“And now you want to create this circus? Because why? Are you jealous of me? What have I ever done to you? Nothing.” If there’s one thing to take out of this week’s juvenile squabble between Harry Kewell and Robbie Slater, it is that it is of little benefit to either.
On the contrary, both have probably taken a hit to their already slimming levels of credibility.
Admittedly, it’s hard not to feel sorry for Kewell, a player of immense talent who, mainly through factors beyond his control, has never fulfilled the seemingly limitless potential he had as a teenager.
Through sheer force of will he has persevered through countless injuries and his commitment to the national team, at least in recent years, can hardly be questioned.
Yet, how can he continue to be picked for the Socceroos despite rarely playing club football? The answer, as Mike Cockerill bravely outlined, is to perpetuate the Harry Kewell myth.
It is a credit to his personal PR department that he has lasted this long.
Which is why it is hard to believe Kewell’s claims that the ‘circus’ surrounding him is solely a creation of the media. His petulant rant on Fox Sports, not to mention the witch-hunt when Cockerill hurt his feelings, seems to suggest Kewell is well and truly the ringmaster of the circus.
While the media have their part to play in the carnival, his sensational and juvenile comments sting with irony. If Kewell truly wanted the circus to go away, he would have kept his mouth shut.
But then who would keep the myth alive?
chocolatecoatedballs
Guest
looking at that utube vid, who can say Harry is past it? the second goal was magic.
Aka
Guest
I thought he was accused of creating the circus because he did keep his mouth shut?
Aka
Guest
I think his performances against Uruguay 2005 and then in the WC2006 are why he continues to be picked for the national team when he doesn't get much club game time. He produces.
Lmacca
Guest
He was/is continually picked because there's not much else behind him pushing for his spot. Where Verbeek got into trouble was saying he'd pick players only if they were playing, but then proceeded to pick players who were injured or on the bench for their own sqauds. Kewell scored goals when he played, and was one of our best through the WC Qualifiers. So I think it was fair that he was picked for South Africa, particularly when we had so few striking options (Verbeek's fault though that was mostly). The Cockerill article seemed to reek of a journo who was unhappy that Kewell didn't rate the media. I think that Kewell was a bit of a prima donna at times, and seemed to think that the media's job was to only write positive stories about him. But Cockerill went overboard in his attack, and the blame should've been focused on the coach and the management of the 'roos rather than Kewell. As he said on Tuesday, it's not his fault that Verbeek picked him, and it's not his fault that after being selected in the squad Verbeek didn't end up playing him.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Yup, H was back to his best this morning as Gala came back from 2-0 down (at home) in the Europa League to set up both goals that were scored by Czech international, Milan Baros. The assist for the 2nd goal was vintage Harry Kewell and no evidence of his groin affecting his movement, speed or ability to bamboozle the defenders. Art Sapphire has just posted the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDlbsJNEeJQ&feature=related
General Ashnak
Guest
Obviously you have not got any idea about what Harry has done at Gala during the past 12 months. Yes, Harry is probably not going to be at B2014, but to say he does not provide anything to the NT now? What a stupid argument.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
If someone asks: how can Harry continue to be picked for the Socceroos despite rarely playing club football? Every football fan in Australia, whom I know, would simply say this: A fully fit Harry Kewell, who has played no competitive football for 12 months, will be picked for the National Team because: a) Harry is technically more gifted b) Harry is tactically more aware; and c) Harry is of more value to the Australian National Team than any other Australian outfield player in the past 40 years. For me, the best 5 outfield players to play for the National Team in the past 40 years are (in no particular order): Oscar Crino, Mark Viduka, Paul Okon, Ned Zelic & Harry Kewell. And, of these 5, Harry (and, perhaps, Ned) had the ability to simply "flick the switch" and change a game - that's a rare quality in any sportsman and coaches will always pick such players. If anyone, who is actually respected and has credibility in football circles (e.g. Frank Rijkaard, Guus Hiddink, Pim Verbeek, Holger Osieck) thinks Harry is of no value to the National Team, then football fans will stop and listen. But, when someone with the "football reputation" of Mike Cockerill thinks Harry is "past it" is a clear indication that Harry must still be of immense value to the National Team.
Rob
Guest
totally agree Ryan...but prepare yourself for the oncoming tirade from Kewell groupies