Schneiderlin challenges ‘negative’ tag

Friday, 25 October, 2019 76comments  |  Jump to most recent

Morgan Schneiderlin has moved to address what he feels are some misconceptions about his role in the Everton side.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, the Frenchman explained that his job is sometimes to retain the ball for his team rather than take risks, particularly when the scores are close, and argues that there is a contradiction between those who criticise him for making short passes but lauded players like Sergio Busquets for doing the same.

“That's the perception of people and what they say,” Schneiderlin says when asked whether people regard as his style as too negative, “but I would love to watch a game with them.

"If you are in midfield, you are 1-0 down and your team has run after the ball for a minute and I try a long pass and miss it, people might clap because it is an attacking move, but my team-mates might have to fight for another two minutes to get the ball back.

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"If we are winning 1-0 and I make a short pass that allows the team to breathe, people think it is clever.

"Some people say I pass square but I don't see it. Look at Sergio Busquets at Barcelona. I don't compare myself to him but tell me the passes he does that I don't? Because they win games, everyone says he's the cleverest midfielder in football.

"Football is about perception. You can play the same game but it will be analysed differently depending on whether you have won or lost.”

Schneiderlin missed last weekend's win over West Ham with a knock but is back in contention for tomorrow's match against Brighton at the American Express Community Stadium and it will be interesting to see whether he or Fabian Delph, himself fit again following a hamstring strain, walk back into the side at the expense of Tom Davies who impressed in the 2-0 victory.

Silva has retained faith in a player who has looked like he might be on his way out of the club at times over the past 12 months after two up-and-down seasons with Everton.

He was originally signed from Manchester United by Ronald Koeman in a £20m deal in January 2017 and Schneiderlin admits he might have sought to leave the Red Devils too soon.

"I wanted to do more and I had the capacity to do more," he said. "Maybe I jumped out of the boat too quickly when I didn't play for three months.

“When I look at other players having a great career at Manchester United, they all had a spell of four or five months when they didn't play."

 

Reader Comments (76)

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John Cartwright
1 Posted 25/10/2019 at 19:45:01
Hope your not playing tomorrow
Steve Ferns
2 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:09:53
The lad needs better advice. That’s only going to make things worse for him. He needed to keep his head down and cut out the mistakes. Now he’s just made a massive on off the pitch. This isn’t the kind of bravery we wanted to see. It’s just dumb. I can’t see a way back for him after this.
Brian Williams
3 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:12:25
Delusional!

I'm not a coward and shit it's just a matter of perspective!

Iakovos Iasonidis
4 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:12:44
He should be gone by now. Winter transfer period is near
Derek Knox
5 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:15:38
John @1, & Steve @ 2, at least there's some good news, I can envisage the headline already, ' Schneiderlin dropped permanently, due to suffering from Foot and Mouth Disease '. :-)
Tony Abrahams
6 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:16:29
I used to be impressed by Schneiderlin, because he made so many good tackles on the blind side, but then he lost interest and has never been the same player since then.

I don’t know about perception, and think the better word to choose when describing his own game would have been deception imo.

Kevin Prytherch
7 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:16:50
I may be in the minority but I still think Schneiderlin has a role to play - in 2 setups.

Firstly - If Silva ever opts for a 4-3-3 formation I think he would be a good fit to sit deep with two box to box midfielders either side of him.

Secondly - If Silva plays his 4-2-3-1 against the better teams and it effectively becomes 4-4-1-1. He’s not a bad option in midfield because of his positional discipline.

However - If Silva thinks about playing him in a 4-2-3-1 where the opposition are likely to defend any more times - he should be sacked on the spot.

