a whimper!
The new Premier League season was just three days away the last time England were due to play in an international friendly versus Holland. Thankfully (in my eyes), it was called off due to the London riots, but the season is just three rounds old and already we have to put everything on hold, as another international break occurs. At least this time it’s for an actual competitive match as England take on Bulgaria in a Euro 2012 qualifier, but I still find the whole thing ridiculous. It got me thinking; am I the only one who would rather see my team (and by that I mean club team) play, over following England’s normally dour expoits? Yes, it’s another club v country debate.
I fully admit to being pretty un-patriotic, especially when it comes to football. But I can’t help but think that even if I did support the national team, I would still prefer to watch and support my club over England any day. Is this the case for any of you who are patriotic? I love my club through thick and thin, for better or for worse. I love football and everything surrounding it. But in particular I enjoy watching beauty and creativity, flair and excitement; you know, all the things that don’t seem to happen whenever England normally play. Then there’s the god-awful hype that surrounds the England circus in proclaiming them world beaters every time an International tournament comes along.
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There’s something slightly hypercritical about being an England fan, especially if you support a team from the Premier League. I mean, week in week out, we boo, hiss, abuse and despise many players who play against our beloved club. Then, as soon as they pull on an England shirt we’re supposed to cheer them on and admire them? No thanks, not for me. The other problem with the England team, especially of today is that I just can’t relate to them. You only have to read the press headlines from the front pages to see what kind of people some of them appear to be. Arrogant, self-obsessed and not of this world. I would want any of my ‘club’ players to do well whilst playing for England, but that is also out-weighed by the fear of injury they may pick up whilst on international duty – which they often do. Which increases my anger!
Many people were angry when hearing the comments of Gary Neville recently when he stated playing for England was a waste of time for him, and that if he had to choose between winning with Manchester United or England, his club team would come out top all the time. It was a sentiment echoed by Jamie Carragher many years ago when he proclaimed he would always put club before country. It was a refreshing change to know that some professional players feel the same way with putting their clubs first. I suspect many more professionals concur but remain silent for fear of negativity.
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It wasn’t always like this. Maybe today’s modern English international, coupled with the ridiculous cheer-leading modern-day media in this country has shaped and unbalanced my view somewhat. But I can remember when I last truly wanted England to do well. It was way back in 1990, during Italia ’90. An abundance of genuinely skilful and attacking talent with the likes of Gazza, Barnes, Waddle, Beardsley and Lineker, a genial but thoughtful manager (although hammered by the press at the time – some things never change) in Bobby Robson, and a team full of likable, approachable characters. The contrast in personalities alone between then and now is just immeasurable.
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That group of players are a far cry from today’s underperforming, over-paid, spoilt bunch of fairly average players, but either way, give me my club over country any day.
If you want to read more from myself including news, thoughts and views you can follow me on Twitter @fantasista1077 thanks!
Goalless Swansea host West Brom this weekend in their first top flight meeting for 28 years.
The Swans have failed to hit the back the net in their opening four matches and that statistic is beginning to overshadow their slick passing and attractive style of football. Manager Brendan Rodgers has a massive task on his hands to get his strikers motoring and scoring goals with the prolific duo of Scott Sinclair and Danny Graham yet to replicate the killer instincts they displayed many time in the Championship last year. Graham, in particular, is under increasing pressure to justify his record £3.5 million price tag and should have bagged at least one last week at Arsenal. 0-0 draws against Wigan and Sunderland at the Liberty Stadium will be important come the end of the season but they need to start winning games sooner rather than later to keep confidence high and ensure a swift return to England’s second tier doesn’t come to pass.
West Brom, on the other hand, recorded their first win of the campaign last week against another promoted side in the form of Norwich. The return of Peter Odemwingie was massive and it took the Nigerian only three minutes to get his name on the score sheet for the season. He and Shane Long looked dangerous up front at Carrow Road last week and their effectiveness as a partnership will have a huge bearing on the Baggies season. Graham Dorrans also returned last week and put in the sort of performance that saw him linked with the leagues top clubs two seasons ago before a dramatic dip last seasons saw him lose his place. Boss Roy Hodgson will be confident of picking up a second consecutive win against the Swans who are still adapting to the rigors of the division.
Swans skipper Gary Monk could make his first appearance of the season after injuries to Steven Caulker and Alan Tate left them short in defence.
