Injured players not making themselves available to play

[LawCharltonBest]

Mourinho has touched on this recently with Jones and Smalling. I remember Sir Alex's scathing criticism of Hargreaves in his autobiography, accusing Hargreaves of never wanting to play or train.

How do we feel about players doing this? I know it's easy to say when I'm not in their position, but I'd like to think that if I were a top level footballer earning millions a year, I'd try to make myself available to play however hurt I was

I'm really disappointed in Jones and Smalling for not answering Jose's challenge.

Thoughts?

 

[arthurka]

This will be the end of these guys at Utd..

 

[SirAF]

But Jose is such an ass...

I remember Ferguson alluding to this with Saha too, right?

 

[Snowjoe]

If a player is genuinely injured then I don't think they should be expected to want to play. It's a stupid idea on every level and only has the potential to lead to bigger trouble.

 

[Attila]

John Terry revealed yesterday that, because of the pain-killing injections he is having, it will take virtually the whole of this season for the broken toe in his right foot to heal.

The England captain confirmed that he had been undergoing injections since "day one" of the campaign after fracturing the small toe in Chelsea's pre-season friendly against Suwon Bluewings in July.

"A broken toe would take four to six weeks to heal," Terry explained. "With the injections every game and in training, it's going to take six to eight months to heal. It's not going to kill me. You carry on."

Asked further if he was concerned at the possibility of long-term damage being caused by the jabs, Terry, who trains in boots which are slit down the side to relieve the pressure on his foot, added: "Whether it's going to hinder me when I'm 36 or 40, I don't know. In 10 or 15 years' time I don't want to turn round and say, 'I wish I could have played in this game or that game'."

Terry has taken the injections with the approval of his club manager Jose Mourinho adding: "I've spoken to him [Mourinho] and if there was an issue about making it worse, maybe he would step in and say. But it would still come down to me. If I say I can play, I will." Still, with a long season ahead the prognosis is a concern.

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/...line-with-weekly-injection-regime-401738.html

Jones has been out for 5 weeks now with a toe injury

 

[Sheldon69]

It's no coincidence that the same players keep getting injured all the time

 

[DatGuyRich]

Schweinsteiger was doing this all last season yet never got criticised.

 

[wolvored]

Get shut of them they are massively injury prone anyroad. I cant see anyone paying a transfer fee for them so we may as well just let them go. £200 grand plus a week the club will gain what could go to paying a top players wages

 

[Pexbo]

Schweinsteiger was doing this all last season yet never got criticised.

Eh?

 

[Summit]

If a player is genuinely injured then I don't think they should be expected to want to play. It's a stupid idea on every level and only has the potential to lead to bigger trouble.

Some players nowadays are pussies tbh, and will go injured over the slightest things, the sort of things in which other players would probably play through. I suspect Jose feels their injuries doesn't warrant them being sidelined like they are, otherwise he wouldn't have said what he said imo.

Did you know that Sir Bobby had a injured ankle when he was called up to play his first game for United? He had just been told by the reserves coach to take a couple of weeks out, yet he played. Didn't do him any harm playing through a bit of pain. Like I say though, Jose obviously feels these injuries aren't something that would cause long term damage.

 

[wolvored]

Schweinsteiger was doing this all last season yet never got criticised.

That was when Vg was here, his best mate

 

[RonaldoVII]

I can't understand this being aimed at Smalling. He put himself forward to play against Chelsea away when he was injured yet only made it worse and was at fault in the goals so it clearly wasn't the right decision. He's only just returned to running in the pool so clearly isn't ready yet. Jones' toe injury could be another matter but not much you can do if it's broken.

 

[Sandikan]

When fans judge performances, they never give any allowance that the player might be playing through a niggle.
But when you look at a 50 game season, and the contact and speed involved in the top flight, it's inconceivable to think they are fully fit even 3/4 of the time.