Geoff Trenner
8 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:17:54
Lakovos @4. You can’t get rid of a player under contract unless 1. There is another club interested in taking him and 2. He is prepared to join the interested club.
Brian Williams
9 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:20:06
4-4-2, 2-4-1, Oh 4 fucks sake. Doesn't matter what setup there should be no excuses for a player who constantly positions himself behind opposing players in order to not receive a pass.
Does it time and time again!
Tony Hill
10 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:20:39
I think the criticism of Schneiderlin on here is becoming unpleasant. He’s played well enough this season and I see nothing offensive in his comments.
Tony Abrahams
11 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:25:09
We haven’t won a league game with him in the team Tony, although I agree that slagging players isn’t good, but then again, neither was reading a player allegedly on £100,000 a week, coming out with stuff like this imo.
Andy Crooks
12 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:26:48
Oh dear, Who advised him on this?
Bill Gienapp
13 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:27:14
I doubt bemoaning about how he probably should have just stuck it out at Manchester United will endear him to the Everton faithful.

I still contend that if Gomes, Delph and Gbamin had been fit all season, he wouldn't even be making the bench. The real question is whether Davies has rightfully vaulted him in the midfield pecking order.

Mike Gaynes
14 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:29:16
Talk about a lack of self-awareness. The idea of Schneiderlin comparing himself to Busquets is just laughable.

Yes, Busquets passes sideways. He also wins the ball all over the pitch, works relentlessly and brings passion and fire to the side. He has extraordinary vision and football intelligence, and as someone said of him years ago, "If you watch the whole game, you won't see Busquets—but watch Busquets, and you will see the whole game."

Nobody has ever used any of those words to describe Morgan Schneiderlin. They use lots of other ones.

Steve Ferns
15 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:32:53
Kevin, I would have agreed with you before this. I have previously stated that he’s played well. I think his passing has been more adventurous than some let on. But he’s played within himself. When he does hit the long pass to feet, you wonder why he does not do that more often.

However, none of that matters after this shit. If I was silva I would ditch him for at least a few games, on the basis that even if you need him, he’s just going to antagonise the crowd and you need full support right now.

If silva can bounce back like I hope, then maybe Schniderlin can sneak back into a winning team, play well and win the fans back.

Frankly though, I just cannot see a way back. After, missing the last game for conflicting reasons, I wonder if there’s something else going on here and while you guys focus on the “perception element” what about the “left united too early” element. Is this not a guy looking for the exit. If so, then that’s half the battle with schneiderlin. We’re stuck with him because he’s on too much money. If he does want to leave, then it’s easier to get him to take a paycut.

Brent Stephens
16 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:33:15
Busquets?! Well I hadn’t realised what a bargain we’d got when we bought Morgan.
Brian Williams
17 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:33:30
Tony#10.
Think you're own your own there.
Tony Hill
18 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:34:16
So be it, Brian.
Peter Neilson
19 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:35:30
Signed by Van Gaal to replace Carrick. That went sour and then Mourinho took over and froze him out come completely. He was a busted flush at United now saying he should have stuck it out! He’s had a few decent games but is an extremely limited player. Poor self awareness in comparing himself to Busquets.
Andy Crooks
20 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:42:53
Mike, Schneiderlin is entitled to compare himself to Busquets. They have much in common. Both are well paid, play football, wear boots at work, have a number in their work clothes and have feet.
Brian Williams
21 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:43:42
In his defence he didn't "actually" compare himself to Busquets but that's the only thing I could defend him on I'm afraid. A few, admittedly good, diagonal balls doesn't make up for numerous games of avoiding the ball and basically not wanting to put himself in a position of making a mistake.
I acknowledge that Tony may find some of the critisism unpleasant but I've watched Schneiderlin closely and stand by my claim that on numerous occasions he "hides" behind opposition players rather than show for a pass.
THAT, in my eyes, is unforgivable.
Brian Williams
22 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:45:02
Jesus. Leicester 5-0 up before half time!
Ray Roche
23 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:48:24
Schneiderlin CAN compare himself with Biscuits. They’re both male, both play football. After that, well it’s head scratching time. So, we can all compare ourselves to Biscuits, Ronaldo, whoever.

Just glad I don’t support Southampton. 0-5 down after 44 minutes.

Ray Roche
24 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:49:01
At home!
John Cartwright
25 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:50:55
Foot and mouth disease Derek (5) let's hope it gets rid of deadwood
Lev Vellene
26 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:51:37
Schneiderlin can work very well for us. Even doing things forwards. We've all seen that! But mostly just now and, maybe, then...

