The answer to this is so obvious that nobody dares mention it. Everyone knows it deep down but simply cannot admit it and clutch on straws and fire managers to find any other excuses. It reminds me of a famous Liverpool supporters banner seen at a European away game. It said 'We're not English, but Scouse'.
The English Premier League is one of the most attractive football leagues in the world. For sheer entertainment value, it is by far superior to any other league in the world. The amount of money that is involved in the game is staggering, many countries have a GDP that size, to put it into perspective.
There in lies the first problem. Money. If I am a millionaire in the UK within 2 months by just playing football, will you really have the same drive and passion for the national team? Its just another couple of hundred thousand. I have my comfort zone back home. Home being Chelsea, or Man United or Liverpool. My own home stadium and my own adoring fans that don't boo me. So the motivation in the financial phase of the game is just not there.
Secondly, why is the Premiership so entertaining? If you have watched English football, the pace is super human at times. Players literally put their bodies on the line for the cause. Its almost gladiatorial. This time you must put the ball in the net instead of killing your opponent. In the 21st century its the closest we will get to another Colosseum. The pressure and the focus at the start of a season is one of club commitments. Who will win the league, or Champions League. Win at all cost. This mentality shows on the pitch. Does it show when England play? Simply compare England Rugby to England Soccer. Who plays with more guts?
Thirdly, are English people really supporters of their country? Any country would love to have Frank Lampard in their team, England boo him. Have you ever seen a national team get booed so much? How are players supposed to respond when they know the entire country is not behind them? Fans of clubs sing songs during club games that are sometimes deemed as discrimination. Would your season ticket holder prefer a Champions League trophy with club, or European Champions with country, we all know what the Scousers will say. Half time, Istanbul 2005. You'll never walk alone resounded around the stadium while losing 3-0 to AC Milan. England losing 2-0 to Croatia resulted in aggressive boos. I think you know what I mean now.
The English press are to blame too. They are so critical of their own players it has to affect them. The day England played Croatia in the deciding Euro 2008 qualifier, a headline read, Peter Crouch's best moment as England player was his robot dance... thanks for the support guys. You would put your money on it that the press want England to fail to prove them right. One day a hero the next a scape goat.
Fourth, the dismal performances, tactics and personnel selection made my management is at times diabolical. You do not need to be a brain surgeon to realize you cannot play Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in the same midfield. What else needs to go wrong for England for them to realize that? England had their best form in their campaign when Frank Lampard was injured. They are both chosen on ego, and how can I explain to the press that I must drop one of these superstars? Which coach has the guts to do that? Jamie Carragher, one of the best in England, has been so under utilized and treated unfairly I am actually surprised he did not resign earlier. David Beckham, dropped after the world cup found himself flying from the west coast of USA to England on a more regular basis. All this while the best crosser in the premiership, Jermaine Pennant was completely overlooked with Shaun Wright-Phillips, irregular Chelsea displays, first on Steve McLaren's list.
Lastly, the players are simply more faithful to their clubs. The same desire, work ethic, commitment that is seen week in and week out by clubs is simply not seen by the national team. Liverpool have virtually created their own republic. Heck, we even have our own anthem. England should be proud that they have a club that has won the third most European Cups, instead other clubs ridicule that achievement and try to beat that record, not friendly rivalry but with animosity. How do you get these players to play together the following week?
As a Liverpool fan from South Africa, I am glad that England are out. Simply because, well, I am not English and Steven Gerrard can get a break. Lets hope this sour development for England will be a sweet one for the republic of Liverpool.
No comments:
Post a Comment