If your manager was calling you out on not playing through injuries (not niggles), you'd most likely take it 1 of 2 ways. As a bit offensive, meaning you'd think screw him, or 2) want to show you will play through things, which with the likes of Jones, King injury prone, surely wouldn't end well.

 

[SkeppyRed]

Jose wants warriors. A willingness to go above and beyond for your teammates creates the kind of team spirit you need to win championships.

The way he worded it about Jones and Smalling didn't sound good for them. To be honest would it suprise anyone? Both have always seemed a bit flakey.

Glad we finally have a manager who is testing the weaker characters. It's not always the obvious one either.

 

[izec]

Eh?

from the manager probably. He got torn apart on here.

 

[Classical Mechanic]

But Jose is such an ass...

I remember Ferguson alluding to this with Saha too, right?

Fergie said he had phantom injuries, same as D Sturridge. It could be a psychological disorder.

 

[IrishRedDevil]

Smalling and Jones have to be on their way out. Jose called them out, and both went to bed for a cry. We need players with desire to fight, not these two softies. It's a shame as I actually rate both players highly, but what's the point if they aren't available to play for long parts of every season.

 

[LawCharltonBest]

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/...line-with-weekly-injection-regime-401738.html

Jones has been out for 5 weeks now with a toe injury

That's the spirit you need. I don't like Terry, but you can tell why he's been so successful with his attitude towards the game. I get the impression with Jones that he's happy just living off his status as a United player without actually doing anything for the team.

 

[ti vu]

I can't understand this being aimed at Smalling. He put himself forward to play against Chelsea away when he was injured yet only made it worse and was at fault in the goals so it clearly wasn't the right decision. He's only just returned to running in the pool so clearly isn't ready yet. Jones' toe injury could be another matter but not much you can do if it's broken.

The thing is now is end season business so if these guys can step in for couple of games & perform just acceptably; so other players can take a rest that would help a lot. These guys don't need to be 100%. They have the summer to recover. Just take one for the team even if they may end up injured. These should be those games where Terry said he doesn't want to miss since when he retires that would do his head in with all the "what if"

Smalling performed badly when carrying that injury, but as mentioned with Terry & Gerrard... those guys did carried similar injury & performed at acceptable level for long period. The injury may take much longer to heal, but they didn't hinder them to perform to bare minimum requirement. So in Smalling case, he didn't perform and the excuse was his injury. Next he refused to play and wanted to get fully fit before starting playing again.

If anything the Englishman spirit is dying with the younger generations. Already fall behind in tactic & technical abilities, and now losing the mentality, that would prove to be fatal to English football.

 

[snk123]

Frankly, I'd be happy if Smalling doesn't make himself available for tomorrow.

 

[Steven Seagull]

Smalling has a ligament injury, no? If he's not fit he can't play. It's hardly a dead leg or a bruise.

 

[Dobbs]

Before being disappointed I'd consider its possible that they are genuinely injured. Wasn't the initial prognosis mid May? If so tomorrow would be a very rushed return.

Using Fergie to back this up doesn't validate it. His opinion on Hargreaves simply can't have been correct. Hargreaves never really played football again so clearly it wasn't a case of just being a bit soft.

 

[RonaldoVII]

The thing is now is end season business so if these guys can step in for couple of games & perform just acceptably; so other players can take a rest that would help a lot. These guys don't need to be 100%. They have the summer to recover. Just take one for the team even if they may end up injured.

Smalling performed badly when carrying that injury, but as mentioned with Terry & Gerrard... those guys did carried similar injury & performed at acceptable level for long period. The injury may take much longer to heal, but they didn't hinder them to perform to bare minimum requirement. So in Smalling case, he didn't perform and the excuse was his injury. Next he refused to play and wanted to get fully fit before starting playing again.

Surely that's what the likes of Fosu Mensah and Tuanzebe are there for?

The likes of Gary Neville have said Smalling is the type to run through a brick wall for you if needed so I'm sure he'd play with a minor injury but with a knee problem it's mental to attempt it.

