Rafa "annoyed"

[onthetwo]

"Tottenham forward Rafael van der Vaart claims he was not consulted about being left out of the club's Europa League squad.
Van der Vaart hobbled off during Spurs' 5-1 defeat to Manchester City just over two weeks ago amid fears he had torn the hamstring in his left leg.Tottenham later confirmed the injury and said they expected the Dutchman to be out for six weeks.
Because of this, and his decision to give priority to Spurs' domestic campaign, manager Harry Redknapp decided to omit the 28-year-old from his squad for the Europa League group stages.
However, after seeing specialist Dick van Toorn in his homeland, Van der Vaart is confident that he will be back in action much sooner than expected, and could possibly even play in this Sunday's Premier League match against Liverpool at White Hart Lane.
In a section headlined "annoying" on his personal website, Van der Vaart wrote: "I still think it's a peculiar situation.
"Spurs could at least have consulted me. Anyway it's up to the point of no return. I will be focusing on the game against Liverpool.
"I'm pretty convinced I will be fit by then thanks to Dick van Toorn."

 

[onthetwo]

im mulling over the "point of no return" quote.......not good.

 

[Cooperfield]

im mulling over the "point of no return" quote.......not good.

I think he means that what's done is done and we can't do anything about it now.

 

[Rout-Ledge]

Not the first time one of our players has been left frustrated by a lack of dialogue from the club. It's really unbelievable considering how much they are investing in these players.

 

[RJ1882]

We wont be tempted to play him now - great. Save him for the league. Hopefully now too he is annoyed and plays like a man possessed. Need him firing.

 

[Gbspurs]

I think this is a good quote, he has such a high desire to play he wants to play every game. For me that can only be good. He likes a moan but it's normally constructive. Let's face it we all know VDV isn't a "lifer" so let's just enjoy watching him whilst we can and hope he strikes up a great partnership with adebayor!

And i agree with him it is a peculiar situation. I know redders has dismissed the Europa this season but players still want to play in Europe. Can we resubmit a squad after the group stages? Imagine we got to the semis against someone like Bilbao and couldnt pick a good squad!!

 

[Gbspurs]

Whoops!

 

[onthetwo]

I think he means that what's done is done and we can't do anything about it now.

Hope so. Might be a blesing in disguise i suppose.

 

[Twizzle]

he always seems to be annoyed about something

 

[Hoddle_Ledge]

Is he not in the UEFA squad or just not in the team going over to Greece?

 

[punky]

Another example of Harry's much-lauded man-management abilities.

 

[badajozjim]

We should qualify from the group stages and then we can add him to the squad as 3 new players are allowed.

 

[bubble07]

His starting to have more of the "Im a big fish in a small pond" mentality. He may well by unhappy but expressing that in public is not the best way to go about it

 

[Rocksuperstar]

We should qualify from the group stages and then we can add him to the squad as 3 new players are allowed.

This. What's the point in putting him in the squad at this stage? Harry's shown that he is prepared to field a few youngsters in the qualifying, i wouldn't be surprised if he did the same in the group too. Save VDV for the league for the time being then, when we make it to the knockouts, bring him into the squad.

Glad he's frustrated at not being able to play every single game, shows a desire to play.

 

[Blockbuster]

It's nice to see a player actually want to play for Spurs.

Luka should take note.

 

[Ron Burgundy]

Why are people (including Rafa) getting concerned about this?

He wouldn't have played even if he was fit. He's just enthusiastic, I'm sure it's nothing to be worried about

 

[dav3j]

We wont be tempted to play him now - great. Save him for the league. Hopefully now too he is annoyed and plays like a man possessed. Need him firing.

Agreed. Last thing we want is him burning out in Europe when the league is more important.

 

[Krafty]

Agreed. Last thing we want is him burning out in Europe when the league is more important.

I think Rafa's point is someone could have told him. I'm sure he would have understood if someone had a word - if we can't get through this group stage with relative ease then questions need to be asked - but he probably only found out when a reporter or his agent told him.

 

[phil]

I think Rafa's point is someone could have told him. I'm sure he would have understood if someone had a word - if we can't get through this group stage with relative ease then questions need to be asked - but he probably only found out when a reporter or his agent told him.

This is the point. We don't expect the likes of Rafa to play in the group games but surely Harry should have spoken with him to confirm the extent of the injury (VdV seems a better judge than our medical 'experts') and to let him know our plans for the EL. One call would have cleared up any misunderstanding.

We do seem to have a problem with communication with the players. Remember Sandro turning up at the airport for a Champions League game last season only to be told he wasn't in the squad. This is just basic man management.

 

[guiltyparty]

Krafty & Phil - spot on

Posted on the frontpage about this, so won't go into it again. But basically - leaving him out: spot on Harry. Not discussing it with him first: naughty Harry