Fair point, Swords, although presumably the club believed the tournament would be every other year. It appears ACON is moving the dates around so we lose the African players in successive years. If the players had given their all, all season, and we weren't in dire straights, I wouldn't have a problem. But here we have a situation where the players all concede they are largely responsible for why we are bottom of the division. I don't think it unreasonable for Harry to ask the African players to miss one year due to exceptional circumstances.
Wenger is losing the plot and he's under more pressure than he ever has been. Adel has the ability he would appreciate and could prove to be a cut-price gamble in comparison to other bigger names. Desperation clouds the judgement...
Plus, from what I can gauge from Arsenal's fans on radio etc is that they're after established, top-quality international players. Not sure if Taarabt falls into such a category at present.
Morocco - Adel Mali - Diakite are the only ones who could go to the ACON although Diakite has said he would stay Cameroon - Mbia and Senegal - Traore failed to qualify.
I agree completely that the ACON is a pain in the arse!! I don't think it's any of the players' faults though and I maintain that it's unfair to ask them to miss out on representing their country in a major (as they see it) tournament.
Welcome to the dark side Husky...in a very select group now..alll 3 of us.. Also how anyone can question a player that want to play FOR HIS COUNTRY really defies belief. Most of us would pay to do it wouldnt we? I've lost count of the amount of time SAF, Wenger, etc have been slated for not letting players play for England?! Morning Northy...!
Why tough call, course he goes does his best for Morocco just like I'd expect an Englishman to do so for England
Agree, though when they get back from international duty, they need to fight back to get their place in the team. They should not just expect their place back automatically, especially if the replacement has been playing well
If he goes i think he may well not come back TBH I final position will all but be decided, he'd have gone against HR wishes again and may get the move he craved previously. Shame, as i was willing to give AT more time (for what thats worth?!) and with the No.10 shirt I really hoped we'd see him further up the field supporting the striker. Just hear that with HR arrival, those plans may have gone ?
You've hit on a very good point there. IMO Adel should be played centrally in the centre, in the same position as he was when we won the Championship. Making him work back etc has diminished his attacking threat IMO.
All I can say, Queenslander, is that your belief is defied very easily! The World Cup is once every 4 years. The Euros are once every 4 years. The ACON, at the moment, is every year. I can understand why Harry feels he can ask a favour of Adel. Anyway, I'm clearly outvoted on this one, so I'll retire gracefully...
Let's hope he stays because at say Utd he would have to play at a higher tempo... For me a part of his personal game he needs work on... He thinks so quickly at times our team can't tune in with that. He then tries to slow and pull the strings and often it breaks down If and when we grow we will be able to control the pace of the game At the moment for me we are all trying too hard hence why I don't agree with the calls to drop Bosingwa or anyone else that plays at a controlled pace I feel it's necessary to remain composed and many will see that as we grow and then poor old Mackie will get a few slagging again on here... At the moment Harold is building up the spirit and belief it has to be said if that becomes robust no doubt everyone's confidence will grow ... It's that easy IMO Taarabt can do both but at the moment it's all about work rate ... At a team like united he would become world class under that direction and ethic that has made them the best English team of all time. ACON if we win a few then we may not miss Adel if we have grown enough ... We may have the option either way
Absolute garbage..How can you question a player wantjng to play for his national side..ever? the regularity of the games is totally irrelivant. would you think less of Stuart Pearce if he wanted to rep his country, or ince or Gazza or shearer...All players SHOULD want to play for thier country...Top accolade that you can receive in any sport, bussiness or competitive forum. Sorry Goldie, didnt mean to offend !
No offence taken, Queenslander! I think there has to be a balance to be struck between the club that pays (exorbitant) wages and (what is at the moment) an annual tournament. If it was a single game, no problem, even a friendly If the tournament hadn't happened last year too, - well, less of a problem. But two years in succession...and QPR in crisis...well, you know my feeling so we'll have to agree to differ!