 

[Dobbs]

Smalling and Jones have to be on their way out. Jose called them out, and both went to bed for a cry. We need players with desire to fight, not these two softies. It's a shame as I actually rate both players highly, but what's the point if they aren't available to play for long parts of every season.

How have you watched Jones play and come to the conclusion he's a softie?

Disregard for his own safety is one of the reasons he's injured so often!

 

[Skills]

I think it just tells you that Mourinho had no top level career as an athlete, thus he can't really relate to the players in these situations.

 

[ti vu]

Surely that's what the likes of Fosu Mensah and Tuanzebe are there for?

The likes of Gary Neville have said Smalling is the type to run through a brick wall for you if needed so I'm sure he'd play with a minor injury but with a knee problem it's mental to attempt it.

By the sound of it, Mourinho wanted a risky push to get back into it at the beginning of May, while seems like both Jones & Smalling is going with the safe routine which is when the season ended.

We don't have full info on the extend of players' injury, but seems like Smalling & Jones' injuries can be accelerated especially for crucial period of the season.

Tuanzebe is not first team player. TFM is but is very raw everytime he played for us. They're last of last resort which means less than 100% Smalling & Jones are still preferred. Remember that in 2007 & 2008 when defensive crisis hit us, SAF didn't just use Pique & Evans. He went with make shift first team defenders. Evra played as RB vs AS Roma, Heinze as LCB, Hargreaves as RB, Brown moved from at that time his position RB to LCB...

LVG, Wenger trumped almost every other coaches for their desperate in using inexperienced players. SAF for all his reputation regarding playing youth was not that desperate. He did it when there was not as much pressure on the youngsters. Don't forget we're talking about defenders here where it's one of the most experience demanding positions.

 

[Dobbs]

By the sound of it, Mourinho wanted a risky push to get back into it at the beginning of May, while seems like both Jones & Smalling is going with the safe routine which is when the season ended.

We don't have full info on the extend of players' injury, but seems like Smalling & Jones' injuries can be accelerated especially for crucial period of the season.

Tuanzebe is not first team player. TFM is but is very raw everytime he played for us. They're last of last resort which means less than 100% Smalling & Jones are still preferred. Remember that in 2007 & 2008 when defensive crisis hit us, SAF didn't just use Pique & Evans. He went with make shift first team defenders. Evra played as RB vs AS Roma, Heinze as LCB, Hargreaves as RB, Brown moved from at that time his position RB to LCB...

LVG, Wenger trumped almost every other coaches for their desperate in using inexperienced players. SAF for all his reputation regarding playing youth was not that desperate. He did

What's that based on though and did you or anybody else say it before Jose's comments?

 

[Skills]

What's that based on though and did you or anybody else say it before Jose's comments?

Mourinho's authority goes beyond even medical professionals

 

[The United]

By the sound of it, Mourinho wanted a risky push to get back into it at the beginning of May, while seems like both Jones & Smalling is going with the safe routine which is when the season ended.

We don't have full info on the extend of players' injury, but seems like Smalling & Jones' injuries can be accelerated especially for crucial period of the season.

Tuanzebe is not first team player. TFM is but is very raw everytime he played for us. They're last of last resort which means less than 100% Smalling & Jones are still preferred. Remember that in 2007 & 2008 when defensive crisis hit us, SAF didn't just use Pique & Evans. He went with make shift first team defenders. Evra played as RB vs AS Roma, Heinze as LCB, Hargreaves as RB, Brown moved from at that time his position RB to LCB...

Actually evans and pique played a lot whenever they could. Pique was doing pretty good in that period till vidic and rio came back.

Then again, SAF did something. which means everyone else is fine to do the same or something?

How about everyone be as successful as SAF?

Also I haven't read about jose's comments on it in a full context. So I would not comment too much on it.

But, the poster who you replied saying that there is a squad to use has a very valid point. Some youth players were promoted into the first team for that kind of very reason.

