I was going to write about Aston Villa’s lack of basic football knowledge following the most than disappointing loss against Newcastle United, but a certain Charles N’Zogbia changes that with a tweet he made after the game. N’Zogbia said:
“First time in my life im not happy playing football!!”
On its own people may think this is nothing, but when you’ve just got home after travelling nearly 200 miles, and having spent £75 on travel, my ticket, and parking, you might forgive me for being more than a little annoyed.
In fact, it annoyed me that much that, at the time, I thought to myself I couldn’t have cared less if I had never seen N’Zogbia play for Aston Villa ever again.
Looking at it from a player perspective, I can understand his frustration at been subbed, especially given that it was for the ineffective Emile Heskey, but is it too much to ask for a player to tweet something more like:
“Gutted about the result, and disappointed at being subbed. Thanks to the fans for the support, will give it my best next week.”
However, from N’Zogbia’s tweet, it appears the player is more interested in complaining. Nobody is saying that being a footballer is a bed of roses, but it is an easier job than many of us have to do. So to come out with such a statement gives the impression of a player who wants to sulk rather than knuckle down to the job of playing for Aston Villa.
No Passion, No Surprises
For me, the main reason we are struggling is because we lack passion. Of course, I mean passion in the sense of pride for the club, and for performances, as whilst there might be no doubt that N’Zogbia’s tweet was passionate, it was also largely frustrating for fans to read it, especially given Newcastle away is one of the further trips away fans have to make.
As well as lacking passion, we also seem to lack effort. Many games we find ourselves only being able to commit for a single half, whether the first or the second. The Arsenal game was a prime example – only Villa could go crazy in the first half only to conspire to throw away a two goal lead via two penalties and an Alan Hutton rebounded shot.
Starting From The Back
Strangely for Villa, especially given McLeish’s reputation for being a defensive manager, the Villa defence has been woefully lacking this season. Nobody doubts the fact that we may not have the best defence in the land, but I would argue that they are as good as, or better than, at least half of the first choice back four players in the country.
When it came to Newcastle, there was literally nothing in it. Player for player, Villa were more than a match for Newcastle, but the Geordies just seemed to want it more – want the ball more, want to play more, want to press more, just want it more. As a result, their dogged determination left them with three points and us, again, with none.
For some of the players, it may not matter. It might not matter because they probably haven’t had to get on cramped public transport just to watch a bunch of people you have no control over ruin your weekend. I’m not expecting miracles, but effort is the least I expect when I pay money to watch a team “entertain” me.
As for N’Zogbia, I think he should apologise for his statement. Yes, it was a careless, and probably spur of the moment, statement, but fans have enough to deal with than feeling like they should have to feel sorry for a player who was subbed by the manager. Perhaps having N’Zogbia apologise, publicly to the players and fans, might actually instil some of the respect that I feel we are lacking.
Not Just Charles In The Limelight
Interestingly, it also appeared to be the case that Stephen Ireland may have sworn at McLeish when apparently being blamed for his role in the Demba Ba goal. I obviously can’t condone abusive language, but we have all been in a similar situation where tempers flare. At least his anger may well be an illustration of Ireland caring, rather than being ambivalent.
Ireland has had a chequered past in terms of his career at Aston Villa, but it seems he may be turning the corner. N’Zogbia, however is worrying me with the behaviour he is showing, as he already has past evidence of being a bit of a primadonna. Given the delicate circumstances we are in, we could do without any further disruption. There’s no doubt that N’Zogbia is a top talent, but maybe he should think next time before broadcasting his thoughts in a public arena.
You may well be unhappy Charles, but sometimes you have to learn to bite your tongue. When other fans are asking us to support the team, is it too much to ask for the players to support us back with effort?
The Author