But we all now expect him to receive the ball, then fondle it for such a long time that the only option is to pass it sideways or backwards...

So, until he finds it within his very soul to be a helper for Everton's positive movements, I'll keep him on a back-burner for my enthusiasm!

Schneiderlin had such lovely forward passes when he first came into the side! Who killed those? Why does he feel he can no longer play like that? Club/manager or his own head?

PS: I've been very negative towards Morgan for a long time, but that is mostly because he did so much right early on, and we have seldom seen that side of him later!

Trevor Peers
27 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:55:43
He should of left in the summer for his own sake and ours. Shneids would have more joy playing in europe I would imagine, the premiership has become to fast for a player like him.

Successive Everton managers have played 2 DM's for so long it's hard to remember when we played any differently. The objective is to keep the score down when your manager is not confident enough to go for the win.

Who knows he might be included tomorrow if Silva has a relapse in his thinking. If he does it will almost certainly spell another miserable defeat.

Derek Knox
28 Posted 25/10/2019 at 20:59:32
Andy @ 20, your comparison and observation skills are evidently far superior to mine, apart from the amount of games you could count on one hand, I fail to see what (if selected) he offers to the team. :-)
Mark Guglielmo
29 Posted 25/10/2019 at 21:02:28
"“That's the perception of people and what they say,” Schneiderlin says when asked whether people regard as his style as too negative, “but I would love to watch a game with them."

I would challenge him here. He wouldn't like watching a match with me.

Also, Morgan for the love of Christ, please don't compare yourself to a Barça midfielder. Yeesh.

Phil Sammon
30 Posted 25/10/2019 at 21:05:35
I don’t think anyone would begrudge a sideways pass in the circumstances he describes. Unfortunately, even when we are dominating possession against lowly opposition, he cannot (or will not) assert himself on the game. Even in games where we desperately need to go forward.

Playing him and Gueye together, neither one keen to dictate play. The difference is that one was winning back the ball all over the pitch and the other strolls around with no responsibilities.

He’s on massive money and we rightly demand more from him.

When the fans have issues with you on the pitch, your best bet is to be gracious and humble off it. To use some great Aussie terminology, the guy’s a flog.

Paul Hewitt
31 Posted 25/10/2019 at 21:45:59
The only person we can blame for this sorry mess of a season, is Silva.
Winston Williamson
32 Posted 25/10/2019 at 22:18:56
Ray, 23. Biscuits? Haha very apt!

I’d add, it’s not Morgan’s fault he’s gash and we overpay him to be gash. I can take the side passing, the recycling of the ball. It’s the lack of urgency, passion and willingness to go the extra that drives me mad.

He’s a wimp. A soggy biscuit. A limp wrist. A drip.

He’ll be gone as soon as we find a mug to take him and his wife tells him it’s ok to move...

John Keating
33 Posted 25/10/2019 at 22:21:18
He is right in that he left United too soon

Possibly, now realising his mistake we could send him back to complete the years he has apparently missed.

I would hope that Ole would at least offer us a couple of goal nets for him, however, if he doesn't we shouldn't push it just in case the deal falls through.

He should have kept his mouth shut. He's been crap for ages and those saying he's been not bad this season? Well I suppose there is a difference in being really shite or just shite.

Ernie Baywood
34 Posted 25/10/2019 at 22:23:37
He's not a bad footballer. There's a system where a player who simply retains the ball and plays out to the centre back or full back is valuable.

It's not our system though. We need to get the ball to our attackers while they're in space.

Mark Guglielmo
35 Posted 25/10/2019 at 22:31:53
John @33: Spot on! Also quite funny. "Goal nets" lol
Jonathan Haddock
36 Posted 25/10/2019 at 23:01:19
Morgan is implying that this is the way that he has been instructed to play. However the evidence against this is last weekend when the contrast in our midfield play could not have been more different. In my view it is down to him and his play is so detrimental to the team. We seem to lose all momentum, tempo and aggression when he plays. He’s not a great tackler to boot and I can’t wait to see him out of the team permanently!
Christy Ring
37 Posted 25/10/2019 at 23:09:59
Agree, he's supposed to retain the ball, but he's also supposed to win a fucking tackle?
David Pearl
38 Posted 25/10/2019 at 23:17:32
He has actually been one of our better players this season. Some people just have it in for him and that won't change unless he scores a hat trick. When l go to Goodison and watch him live l see a player reading the game and doing what it says on the tin. He has the ability to thrust forward more, maybe held back by confidence or a lack of in his teammates. Got a lot to offer in my opinion especially with some movement ahead of him.
James Stewart
39 Posted 25/10/2019 at 23:27:52
The only word that comes to mind when I think of schneiderlin is, slow.

