What could we have done about it though if he wants to go? I agree I'd have much preferred to see him happy to stay, but we've seen before the effect he can have when he's not happy.
He wants to go so you have to let him. You can't keep him as he will just give you nothing. He wants the cash. At the mercenary stage of his career like ba. Both good enough to play in one of the top leagues but the money is clearly the motivation
It sickens me though mate. These two have top ability, just shows its half in the head. Gotta want it. These two if they truly applied themselves are top 6 players in the pl
Looks like he may well be staying captain. The transfer is on the brink of collapse according to reports!
Interesting situation this. If the move collapses l am not sure where that leaves him. Probably in his best interest to be a bit more flexible regarding personal terms, or he could end up out in the cold. Also if the club have based some of their transfer decisions on the assumption of there being no Tiote and some small amount of incoming cash. I hope it doesn't derail the arrival of potential new faces also. That would be a lose, lose situation for sure.
If the deal collapses then we have to pay him - but we don't have to play him. This should be made very clear to him
He's barely played for that long, what difference would it make to him. Just continue picking up his wages, for doing sweet FA.
I'd be happy if he stayed, but not completely disappointed if he goes. He was genuinely world class in his position, the very first player signed under Ashley everyone knew was special immediately. Injury has ravished some of his ability, and I certainly empathise with the situation of the hierarchy letting good players around him go ultimately lessening his appetite to stick around. I feel Tiote got a lot of undeserved stick at times, in part because of the very high expectations of previous performances. Make no mistake, we were always weaker without him. A couple of high profile errors here, a few Tiote-turns into trouble there, should not diminish in anybodies mind the sheer effort he gave to NUFC. As I frequently pointed out, Tiote and Cabaye ran the midfield. They were great players, but THEY RAN the midfield. Always at the top for distance covered, allowing more attacking strategies (4 mids instead of 5 during our best seasons). If you have any doubt, pick one of his bad games. Watch for the following: Fullback marauds, we lose possession, Cheick either makes tackle, fills in at full-back after a sprint, or makes professional foul. We lose possession from our corner, sniffing out the break is Tiote Watch the space afforded to Tiote by the opposition, compared with other players. Compare the calmness and style of possession, and the performance of Coloccini in particular with/without Tiote. Guaranteed, if you do that, you will never ever disrespect a fantastic servant to this football club ever again. Best DM I have seen in the Prem since Makelele. I for one wish him well, Saivet has big boots to fill.
I liked him when he kept it simple. Smash...pass to Yohan. They were a good team. Fully fit him and Shelvey would have been good if maybe walking the red card tightrope every game. I think it's hugely unlikely we would ever see the best of him again though and I recokon he is potentially a bit of a bad influence when all is not going his way so all in all I am not bothered. We have plenty of players who like to play CM ideally to give us enough options.
Loved watching him play when he first joined. He was the classic defensive midfielder. He and Cabaye were the perfect midfield pairing. He actually allowed Cabaye to do his best work. Would love to see Tiote back to his best and if he was fit and up for it I would love to see him and Shelvey playing together. However I don't think it will happen now.
