Axed stars fool nobody by blaming the boss

THIS week we have heard two full backs — one from Liverpool and one recently departed from Manchester United — complaining about their respective treatment by Brendan Rodgers and Louis van Gaal. First, we had Jose Enrique saying he had been alienated by Rodgers along with strikers Mario Balotelli and Fabio Borini. Players tend to become alienated only if they are seen as a bad influence on the rest of the squad. Reports this week of Balotelli disrupting training by scoring an own goal from the halfway line tell you why he needs to be kept out of the way. Borini refused a move last season despite being told he would not play, then made only 12 league appearances, all but three as a substitute. Enrique, who has played just 12 Premier League games in the past two seasons having been the club’s first-choice left back in the previous two campaigns, said he wanted to fight for his place. He added that he had looked to Spain for a move but economic conditions make it difficult. That translates as: I’m staying because no-one in Spain can afford me and I don’t care if I don’t play (just like last season) because I’m waiting to go on a free next summer when my contract expires. I am sure there are clubs in England or Spain who would want him for less money. It is about whether he really has the hunger to play even if it means a pay cut. Rafael, the former United right back, tells us Van Gaal may have a problem with Brazilians, which is why he has joined Lyon on a permanent deal. Maybe Van Gaal just realised that Rafael never really trained on and was often reckless, finding himself cautioned for fouls after being caught out of position. Making those calls is Van Gaal’s job and if he rated him more highly he would not have played Antonio Valencia — traditionally a winger — ahead of Rafael for most of last season whether he was from Brazil or Bury. With lots more deals coming in the next fortnight, we will no doubt hear more whining and moaning. Wouldn’t it be nice for once to hear a player say he did not do enough or was not good enough rather than blaming the manager?