Gabriel Tamas will be absent for the visitors after he pleased guilty to a violent conduct charge and was banned for three games. Zoltan Gera is out whilst Chris Brunt will face a late fitness test on a knee problem that has restricted his game time so far this season.
Key Player
Scott Sinclair: With the goals not flowing it’s up to Sinclair to get the Swans hitting the back of the net. His pace and trickery will trouble West Brom although he needs to have more conviction in front of goal.
Ben Foster: The ex-England keeper has had a decent start to his Baggies career and will need to be in fine form this weekend to keep out a Swansea attack who will be desperate to open their accounts for the season.
Verdict: 1-1
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Have you bought your Goaldash ticket yet? Don’t miss out on your chance of winning a Million pounds this weekend!
An extra time Gael Givet goal secured a 4-3 win for Blackburn over Newcastle on Wednesday night, and provided under-fire manager Steve Kean some respite as his team progress through to the cup quarter finals.
Rovers flew into a 2-0 lead through goals from Ruben Rochina and Yakubu, but two injury-time goals by Danny Guthrie and Yohan Cabaye forced the game into extra-time.
Morten Gamst Pedersen recovered the Lancashire club’s lead in the first half of injury time, but the visitors refused to lie down, and Peter Lovenkrands made it 3-3.
French defender Givet scored the winner on the 120 minute mark in an epic display, and received sparkling praise from manager Kean.
“Gael Givet encapsulates the whole spirit we have got here – he had a hamstring nick but would not come off,” the Scottish coach told The Daily Mail.
“He’s a warrior, he has put his head where other people wouldn’t put their feet. He was fantastic.”
The win will give Blackburn a cup run and be a welcome distraction for the league, where Rovers are bottom. Despite this, Kean has admitted that he has been working on his side’s defence in training.
“We had worked so hard to get a clean sheet so when their first goal went in it was a horrible feeling.
“It’s tough mentally when they scored so late to go and score again but we did it.
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“We are always going to score goals but we have been working day in, day out defensively so that when we lose possession we get a good shape,” he concluded.
Having spent thousands of hours watching football, I have spent a fair few days reading about it too – not just in newspapers, or online, but books too. Not all hit the spot – Shaun Goater’s autobiography or that of Jeff Stelling were entertaining enough, but hardly classics. Listed below are my top ten football books, in no particular order, a varied bunch of reads. With thousands more available, it is just the tip of the iceberg, but the books show that there is much more to the sport than kicking a football around a piece of grass.
A Season With Verona – Tim Parks
Less a football book, than a social commentary on a whole nation paired with a travelogue, the book’s title pretty much says it all. Tim Parks was born in Manchester, moving permanently to Italy in 1980. The book follows Parks’ attempts to attend every game in Verona’s epic 2000-2001 Season in Serie A. During it, we see much of what defines the country, and its football fans, with anecdotes that will be familiar to anyone who follows the beautiful (and often not-so-beautiful) game.
“Addictive reading…each chapter is a short story, the whole book an epic.” The Observer
“A fascinating emotional journey…his descriptions of Italian football are descriptions of Italy itself, its regional differences, its squabbles, its distinctive temper.” The Daily Telegraph.
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The Miracle of Castel Di Sangro – Joe McGinniss
The first season spent in the dizzy heights of Serie B, in their entire history, by Castel Di Sangro is shared by American writer Joe McGinniss in what becomes an increasingly fascinating read. McGinniss spends the entire 1996/97 season in the small hamlet of Castel Di Sangro.
The book starts with some reservations, as McGinniss explains in simple terms the rules of football, and you soon realise that (understandably) the book is aimed at an American audience. However, it is written with great warmth and attention, and more importantly, fate supplies the author a staggering story that no Hollywood scriptwriter could have dreamt of, building to a sensational end to a season full of highs and lows, and a fair amount of tragedy too.
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Paul Lake – I’m Not Really Here
This goes on the list with no bias from me – whilst it is fair to say there is more to be gained from this book for Manchester City fans, I would strongly argue that any football fan should give it a go. Thinking of all the turgid autobiographies I have read in my time, it is rare to see a footballer’s autobiography written so well, with such emotion, and humour. Co-written with his wife Joanne, it is a must-read, dealing not only with football but with the depths a man can sink to when his life is ripped apart – it shows a side of football we rarely see, and the last line of the book still brings a lump to my throat.