Should have been sent packing after the Mirallas debacle.

Mike Gaynes
40 Posted 25/10/2019 at 23:30:07
Lev #26...

"I've been very negative towards Morgan for a long time, but that is mostly because he did so much right early on, and we have seldom seen that side of him later!"

That's exactly how I feel.

I was delighted when we got the guy, and ecstatic when I first saw him play. He was our best player over a 10-game stretch in early 2017. And then it all went to hell.

That's why I'm so negative towards him. I see a lack of responsibility he had not shown before. With Morgan 2.0, it's somebody else's fault.

He let me down.


Mike Gaynes
41 Posted 25/10/2019 at 23:35:35
David my man, if you really think he's "been one of our better players this season"...I'm gonna gather all your friends and family and come over to your house, because you need an intervention.

We all lose our grip on reality from time to time. Don't worry, we're all gonna support you and get you through this. We're there for you.

Mark Guglielmo
42 Posted 25/10/2019 at 23:48:11
Agreed with Mike, here. If he's been one of our best players (I disagree), I'd chalk that up to being more a statement on just how bad we were in the 8 games he played then any sort of indication of his quality.

Would anyone truly want him back in the starting XI?

Rob Hooton
43 Posted 26/10/2019 at 00:07:44
Morgan is talking broken Busquets!

I’ve watched him closely in some matches to make sure that I am not unjustly criticising him, however I often get exasperated watching him and it is a bit like confirmation bias. He seems a bit of a shirker and you never see him busting a gut or trying to take a game by the scruff of the neck.

As others have noted he often seems to hide behind our opponents when WE have the ball severely limiting our options.

I too liked him when he first joined but for some reason it quickly turned sour and I groan seeing his name on the teamsheet - Tom deserves a run as the middle of the park until last week has been as uninspiring as it can get.

England and Everton double tomorrow please!

Drew O'Neall
44 Posted 25/10/2019 at 00:09:32
An article written by his agent after they've both seen the writing on the wall.

Read this from the perspective of the uninformed, neutral, prospective buyer:

We're looking for a holding midfielder - Busquets is the benchmark.

He was at a Champions League club; Manchester United, he's not just not a player who can't get in Everton's team.

It was ‘his decision' to leave.

Look at his stats ("compare me to Busquets") but he's playing in a failing team.

It's not ill-advised at all. He's looking for one last move. Good luck to him.

Alexander Murphy
45 Posted 26/10/2019 at 00:26:43
When I was a kid My lovely Gran used a phrase which was entirely new to Me at that time. A kids name who was his Mum's pride n joy, could do no wrong no matter what came up for discussion due to some altercation.

Gran rarely had a bad word for anyone, she was kind, warm and thoughtful. She was also one of the most truthful and happy people that I've ever met.

The whole situation ended when Gran smilingly said "Oh look, here's our Albert playing the trumpet. Doesn't he look smart in his band uniform. Shame they are all marching out of time with him".

Eric Myles
46 Posted 26/10/2019 at 01:09:19
Sounds what he's really trying to get across is, he's playing how the boss tells him to play.
Mark Guglielmo
47 Posted 26/10/2019 at 01:30:29
Eric, I highly doubt Marco told Morgan to go out there and stink 😉

Kidding aside, not everything is Silva's fault.

