
Originally Posted by
Over the post
I think it's part of a vicious circle in which the players couldn't be ar$ed dealing with the public or the media anymore, the management develop a siege mentality and the press get evermore bloodthirsty.
I found Kerr's comments about having to cancel visits to hospitals because the players complained very revealing. It makes my blood boil to see how these pampered primadonnas kiss their crests and swear undying loyalty to their country but then won't donate a couple of hours to visiting sick children.
The players seem to be more distant from the public than ever, like they inhabit a different world to the rest of us and whenever they are exposed to fans at close quarters (like getting off the team bus) they are invariably wearing headphones and seem more or less oblivious to the fans (although there are exceptions).
I also think that in many national sides, players are becoming less committed; they know the club pays their wages, and in many cases offers greater opportunities for glory. The national manager's hands are tied in some respects and it must be particularly frustrating when the media are baying for your blood.
I'm not trying to defend Stan, I think he's the wrong man in the wrong place at the wrong time, but he must feel between a rock and a hard place with several players that aren't playing to their full potential and the media seating him firmly on the proverbial bacon-slicer.