Read my full review here: https://www.footballfancast.com/2011/08/football-blogs/book-review-paul-lake-autobiography-im-not-really-here
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Why England Lose: And Other Curious Phenomena– Simon Kuper and Stefan Szymanski
I recently took this book on holiday, and it mysteriously kept disappearing, such was the fascination at what it had to say amongst my friends. A superb read that details various statistical anomalies within football, without ever getting boring, such as:
“Why do England lose?”
“Why do Newcastle United always buy the wrong players?”
“How could Nottingham Forest go from winning the European Cup to the depths of League One?”
“Penalties – what are they good for?”
Why England Lose isn’t in the first place about money. It’s about looking at data in new ways. A prizewinning writer and a leading sports economist have come together to present the sport in a new light, from new angles. The book’s scope is wide – from racism, to the mistakes of the transfer market, to how city size reflects club glory, or which country loves football the most. A great read, as are Kuper’s other books on football.
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Inverting The Pyramid – Jonathan Wilson
A definitive football book. It can be a dry read at times, but Jonathan Wilson’s look at basically the history of football, and how the sport was spread and tactics evolved around the globe is a fascinating read. He shows how countries shaped their own methods and styles, looking at how teams lined up in some of the key games in the sport’s history, all leading to the tactical variations used in the present day.
“A fascinating history of tactics, a book that is guaranteed to enhance your football watching: your team may still lose, but you’ll have a far better idea why they did.” The Independent on Sunday
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You are the Ref: The Ultimate Illustrated Guide to the Laws of Football: Keith Hackett & Paul Trevillion
A book that reaffirms how ignorant I am about parts of the sport I love.
It’s a penalty to the away side. Just as the kick is about to be taken, the home side’s official mascot suddenly jumps up behind the net, dancing. The penalty-taker misses and turns to you in outrage. What do you do?
You are the Ref is the cult classic comic strip from legendary Roy of the Rovers artist Paul Trevillion – if you’r eone of the few people not to have stumbled across the strip, it puts you in the spotlight and asks the question: what would you decide?
Written by former international referee Keith Hackett, and brilliantly illustrated by the aforementioned Trevillion, it is the perfect book to test your knowledge of the laws of the game, great for dipping in and out of, with added profiles of some of the game’s biggest names. You’ll be amazed as much at what you didn’t know as what you did.
Add plenty of extra trivia and a top ten spot is guaranteed.
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Full Time: The Secret Life of Tony Cascarino: by Tony Cascarino
One of only two autobiographies on the list, it is not a surprising choice, often listed as one of the best.
The book was received so well due to the searing honesty of Cascarino – he does not hold back on admitting his thoughts, and his many mistakes. It is well-written too of course, as it was put together (I.e. ghost-written) by award-winning Irish journalist Paul Kimmage, written in a style akin to a thriller by slowly revealing details.
Cascarino reveals all – he talks of his gambling, and his worship of Jack Charlton, and hatred of Glenn Hoddle. He talks of his crippling self-doubt, and of taking unknown medicines whilst at Marseille. And then there was his international career…
The Guardian said, “Compared with the standard-issue footballer’s autobiography, this is Tolstoy.” Perhaps not quite, but it’s brilliant storytelling, and gives a shockingly honest portrait of one footballer and his world.
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Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby
Fever Pitch is both an autobiography and a footballing bible rolled into one, winning the William Hill Sports Book of the Year in 1992.
Everyone knows about the book, so little needs to be said – but it makes the list because quite simply Hornby is an excellent writer – any football fan could associate with his stories of what the game meant to him, how it affected the rest of his life, from work to personal relationships, and how it shaped who he was. His story of growing up in a world that revolved around football is a familiar one for millions of us, and the climax to the story reminds us why we do what we do.
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Broken Dreams: Tom Bower
Another one from the archives.
Broken Dreams is Bower’s controversial account of how some of the sport’s most high-profile managers and chairmen have been getting their snouts in the trough at the expense of their clubs and the game.
Focussing on the likes of Terry Venables, Brian Clough, Ken Bates and Harry Redknapp–and a huge cast of FA officials, club bigwigs and super-agents–Bower draws together threads from existing sources, with newly acquired information from over 200 interviews, weaving a compelling tale of vanity, greed and corruption at the heart of the football establishment.