Derek Thomas
48 Posted 26/10/2019 at 01:32:59
Especially after what we saw last week, either he's negative or Marco is for telling him to play like that. Which ever, one or both need binning.
Jack Convery
49 Posted 26/10/2019 at 01:36:55
It was a Turkish team and only a Turkish team that was showing any interest in taking him in the summer or am I wrong ? Plenty of admirers then. A Man Utd mate told me he was awful and he couldn't understand why anyone would pay £25m for him. When he started with us, I told my mate he's doing well. His answer was 'wait and see' – how right he was. If he plays tomorrow and we lose then Silva will be on thinning ice.
Roman Sidey
50 Posted 26/10/2019 at 03:27:14
I'm a massive fence-sitter with regards Schneiderlin. I have one theory that isn't appropriate to put forward as it would only make people angry. He's shown that he does have the ability to play a role effectively in a team – let's face it, very few players get to Premier League level and stay there if they don't have exceptional ability.

However, there's a fair few variables that need to be considered, as well as some home truths. I'm in no way advocating his selection ahead of players who perform better than him, but I'm also not one of the many fans/posters who write off his contribution regardless of how he actually played on any given weekend.

Firstly, the team looked a lot sharper with Davies and Gomes paired in the middle last week, that much isn't really disputed. Most would see this as evidence that Davies is a better option than Schneiderlin going forward. I agree for now. I think if those two guys aren't the midfield two (assuming Silva goes 4-2-3-1) on Saturday then both or either should feel fairly aggrieved. The only real counterpoint to this is that both Gomes and Davies have shown patches of bad-to-terrible form during their time at the club. Based on the most recent data though, Schneiderlin should be behind both players in the pecking order.

To be fair to Morgan, he did explicitly say he's not trying to compare himself to Busquets. Obviously there is a comparison made by the very nature of the comment, but he knows he's not at that level. To read into that that he thinks he's as good as Busquets is disingenuous and looking for a reason to contradict. At the end of the day, comparing the two players is totally fair as they play similar positions for teams that either do or try to play high possession football. Comparing doesn't mean equating and that's where a lot of people get angry for no reason.

Schneiderlin has also spoken openly about how his time at Man Utd kind of spooked him into playing negatively because of what Van Gaal was telling him to do. Yes, a six-figure weekly salary should be reason to "get over it" and sort yourself out, but that's not how the human mind works, and I've seen players of all sports get "ruined" because of certain things that happen to them or around them. When Everton bought Schneiderlin they were really looking for the Southampton player from a couple of seasons earlier, and obviously hadn't done their research into how he'd turned out after moving to Man Utd.

The other factor I like to keep reminding people of when criticising him is that it's all well and good saying he should be making incising passes forward to players that can move forward to attack, but who can honestly say Everton's movement off the ball has been good enough for players to make those passes in the first place. It's been like that since I started watching the team in 2002, and, barring about half a season under Martinez, it hasn't been something Everton players have been good at in a long, long time.

I know this will look like I'm championing Schneiderlin, but I'm only trying to be fair to a player who seems to pick up more blame than other players who are performing just as badly and have done for some time. I do think it'd be better if he found a new club to play for, and we probably wouldn't get much of a fee for him but you win some you lose some.

Mike Gaynes
51 Posted 26/10/2019 at 03:51:32
Roman #50...

"Some people say I pass square but I don't see it. Look at Sergio Busquets at Barcelona. I don't compare myself to him but tell me the passes he does that I don't?"

No disingenuity or contradiction from me, sir. Schneids may say he's not comparing himself to Busquets, but that's a clear comparison statement. He does in fact equate himself to Busquets as a passer, and that's just plain delusional.

Nor do I credit your belief that Everton hadn't done its proper homework in acquiring Schneids. On the contrary, his superb play in his first 14 appearances for the club -- we were 9-3-2 in those games, with a +19 goal differential -- indicated that we'd landed an outstanding player. It's not the club's fault his performance pancaked for the next two seasons, or that all of his managers during that period apparently found his attitude wanting. That's on him.

Charles McCann
52 Posted 26/10/2019 at 06:54:05
How disrespectful to the club who pays his wages. I wish he hadn't jumped from Man Utd either. Sneiderlinn has been such a disappointment and to think we wasted £20 million on him.

That should be him finished here and I would like to see Silva freeze him out until some team is willing to take him from us. He has made no meaningful positive contribution to our team for a long time showing no courage on the ball to drive our team forward.

