Post by El Morto La Hoja! on Jun 24, 2008 13:23:05 GMT -1
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge says England's absence from Euro 2008 has nothing to do with the number of foreign players in the Premiership.
Rummenigge, acting chairman of the 103-strong European Club Association, refused in so many words to criticise Steve McClaren for England's failings but hinted that lack of sufficient coaching was mainly responsible for their failure to qualify.
"I am not convinced that the reason the English are not here is because of any lack of individual quality among the players," said Rummenigge. "Look at players like Rooney, Gerrard, Lampard and Terry. All of them are fantastic, even world class. The fact England are not here has nothing to do with the players.
"I'd rather not say more but it goes much deeper than that."
Rummenigge, speaking to reporters in Geneva where the ECA will have its base following its inaugural general assembly next month, re-iterated the clubs' opposition to FIFA president Sepp Blatter's much-publicised six-plus-five idea, saying a quota system would be totally counter-productive.
"We don't think there is any chance of six-plus-five, and that's what we have been told by Brussels," said Rummenigge whose organisation replaced the G14 cartel of elite clubs and, crucially, is drawn from all 53 Uefa member nations.
"We don't want any part of it and we expect to be heard. Look at the quality of the current European Championship. It's the best I can remember. Do we really need to change anything with regard to national teams? I can't see the need."
Rummenigge turned on its head the suggestion that imposing quotas would help the development of homegrown players. "Don't forget how important it is in countries like Croatia and the Czech Republic that their players are abroad in leagues in England, Spain, Italy and Germany," he said.
"And don't forget, too, the African players. Fantastic players like Didier Drogba have helped their countries grow - thanks to the fact that they play in the top European leagues. And what would South American clubs do without the (transfer) money from Europe? I doubt they could survive."
Although UEFA president Michel Platini has been vociferous in his opposition to English clubs building up debts and becoming successful with borrowed money, Rummenigge said this was not in the ECA's remit.
"They have investors like Roman Abramovic, the gentleman (Thaksin Shinawatra) at Manchester City and those from America but it is not against the law. I have spoken to Michel and told him not to be too harsh with his words with relation to English clubs."
England has five clubs among those represented by the ECA - the so-called 'big four' plus Newcastle, based on current UEFA rankings.
Changes to the membership can be made every two years and a 15-man board will be elected next month including chairman, vice-chairman and general secretary. Rummenigge, one of Europe's greatest ever goalscorers who played in two World Cup finals, is standing for the permanent chairmanship.
He said the ECA, which helped bring about compensation to clubs for players released at Euro 2008 - the first time this has happened at international level - was set up in order to be more democratic than G14.
"We had to pay a price to close G14 but it was price worth paying. The atmosphere is much better than in the past when we had all manner of conflicts and legal cases."
-----------------------------------------------------
vague but right.
