That's disingeneous, as no-one has stated that they know the reasons, but rather speculated on possibe reasons that appear the most likely from our viewpoint (my first reason was a joke that Rodgers is xenophobic). In fact, this whole discussion started with you saying that the "isolation" (we don't even know if it is isolation; all we know is that they're training away from the main group) was definately wrong, even though we don't know the reasons for it.
But what they do in training may be an indication of whether they will sweat blood and give 100% on match day. And players should earn their position in the team, and not think they can do whatever and stil play. Obviously he should pick the best team for the particular game, but surely their mindset and mental state forms a part of that judgement?
Maybe it's the translation but it sounds like: we offered £10m, they said no. Now they're announcing they would happily accept £14m from us, but have we actually made this bid or is it just something they would like to happen?
I think there's a lot of differing stories. One was rafa had him back in the fold. Another is this fee. I think we have been told no more traffic in by lfc so unless the sales go amazing I can't see this happening.
You're right it is inexperience and ego and he's human, it's a steep learning curve coming to a big club so he's not going to get it right straight away or even 3 years on! You ask why he should waste his time in training these three players - and the assumptions as to what makes these three difficult, could all be spot on, but 1] we don't know if those particular assumptions are correct and 2] even if they are, these players are still our players and should be treated with the respect and commitment that deserves, whether or not they return that respect and commitment doesn't mean the club should treat them differently [ bearing in mind we have no idea that these three are being isolated for being lazy, poor attitude or whatever].
I put the laughing smiley after that statement to lighten up the comment because without the smiley it looks like I mean what that sentence says. But be honest, everyone who's commented on it has said it's to do with being disruptive. Training away from the group is isolation and it doesn't matter what the reason for it is. If any of them had done something really bad then they should be told to stay away until a decision is taken to integrate them back into team training.
Not altogether disagreeing with your moral standpoint JB, I'd not have the coldness to do it myself. I just think he's been burnt twice by players he's gone the extra mile for and got flack in some quarters for not being strong enough to force them down. Maybe he's saying I have to swallow it from quality players but I'll be damned if I'm looking a fool over 3 rejects. All speculation. And as I said, it's an ugly business and I think the club gave up having a moral standing when it decided it still wanted to succeed in the cesspit that is today's top tier game. I genuinely albeit with sadness don't think we'll come out on top otherwise. Justified? I'm assuming the fact none of us will stop supporting and will enjoy any future success suggests it is. There are no innocents in any of it these days...
That was quick, didn't even realise the move was final Rickie Lambert: West Brom sign striker from Liverpool Rickie Lambert joined West Brom on Friday and then scored twice on his friendly debut three hours later. The striker, 33, who signed from Liverpool for an undisclosed fee on a two-year deal, marked his move with efforts against ex-club Bristol Rovers. "Rickie is a good, strong, solid player who is a great character, good in the dressing room and good on the pitch," said West Brom head coach Tony Pulis. "We are very pleased to have him on board." Lambert's contrast in fortunes 2013-14: Lambert reached double figures for goals and assists - no player achiveved that the next season 2014-15: There were 119 players who scored more goals than Lambert in the Premier League Lambert becomes the club's third summer signing, following the acquisitions of James Chester and James McClean. West Brom are the eighth club the Kirkby-born forward has played for, having started his career at Blackpool. He came to prominence at Southampton where he scored 117 times in 235 appearances, after signing from Bristol Rovers in 2009. Lambert then realised a lifetime dream last summer by joining the club he supported, Liverpool, in a £4m deal. However, he failed to rediscover his Saints scoring form at Anfield, managing only two league goals in 25 games for the Reds last season. http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/33736874
It's just my view on it, others have different views, that's why we go on these forums isn't it. Makes it more interesting, be boring if we all agreed all the time. I respect everyone's point of view who's spoken on it so far. After all, we're mature enough to have a discussion without falling out over it.