Hopefully Silva will continue with Davies, Gomes and Delph in midfield and give the youngsters Beni and Denis some minutes also. Some might think I'm being harsh here but he has had more than enough opportunities. Can you tell I'm not a fan!

Dennis Stevens
53 Posted 26/10/2019 at 08:21:09
Well, if he's regretting leaving Manchester United to join Everton, we may now have an explanation for the apparent "attitude" issues over the last couple of seasons. How can you be a truly committed player for a club that you regret joining? This sounds like a player desperate to leave - & Everton should, by now, be just as desperate to see the back of him!
Paul Tran
54 Posted 26/10/2019 at 08:27:02
I'm with Steve on this. Who advises these guys? All he had to do was say 'this is my role, doesn't always look pretty, I'll carry on doing my best for the team when selected'.

The week after his lovely gesture, this painful lack of self-awareness.

They don't help themselves, these people, do they?

Eddie Dunn
55 Posted 26/10/2019 at 08:33:55
The statement merely illustrates his relationship with Everton. We are just another stop on his "journey", as were Man Utd. He has no particular affiliation to us. He is just another mercenary and a fairly average one, to boot.

Give me Tom Davies any day of the week.

Tony Abrahams
56 Posted 26/10/2019 at 08:57:50
I chose to write about perception Steve, but I could have wrote about Utd, Busquets, or sitting down next to the master to watch the game with him.

I hope Drew@44 is correct, because Schneiderlin leaving Everton can’t come soon enough, especially when the man chooses condescending “words” because his lack of effort and desire, really negates the ability that he once showed.

Rob Dolby
57 Posted 26/10/2019 at 09:14:17
How long has he got left on his contract?

Must be so hard to motivate a multi millionaire that has little respect for the club.

Let's hope someone wants him in January.

Dave Abrahams
58 Posted 26/10/2019 at 09:25:47
Alexander (45), nice story and well illustrated to describe Schneiderlin.
Paul Burns
59 Posted 26/10/2019 at 10:09:12
When did football become obsessed with "defensive midfielders"? For me they're just shit players who can't pass, shoot, dribble, cross the ball, split a defence with a pass or score.

Top teams don't really have them, every player is expected to be able to attack and defend. We're loaded with them and still can't defend.

Mick Conalty
61 Posted 26/10/2019 at 10:20:19
I cannot understand how Silva said Schneiderlin is a very important player for the team. That's why I have grave doubts about Silva's management.
Anthony Jones
62 Posted 26/10/2019 at 11:19:30
Hahahaha
Hahahaha
Hahahaha

Yeah, you should have stayed at Man Utd because you are as good as Sergio Busquets.

In fact, no. Cirque du Soleil needs a new clown though.

Alan J Thompson
63 Posted 26/10/2019 at 11:34:02
Sorry, I might have time sometime later to read all the above comments but I can't believe that he has said that he plays this badly because someone he isn't plays this way. I'd have to say that not only did he leave Man Utd too early but he failed to leave us soon enough.

How are PSG for more French-speaking almost defensive but nothing more midfielders?

Mr Brands, hello, Mr Brands. What do you mean that my in my call is important to you but the holding time is how bloody long!?!

Dave Williams
64 Posted 26/10/2019 at 11:55:01
Schneiderlin's form disappeared after the summer break in which he got married. Sigurdsson's form has disappeared after a summer in which he got married.

Catterick used to say that a player's form would often suffer after getting married and cited this as the reason for indifferent spells from some of his younger players.

Maybe there is something in this; maybe it causes some players to lose that edge which makes them special. Morgan was great when he first arrived to the point that we all despaired if he was injured. Since that summer, he has been pretty awful and clearly lacking in desire and will to win.

I'm no Sigurdsson fan but he is a different player this season to last and looks totally shot to me… but he is too young to be finished. Maybe his goal will revitalise him but hopefully not at the expense of last week's midfield.

James Marshall
65 Posted 26/10/2019 at 12:05:22
"If I mess up a pass, it might take my team mates 2 minutes to get the ball back"

Well if you helped get the ball back from your own messed up pass, it might not look so bad, you cretin.

