It seems to me that if there is anything in this story (oh, and by the way I thought Robbie Savage was great on 5live this evening) that it's coming from Yaya Toure's camp. I can't remember the direct quote from Yaya's agent, but it was along the (Rooneyesque?) lines of the team lack a winning mentality, and thinking that fourth is good enough.
If that's true, then I could sort of go along with the criticism. For example, is AJ working his socks off to be the very best he can be? Not if there's anything in the comments about his "life style".
I could also have some sympathy with Yaya if he was carrying the team and any of our positive results were due to his sterling efforts. Does anyone on here think that is the case?
Thought not.
In fact, if there is bad feeling in the ranks it's probably directed at Yaya. I've no idea what Milner said to him, but, I wouldn't be surprised if it was along the lines of "I'm working my bollox off for the team and your swanning around like the big "I am". Put a shift you lazy twat and start to earn your wages" Again, I wouldn't be shocked if Vincent said something similar to Ade.
Unfortunately, in our desperation to sign players, I would imagine that there are few punitive clauses in their contracts to be used in the event of the player not toeing the line. However, should we do have any "happy wanderers" who feel that they can show disrespect to the manager, and by extension the club, then I think that the high ups, including the Sheikh, should make it abundantly clear and say, "that we are the richest club in the world and it's no skin off our nose to keep paying your wages, but you'll never play another game for this or any other club until your contract ends. See what that does for your image rights. Ask your agent how he feels about the blocking off of that and other income streams."
In a similar vein, the agents should be reminded that they've done very well out of this club, and, unless they get their clients to behave, the gravy train stops. Money gives you clout - use it.
Of course, there might be little substance behind the paper talk, and I think that such that there is, is exaggerated.
I know that many on here have their doubts about Bobby and I don't want to debate his virtues or failings here. The major point must be that the players cannot be allowed to deliberately get Bobby the sack. The club must stand up and back him making it plain to all and sundry that he has 100% support. Failure to do so undermine not just this manager but any future one. And, fantastic wages or not, who is the potential manager, with any shred of self-respect who would want to see their reputation trashed in such a way?
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