Mike Cockerill created some controversy with his article criticising our golden boy Harry Kewell. Kewell understandably reacted quite negatively to that article and the media in general.
I do understand the frustration that Harry has with the media, especially with rumours that he is behind the rift between the players and the coach because he wasn’t picked for the Germany match – which implies unprofessionalism on Harry’s part. If those rumours were untrue, then Harry has every right to be livid by it.
Also, Mike Cockerill’s article criticise Harry’s attitude of not being upset enough about the defeat and mocked Harry’s engagement with the media, which suggested that Mike’s criticism had something personal that goes beyond professional critique. This was confirmed when Mike revealed the testy relationship with Kewell going back to 1996.
However, have all these extraneous issues had covered the underlying question that Mike has asked? Can we really expect Kewell to deliver for us?
During half-time against Germany, Mariana Rudan interviewed some of the fans and they all said: “Where’s Harry Kewell?” like he’s Australia best hope. However, I feel that the expectation of Kewell as our game breaker is mostly due to past deeds four years ago rather than any particular form for the Socceroos.
Mike Cockerill was spot on when he wrote that Kewell hasn’t had a great game for the Socceroos since we defeated Iraq at home. During the qualifiers, when Kewell was playing regular matches for Galatasaray, he looked underwhelming.
In some matches Kewell actually played poorly and the away victory over Bahrain was the worst I have ever seen Kewell play where he repeatedly lost possession, and Australia actually improved their performances when Kewell was replaced by Holman. He lacked the speed of the Kewell of old and he also struggled to beat players.
Kewell was still a benefit for the team with his vision and some of his passing that helped him to have some reasonable performances in the qualifiers, but the attributes that made him a great player was no longer there. The attacking players that helped us qualify to the World Cup the most were Brett Emerton before he got injured, Tim Cahill and Mark Bresciano. Those players consistently had better matches for the Socceroos during the qualifiers than Kewell, and yet Kewell is the person touted as our potential savior.
When Kewell was playing regular football for Galatasaray, his performances for the Socceroos weren’t outstanding, but now that Kewell only has a few minutes of competitive football for this year and of unknown fitness, we are now placing him as our biggest hope. I believe that we are essentially placing way too much expectation on him and that Harry’s status as our golden boy is mostly based on past deeds rather than anything recent.
I hope that Harry will rise to the occasion like he did against Uruguay and against Croatia. However, in the past I expected but now I can only hope.
dasilva
Roar Guru
He was looking pretty good before the send off as well.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
I hate being right all the time.
Australian Football
Roar Guru
I don't think Harry is 100% fit end of story. His groin has not responded to treatment and he knows it---Pim knows it---the training staff know it. It's about time we accept that if he plays he will break down. He is not 100% fit as he keeps telling everyone he is. It was a gamble that Harry and Pim took that has failed. He should put up his hand and tell the FFA his groin is stuffed. _____ AF
peter
Guest
Cockerill has been out of form much longer than Kewell has. The Rooster hasn't written a decent piece for about 4 years !
dasilva
Guest
Why now? Well because Kewell is being called our great big hope when there's very little to justify it. Honestly I think it's more likely Bresciano and Brett Emerton star for Australia and get as the victory then H Kewell. I really do hope he proves me wrong but I haven't seen Kewell played particularly well for the socceroos since Iraq. In any case, I do agree that Mike Cockerills article was pretty much terrible especially his attack on Kewell's character. He seems to take Kewell snubbing him in the media as something personal. Nevertheless, whilst the football public have been slamming Cockerill for his article. No one is asking whether he was right that Kewell is no longer the game breaker he used to be.
Fisher Price
Guest
No.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
In short, no.
tony yeboah
Guest
+1 The life of the unrequited lover is a tough one!. As soon as Cockerill made it personal he lost all credibility in my opinion. Harry Kewell always has been and always will be an enigma that the Australian sporting public want too, but can't quite understand. As a Leeds fan, the sight of a young Harry Kewell tearing down that left wing will never be forgotten. But that was 10 years ago. The modern Harry, who knows, but the fact is that all Australians still have that little hope in their hearts that he will finally fulfill that dream, the potential to really shine on the world stage. Whether or not he does, i still will rank him as one of the top few players Australia has produced. We just cling to him because he is the only player that we have who could have really been regarded at one time as world class.
Cpaaa
Roar Pro
Why now dasilva, why Cockrills article at a time when Australia needs to step up the most. No player is to blame here, Pims the one that needs to take accountability and journos are better off throwing stones at him, not players that dont get a run. Harrys agent Bernie Mandic wrote a letter to this man on smh today, and here is my piece. Dear Mr. Mike Cockrill, It does sound like our Harry broke your heart and you are still coming to terms with your failed advances. Like a jealous lover, you are now taking Harry to the cleaners at a time where it hurts him and Australias chances the most. You have attacked the very heart of our football team , and the heart of one of Australias most recognizable and inspiring sports stars. Your intentions are personal and not in the interest of the Nation. You have failed miserably as a journalist, your timing, and opinion would make the Rebbecca Wilsons of Australia…extreamly proud. You said that you have travelled the world over in search of Harrys time and only to be palmed off, time and time again. My suggestion is…”get over it! Hes just not that into you!” You have lost credibility as a Journo and I cant think of one Football Journalist that would harm or try to defame an Australian player as you have. You should be ashamed of yourself, pack your bags and permanently leave Football Journalism forever. At the end of the day your questions should be directed at a clueless manager, and not crucifying our boys for sitting on the bench, that is not their decision.