The book is a real eye-opener, raising serious doubts over the characters of many of the nation’s most famous footballing names. We read of missing money in Redknapp transfer deals, Ken Bates’ disastrous business decisions and Terry Venables’ even worse business dealings. But there’s lots more about the murkier side of the sport, of what goes on behind the scenes, the extent to which money tarnishes the actions of those that run the game and our clubs, the bungs, the missing money – and even to this day much of what it has to say is relevant. Little has changed.
Another William Hill Sports Book of the Year, in 2003.
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Football Grounds of England – Simon Inglis
Does what it says on the cover – lots of pictures of football grounds, and how they developed (though not up to date by many a year). What’s not to like?
Robin Van Persie was the hero once again for Arsenal scoring twice as Arsene Wenger’s side came from a goal behind to win their fourth successive Premier League game.
The Dutchman has now scored 31 top-flight goals in 2011 and was once again on hand to save the Gunners after they fell behind to Steve Morison’s opener on the quarter hour mark – his third goal in as many games. The Canaries could only hold on for 10 minutes though before Van Persie struck from close range to score from Theo Walcott’s cross before superbly clipping home Alex Song’s pass to secure victory. It was just rewards for Arsenal who rolled back the years to produce an energetic display of attacking fortitude that ultimately proved too much for Paul Lamberts men. Norwich looked good for a point with the visitors squandering a hatful of chances but it wasn’t to be as Van Persie proved to be the difference once again for the North London side. They should have been at least a goal to the good within the first 15 minutes only for some tremendous defending to thwart them. Firstly Gervinho saw his close range shot blocked, Van Persie then dragged an effort wide before Russell Martin produce an astonishing goal line clearance to deny Walcott.
It proved to be costly as the Canaries Morison opened the scoring against the run of play punishing Per Mertesacker for failing to deal with Marc Tierney’s long ball brushing the German defender out of the way and calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner. However that seemed to spur the Gunners on as they continued to pile the pressure on agains only to be denied by two more goal line clearances from Martin with the defender hacking Van Persie’s header off the line before saving keeper John Ruddy’s blushes after he let a Gervinho shot find it’s way towards goal. You could sense a goal was on the horizon and it was Van Persie who delivered tapping in from six-yards out after Walcott flew past Tierney on the right and fizzed the ball across the Norwich penalty area. The Gunners continued to attack at every opportunity but still lacked a cutting edge in front of goal with Gervinho wasting a host of chances. The most notable saw him round Ruddy after latching onto Van Persie’s threaded pass only for the keeper to recover and prevent the Ivorian from putting Arsenal into the lead.
Still the away side continued to attack with vigour and they got their reward’s just before the hour mark with Van Persie scoring his 10th goal in five games. Canaries defender Martin, who had been impressive throughout the contest, surrendered possession on the half way line allowing Song to play the 28-year-old in and he made no mistake stroking the ball home with supreme ease to put Arsenal in front. Norwich tried in vain to find an equalising goal only to see Anthony Pilkington scuff Elliott Bennett’s cross wide from close range with the goal gaping. It almost got worse for the home side as Walcott, who had tortured the home defence all afternoon with his pace, sprung clear once again but saw his drive hit the outside of the post. Never the less it twas the Gunners who held on and picked up a deserved 10th win in 12 games to move level on points with fourth placed Chelsea for a few hours at least.
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With a third of the Premier League season now gone by, the table is starting to find its level and supporters are starting to get a better understanding of where their respective clubs are at this season and the challenge that faces them in the coming months. Once again the Premier League has been broken up into three tiers, with each team facing their own private battle.
Unlike previous years there has certainly been some stability on the managerial front with only Steve Bruce succumbing to the bullet so far, as clubs look to show patience with their managers to turn around their current plights. The managers may not be so patient with players at their disposal and may look to make significant changes in the January transfer window.
The January transfer window is loved and loathed in equal measures, with many managers and supporters alike welcoming the opportunity to freshen things up, while others see it as a source of distraction. History shows it is a renowned place for panic buying, as last January certainly proved, but there have been notable successes in the past that shows it can be a significant period to turn around a club’s fortunes. I feel the African Cup of Nations and the unprecedented amount of long term injuries we have seen will force many club’s hands and subsequently we can expect to see another expensive month for many Premier League chairman.
So how do you feel about Aston Villa’s fortunes so far this season and would you look to see changes made in January? Who would you like to see brought in and ultimately who would you like to see moved on in the up and coming window?
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Gonzalo Higuain’s father and agent has stated that the striker has no intention in leaving Real Madrid, and has distanced his son from a move to Chelsea.
