Bad blood between Fergie & Ruud

Hmmm, dirty linen is being aired in public now that Ruud has openely said that Fergie has stabbed him in the back by leaving him on the bench despite his performance on the pitch. Well, there are many sides to the story & we can only know what is happening through the media reports & press conferences. Which might not be the true story at all.

Ruud is an excellent professional footballer & he should not believe that anybody's place in the first team is a given despite his past performance. At that point in time before any match, no matter how trivial, the manager has the obligation to choose the best combination of players he has available based on the situation, fitness levels of the players & also future matches where certain players might be needed more or more suitable according to style of playing or level of experience. So many variables have to be considered, not just the reputation or salary level. I believe Rudd was highly paid precisely for this reason. He is a great striker & 1 of only 8 players to score 150 goals for Man Utd, but it must be accompanied by the same level of maturity to match the skills.

Skills alone will not take you to the top, neither will past reputation. What matters most is the effort & the determination to do your best whatever the situation may be. If you are placed on the bench for whatever reason, listen to the explaination or go through the rationale behind on your own. Not storm off like a girl (no offence intended) or a little spoilt brat.

While many great players will be most willing to play for 1 of the great clubs in the world like Man Utd, & Fergie has achieved great succcess while at the helm for 20 years, he does have a reputation of being difficult to work with as he expects only the highest standards from everybody & will not compromise even when dealing with superstars who are paid many zillion times more than his salary. However, he should have known by now that sometimes it is more appropriate to use the soft persuasive approach when dealing with his players. Many have fallen out of his favour & subsequently left the club. I feel tremendous saddness everytime this happens. It could be for the better or worst for the club, but it is still painful everytime someone leaves the Theatre of Dreams.

I wish Ruud van Nisterooy all the best in his new club.

Ja neh!!!