Post by Salem6 on Mar 15, 2004 16:23:35 GMT
Pulling on your own countries shirt to represent them in any field is by many classed as one of the greatest achievements you can ever make. However it seems that over recent years many football club managers have made a mockery of the importance of their players representing their respective countries. This has in turn caused many arguments (usually through the press) between international and club managers.
One of the first high profile cases that spring’s to mind is that of Sven Goran Erikkson, England manager vs Alex Ferguson, Manchester United manager. Over the last couple of years they have had many ding dongs over the timing of friendlies, and the releasing of important players due to concern over injuries, burn out etc. Although there are arguments which favour both sides it seems a shame that playing for your country is not seen as the be all and end all anymore.
When you look back at past players who have pulled on the three lions for England like Stuart Pearce, Paul Ince, Ian Wright etc you could tell it meant so much to them during their playing careers. When Stuart Pearce slotted home that penalty in Euro 96 to avenge for his miss in World Cup Italia 90 all his passion came pouring out and it was clear to anyone how proud he was to play for his county.
Over recent times it could be argued that players have sometimes not given it there all when playing for their country. Although this would never happen in a tournament it happens when again those dreaded friendlies are taking place. This is because players tend to have their mind on the next game they are playing for their respective club and will often look towards that rather than the initial job in hand. There are of course exceptions to this rule when you look at players like David Beckham our inspirational captain who always gives his all no matter what the status of any game is.
Another recent example of club vs country was with Freddie Kanoute the Tottenham striker. His manager David Pleat clearly did not want him to represent Mali in the African Nations Cup out in Tunisia because he had been in such prolific scoring form before the start of it. Also added was the fact that Kanoute had previously represented France at under-21 level. However because he felt he would never get the call up for the full squad he decided to play for Mali. This didn’t prove to be the wisest move in Mr Pleat’s eyes as he initially thought he was deserting the club at a time when they really needed him especially as there was no original indication that he wanted to go off and play for Mali. Kanoute got his way and scored a few goals in the tournament. Unfortunately for him while he was gone Tottenham signed Jermain Defoe and he has since struck up a pretty lethal partnership with Robbie Keane. Perhaps holding his place down in the THFC first 11 may not seem as easy as Kanoute might have first imagined.
England’s last friendly before the squad for Euro 2004 is finalised is against Sweden on Wednesday March 31st this is bang in between two vital fixtures both concerning Manchester United and Arsenal who play each other on the Saturday before and the weekend after this fixture in the league and FA Cup respectively. Yet again it seems that club football will be seen as more important than a last chance for players to concrete and prove their place in the all important squad for Portugal.
Alec Peachey
www.squarefootball.net/content/article/article.asp?aid=675
One of the first high profile cases that spring’s to mind is that of Sven Goran Erikkson, England manager vs Alex Ferguson, Manchester United manager. Over the last couple of years they have had many ding dongs over the timing of friendlies, and the releasing of important players due to concern over injuries, burn out etc. Although there are arguments which favour both sides it seems a shame that playing for your country is not seen as the be all and end all anymore.
When you look back at past players who have pulled on the three lions for England like Stuart Pearce, Paul Ince, Ian Wright etc you could tell it meant so much to them during their playing careers. When Stuart Pearce slotted home that penalty in Euro 96 to avenge for his miss in World Cup Italia 90 all his passion came pouring out and it was clear to anyone how proud he was to play for his county.
Over recent times it could be argued that players have sometimes not given it there all when playing for their country. Although this would never happen in a tournament it happens when again those dreaded friendlies are taking place. This is because players tend to have their mind on the next game they are playing for their respective club and will often look towards that rather than the initial job in hand. There are of course exceptions to this rule when you look at players like David Beckham our inspirational captain who always gives his all no matter what the status of any game is.
Another recent example of club vs country was with Freddie Kanoute the Tottenham striker. His manager David Pleat clearly did not want him to represent Mali in the African Nations Cup out in Tunisia because he had been in such prolific scoring form before the start of it. Also added was the fact that Kanoute had previously represented France at under-21 level. However because he felt he would never get the call up for the full squad he decided to play for Mali. This didn’t prove to be the wisest move in Mr Pleat’s eyes as he initially thought he was deserting the club at a time when they really needed him especially as there was no original indication that he wanted to go off and play for Mali. Kanoute got his way and scored a few goals in the tournament. Unfortunately for him while he was gone Tottenham signed Jermain Defoe and he has since struck up a pretty lethal partnership with Robbie Keane. Perhaps holding his place down in the THFC first 11 may not seem as easy as Kanoute might have first imagined.
England’s last friendly before the squad for Euro 2004 is finalised is against Sweden on Wednesday March 31st this is bang in between two vital fixtures both concerning Manchester United and Arsenal who play each other on the Saturday before and the weekend after this fixture in the league and FA Cup respectively. Yet again it seems that club football will be seen as more important than a last chance for players to concrete and prove their place in the all important squad for Portugal.
Alec Peachey
www.squarefootball.net/content/article/article.asp?aid=675