The Argentina international competes with Karim Benzema for a place in Jose Mourinho’s starting XI, and reports in both the Spanish and British press have linked the South American attacker with a move to Stamford Bridge come January.
Despite this, Jorge Higuain has stated that the 24-year-old will not be leaving the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Nobody at Real Madrid has said anything about wanting to sell Gonzalo and he doesn’t have any intention of leaving,” the representative told La Stampa.
“In fact, he wants to continue with Real Madrid until his contract expires in June 2016.
“If somebody told us we weren’t welcome (at Real) I’m sure we would receive very good proposals,” he stated.
Serie A giants Juventus have also been speculated as a potential suitor, but Higuain senior has said that there has been no contact from the Turin club or Andre Villas Boas’ men.
“Regarding the rumours that say Chelsea and Juventus are interested in my son, the only thing I can say is that they are both two great teams.
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“They would be two important opportunities, but nobody has gotten in touch with me,” he concluded.
Gary Neville’s frank admission last year that playing for England was ‘a massive waste of time’, is hardly a surprising revelation and may simply confirm what a lot of this country’s supporters already suspect; that playing and performing well for England is just not a high priority for many of today’s Premier League superstars. It also backs up the claim that this has been the problem with England’s national team for years.
We’ve all grown accustomed to it. Every time an international tournament comes along the press is quick to build up England’s hopes, promoting them to one of the favourites on the evidence of…’inventing’ football? 1966? Whilst I may be (only slightly) exaggerating, the main cause for England optimism is of course the English Premier League and its vast array of stars. However, it seems lost on many in this country that perhaps boasting the self proclaimed ‘best league in the world’ doesn’t equate to the best players in the league being English. For all the grandeur, splendour and quality of the Premier League, a lot of that quality has been provided by the non-English. But, that’s not to say there hasn’t been a plethora of English Premier League stars over the years, as quite clearly there has. It just ensures the success of the Premier League and the teams in it helps build the great expectations of the English national team, which always ends in ‘catastrophic’ failure. But I digress a little. But not much…
You see the success of our Premier League teams and the failings of the National team can be intrinsically linked by Neville’s comments. As a member of the most successful team in Premier League history he was used to winning at club level. Whilst he counts himself as ‘patriotic’, he also states that playing for England was just a ‘bonus’. Winning for Manchester United was always the most important thing to him. These comments have been echoed by many others in the past – Jamie Carragher is another with similar sentiments – but obviously with Liverpool winning rather than United! As a supporter, I put my club first so can take comfort from my players doing the same – but can see how other fans take issue with such comments.
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You see the Premier League era and the success, glory and obscene amounts of money it has brought, has given today’s top player everything they could possibly ever want. They are rich, they are famous – world renowned in fact, and they are successful with their club teams. When the inevitable happens and the great expectations are not reached with the English national team, they are slaughtered by the press and public. Many England players, past and present, have stated on occasions they have been barracked by the home support. It was particularly prevalent in the old Wembley days. Some supporters club allegiances are not put to one side and abuse will be given to a ‘domestic’ opposite player, rather than channelling support for their country.
It has become a vicious circle; the more England fail, the more abuse the players receive – and today’s Premier League star just isn’t used to receiving such criticism – be it too harsh or not. The fear of failure is so much so that players, such as Neville, see representing their country as something they could do without – rather than it being the pinnacle of their career. Now too many players spend too much time fearing the consequences of failure when they pull on an England shirt, scared of what will be written or said of them if a mistake is made.
The modern Premier League English international has much to occupy his mind, other than the failing of the national team. Discipline has always been a key issue when talking about England, and again Neville brought to light that players would rather be gambling on the horses or playing card games, rather than focusing on the job in hand. Other stories regarding mobile phones in training and the infamous WAGS issue have all dogged fairly recent campaigns, but that seemingly came to a close with the appointment of the strict Fabio Capello as England manager. However, on the pitch, when it come to tournament time, not much changed with England’s ‘golden generation’ coming to a humiliating end in South Africa.
It’s hard to know who to blame for all the failings; the previous/current managers and their lack of man management or flexible tactics? Or is it the press, the media and the fans for the unrealistic expectations, then the incessant abuse that follows the failures? Or is it simply down to the players, who in today’s game are too pampered and precious, put their country second, and have simply achieved too much too soon, without achieving the heights of the legends of yesteryear?
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