 

[ti vu]

What's that based on though and did you or anybody else say it before Jose's comments?

Quite some people wanted them to be sold in the summer for being injured a lot prior to Mourinho's comment. So go figure...

 

[IrishRedDevil]

How have you watched Jones play and come to the conclusion he's a softie?

Disregard for his own safety is one of the reasons he's injured so often!

727 days injured in 6 seasons with United, in my book he's soft!

 

[ti vu]

Actually evans and pique played a lot whenever they could. Pique was doing pretty good in that period till vidic and rio came back.

Then again, SAF did something. which means everyone else is fine to do the same or something?

How about everyone be as successful as SAF?

Evans played very little before being sent on loan in 07-08 (at times he really lacked experience). Pique was sent on loan very often. Played very little in crucial games in 07-08 where SAF rather used makeshift defenders, safer option in Oshea, Brown as CB than Pique..

 

[Dobbs]

Quite some people wanted them to be sold in the summer for being injured a lot prior to Mourinho's comment. So go figure...

Not what I asked. You said it's possible they could return quicker from these particluar injuries. I asked how do you know this and did you say this anywhere before Jose's comments?

727 days injured in 6 seasons with United, in my book he's soft!

You equate injuries with being soft? Robson was injured a lot. Was he soft?

 

[glazed]

Jose wants warriors. A willingness to go above and beyond for your teammates creates the kind of team spirit you need to win championships.

The way he worded it about Jones and Smalling didn't sound good for them. To be honest would it suprise anyone? Both have always seemed a bit flakey.

Glad we finally have a manager who is testing the weaker characters. It's not always the obvious one either.

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his players for his job.
Jose 15:13

 

[stevoc]

I think it might be a bit harsh to criticise Smalling for this when he played earlier in the season with a broken toe. Maybe the doctors are advising them not to play, and Mourinho wants them to ignore that and play anyway. Whose advice do you follow in that scenario it's possible Jose is thinking short term and might not necessarily have their best interests at heart.

 

[The United]

Evans played very little before being sent on loan in 07-08 (at times he really lacked experience). Pique was sent on loan very often. Played very little in crucial games in 07-08 where SAF rather used makeshift defenders, safer option in Oshea, Brown as CB than Pique..

Pique played 13 times in 2007-08.

Evans played 3 times when he was like 19. Then he played 34 times next year.

I don't think that is very little.

What were those crucial games where we had makeshift defenders?!

Browns, Oshea etc were defenders in the first places and both came from our own academy as well.

 

[SkeppyRed]

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his players for his job.
Jose 15:13

Amen

 

[ti vu]

Not what I asked. You said it's possible they could return quicker from these particluar injuries. I asked how do you know this and did you say this anywhere before Jose's comments?



You equate injuries with being soft? Robson was injured a lot. Was he soft?

Mourinho worked directly with these guys. When he said they're closer to be playable. Without info, all you can do is speculating. I am no journo. If you're accusing people for being bias toward Mourinho then same go for you with antism. Have a go at every thing even with misleading info.

I can't predict the injury. I was adamant when Jones, Shaw being called up for international duty. So go figure...

Toe injury as pointed out is playable.

Edit: It's not the first time Terry Gerrard injuries were brought up. It's brought up with Smalling previous toe injury back then.

 

[DWelbz19]

It's really, really silly. I mean, maybe you can make the comment in passing or something, but at some point it becomes just unprovoked attacks. It leads to rhetoric like players being 'softies' for not playing with broken toes or ligament damage. Do people really think Smalling and Jones are not trying their damned hardest to get back as soon as possible?

 

[SirAF]

It's really, really silly. I mean, maybe you can make the comment in passing or something, but at some point it becomes just unprovoked attacks. It leads to rhetoric like players being 'softies' for not playing with broken toes or ligament damage. Do people really think Smalling and Jones are not trying their damned hardest to get back as soon as possible?

Do people really believe that Jose is just spouting random shit about this? He see the players and the medic people every single day.