Superstar benchwarmer is prepared to leave Manchester
In this week’s Shortlist magazine, Lionel Messi sings the praises of Argentinean teammate Carlos Tevez, drawing attention to his indifference about sitting on those lovely comfy Audi seats at Old Trafford:
He is very funny and always in a good mood. He never gets mad. If he has to sit on the bench, he just sits there and encourages his teammates.
In an interview published in today’s Sun, however, Tevez revealed that he is growing tired of starting or finishing matches on the sidelines, something that was evident in the way he shook his head when making way for Dimitar Berbatov during Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Arsenal:
“It’s true I’ve spent a lot of time on the bench and I’d like to play more. But every time I’m given a chance I do all I can to do well and take full advantage.
“Yes, it’s like that, it’s true I see myself more leaving United than staying here.
[…]
“My future? I don’t know what will happen for my future. I would like to go to Spain, yes, but I don’t know yet.”
Those of us without economics degrees and gigantic Wenger-like brains will never fully understand the two-year loan deal that brought Tevez to Old Trafford, but it expires at the end of this season, meaning Manchester Utd will have to part with around £32m (less the £10m already paid as part of his loan) to stop him moving on. Aside from the much-publicised move to Real Madrid, Tevez has also been linked to Inter Milan, Liverpool and Manchester City.
Few people in football (outside of Sheffield Utd) have a bad word to say about Tevez, yet Fergie appears to be doing little to retain his services. So, should Utd try their hardest to keep their lovable wet dog-alike, or will they barely notice his absence when the likes of Federico Macheda come into full bloom? Let us know your thoughts below…
Last week, rumours of Robbie Keane’s return to White Hart Lane were rife, and will be further fueled by Rafa’s puzzling decision to keep him on the bench during Saturday’s draw with Hull.
In fifteen league appearances this season, the Irishman has only has only given himself two opportunities to show off his patented cartwheel-six-shooter celebration - clearly not the form of a £20m striker.
Senor Benitez may sell him off without giving him a chance to rediscover his goalscoring ability, but will face opposition from many fans, and the embarrassment of costing Hanks Hicks and Billy Bob Gillett a small fortune for very little return.
Will the surplus to requirements striker be put on the market during the window? Votes and comments below, please…
Which world class striker will warm the bench on Sunday?
Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka can rehearse showtunes together for as long as they please, but the harsh reality is that Big Phil won’t start two strikers, and of them them will begin Sunday’s clash. Aware of the conundrum, chickendinner have helpfully compiled some statistics to aid the Brazilian’s decision:
Nicolas Anelka
+ The top-scorer in the Premier League this season with thirteen goals
+ Scored in his last home start against West Ham
+ Has been involved in four 4-0 victories over the Hammers in his career
- Has only scored in one of his last six home games
- 13 of his last 14 goals have come when Malouda (doubtful) has started
- He has yet to score in a London derby for Chelsea
Didier Drogba
+ Has scored in three of five starts against West Ham
+ Found the net in his last two appearances at Stamford Bridge
+ Scored twice in his last London derby (at home to Arsenal)
- Has scored in just two league matches since November
- And has now gone seven Premier League games without a goal
- Was an unused substitute when Chelsea beat West Ham 4-0 last season
Who do you think should start? Stroppy Frenchman or stroppy Ivorian? Let us know below…
Barcelona’s Bojan is starting to crack under La Liga pressure
If anyone wishes to see the dangers of thrusting a young footballer into the limelight too quickly, they should consider Barcelona’s eighteen-year-old sensation Bojan Krkić. The striker was called up to international duty before making the full Barca team, and last season broke Raul’s record for most goals in a debut season (ten).
However, he has made little impact this season, and ol’ Terry Henry replaced him during a match with Getafe on Sunday, the poor little chap burst into a flood of tears.
After complaints of illness and anxiety, it looks like the pressure is really getting to him.
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