Originally Posted by
Gwyn Nicholas
It will be interesting to see if any action is taken against JT when the FA meet to discuss the future of Copello. He did (allegedly) try to incite what ammounts to mutiny amongst the team. Mutiny as we know, was punishable by death in the services particularly at sea, it was that serious an offence. If the charge is correct, then JTs actions must be considered as a factor in the miserable final performance against the Germans and surely must face some sort of disciplinary action.
I think the French were a little over zealous sending Anelka home instead of dropping him to the sidelines but in the long term it hopefully it will have an effect on the "player power" situation that seems to be indemic in football today. OK the manager is not always right but, (as we did in the army) obey the orders at the time given and if there is a problem, readdress it later in private not to all and sundry. Perhaps it is possible, that the actions of JT and the scathing response of the public/media may very well serve to remind players in our premiership not to get ideas above their station and get on with the job they are paid/overpaid to do on the pitch. Once that goal is achieved (and the England team have some way to go) perhaps their views will be considered.
Should Capello go. My personal view is no. Ok perhaps some of his selections and positioning of players was suspect but surely he didn't tell his defence to all go up into the box and stay there, (given the German reputation at that point in the comp)....no that was down to player error and JT being the old hand and Ex-skipper knows it.
As for the players, well many of that team played their hearts out from the off and I think it is wrong to slap down guys who give of their best. It is unfortunate that many of them lost their form at a critical time but it happens. Look at other teams whose big names flatter to decieve at this World Cup and how many of them, play in our Premiership. Some believe that our premiership has left players tired, perhaps there is something in that.