Jerome Shields
66 Posted 26/10/2019 at 12:20:14
Schneiderlin was always a good player and always carried out the instructions his Manager gave him. Hence his continued selection under various Managers. Playing against West Ham given the instructions that Davies and Gomes were given he would have given a good account of himself.

His reference to Man United is a typical French reaction. Remember since he joined the nightmare we have all come through, which wasn't his fault. Well aleast he got game time here, which you thought he would be grateful for , but maybe not since he is French.

Mark Guglielmo
67 Posted 26/10/2019 at 12:42:13
I'm not allowed to post in the match preview thread anymore because I posted too much 😂

Looks like Jay BRZ was onto something 🤔

Steve Croston
68 Posted 26/10/2019 at 13:26:22
He compared himself with Busquets. Hahaha.
Terry McLavey
69 Posted 26/10/2019 at 13:54:36
He's just been going through the motions for a long time now and has been pulled up on the fact and doesn't like it.

I could be wrong but is he the only player to be booed onto the pitch by us?

There could be a reason for that Morgan?

Danny Broderick
70 Posted 26/10/2019 at 14:04:06
He’s shite. To succeed as a centre midfielder in England, you need a bit of tenacity, because the football is 100 miles an hour. You can zip passes forward, nip into a tackle, close people down etc, but whatever you do, the game is faster here than anywhere else in the world. I don’t see Schneiderlin doing any of this. Yes, he started off well, but he has comfortably been our worst player for the last couple of years. Forrest Gump could run around in the middle of the pitch in 2nd gear for 90 minutes.

A big problem for us this season has been our attacking play. 2 of our biggest culprits have been Schneiderlin (slowing everything down) and Coleman (running into trouble up the wing before then passing it backwards). We attacked far quicker last week against West Ham and could have scored 5. He’s picked an unchanged team again this week (apart from Mina). Let’s hope for a positive result today.

Tony Everan
71 Posted 27/10/2019 at 07:50:35
Morgan, forget regretting you're not playing for Man Utd, with these revelations Barcelona will be fighting to sign you in January.
Jim Burns
73 Posted 27/10/2019 at 11:09:13
Kevin @ 6 - I agree with your rational take on things. Steve @ 15 - I agree too with your view about Schneiderlin playing within himself...: could this be more to do with Silva and his apparent inability to instill confidence ?
Aside from some of the tactical ineptitude - my main concern with Silva is his lack of positive impact on players’ mindsets and confidence and complete lack of leadership.

Schneiderlin is not a class player by any means - but he ain’t ‘ shite ‘ either.
Managers are getting much more from lesser players throughout the Premier league.

Jim Burns
74 Posted 27/10/2019 at 11:17:47
. and then his final comment ruined it. Case for the defence withdrawn M’lord.
Habib Erkan Jr
75 Posted 27/10/2019 at 13:06:50
Tony #10 I, for one, concur.
Mike Kehoe
76 Posted 29/10/2019 at 21:32:25
Just a thought, Morgan, why not try and challenge an opposition player in a meaningful manner rather than sauntering around midfield with all the intensity and purpose of a poached egg.

You and Allardyce are the absolute nadir of this club and should serve as a warning from history that consistently making shit boardroom decisions results in a totally unacceptable and expensive indifference that pollutes everything it touches.

Mike Jones
77 Posted 31/10/2019 at 01:31:49
Should never play for the Club again. ‘I left United too soon' ... well fuck off and try rejoin them. But leave your contract with us to do so, you mercenary fucker.
John Pierce
78 Posted 31/10/2019 at 03:02:21
It’s not even his role in the team. He isn’t dynamic enough to play six, he like many in our squad are too one dimensional.

If he knew anything about the club we love to hate them he’d realize energy and character are the things we love in our players.

Too often his character and judgement has been questionable. One of the first to go missing when things go south and several times he has lost his discipline, I’d even go as far to safe he’s tried to hurt a couple of players both in the Bournemouth and City games. His sendings off have all been avoidable.

You see Morgan is not your footballing ability that’s the issue mate it’s the stuff between yer ears. The article just confirms it. Ugh.


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