Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers had a heated verbal exchange with former Manchester United and Chelsea star Ray Wilkins (now a coach at Fulham) during the Reds' 3-2 victory at Craven Cottage on Wednesday, and in his pre-Arsenal press conference today, the Reds boss clarified what actually happened.
When asked about the alleged bust-up, Rodgers dismissed the idea that there are problems between him and Wilkins, and called ex Chelsea coach 'one of the nicest guys in football'. He explained:
"There was no bust-up.
"It was just a disagreement on the side about something that took place in the game, but that was it. There's no problem.
"They [Fulham] are fighting for their lives, so it got a little heated. It's not how I work, but obviously, I protect my team"
Rodgers and Wilkins were (allegedly) really going at it, and Wilkins then left the bench and didn't come out for the rest of the game.
What could've caused the disagreement. Rodgers states that it's something 'that took place in the game', and two incidents happened ten minutes into the second half:
* Darrent Bent falling to the ground in a tussle with Kolo Toure.
* Coutinho's yellow card for the challenge on Kieran Richardson.
I'd go with the Bent incident. From the bench, it may have appeared to Wilkins that the striker was deliberately obstructed by Toure. If he hadn't stumbled over, Bent would've been through on goal.
Closer inspection of the incident shows that Toure is blameless.
As Rodgers says, though, it's no big deal. I personally like to see passion from managers, and unlike, say, Rafa Benitez, Rodgers shows emotion on the sidelines, which (overall) is arguably a good thing.
I also agree with Rodgers re Wilkins being 'one of the nicest guys in football'. I've met Wilkins a couple of times, and he really is a top man. Very friendly, and always seems to have time for people.
Author: Jaimie K
When asked about the alleged bust-up, Rodgers dismissed the idea that there are problems between him and Wilkins, and called ex Chelsea coach 'one of the nicest guys in football'. He explained:
"There was no bust-up.
"It was just a disagreement on the side about something that took place in the game, but that was it. There's no problem.
"They [Fulham] are fighting for their lives, so it got a little heated. It's not how I work, but obviously, I protect my team"
Rodgers and Wilkins were (allegedly) really going at it, and Wilkins then left the bench and didn't come out for the rest of the game.
What could've caused the disagreement. Rodgers states that it's something 'that took place in the game', and two incidents happened ten minutes into the second half:
* Darrent Bent falling to the ground in a tussle with Kolo Toure.
* Coutinho's yellow card for the challenge on Kieran Richardson.
I'd go with the Bent incident. From the bench, it may have appeared to Wilkins that the striker was deliberately obstructed by Toure. If he hadn't stumbled over, Bent would've been through on goal.
Closer inspection of the incident shows that Toure is blameless.
As Rodgers says, though, it's no big deal. I personally like to see passion from managers, and unlike, say, Rafa Benitez, Rodgers shows emotion on the sidelines, which (overall) is arguably a good thing.
I also agree with Rodgers re Wilkins being 'one of the nicest guys in football'. I've met Wilkins a couple of times, and he really is a top man. Very friendly, and always seems to have time for people.
Author: Jaimie K
I've had the opportunity to chat with Ray Wilkins (in Barcelona) - a real gentleman....
ReplyDeleteRodgers is a non achiever (relatively) compared to Wilkins etc, maybe they try to undermine his lack of achievement, hoping to gain some psychological advantage, but I have to say BR has my respect as a coach, especially with the younger players he developes, If we dump him at some stage, I will always admire what he has done for LFC, he has been brilliant with the players, not so much with the media, but he has taken LFC forward by leaps and bounds.
ReplyDeleteJebus... another article that mentions Benitez unfavourably. You do realise he left 4 years ago? Maybe its time to let it go, Jamie... ;)
ReplyDeleteI've met Ray Wilkins (which judging by the article and some comments below, it clearly just normal) and up close you really realise how bald he is.
ReplyDeleteVery, as it turns out.
Not sure if it was either of those incidents tbh. I saw Rodgers yelling at someone for a couple seconds during the game..thought it was the 4th official or something though. But i'm pretty sure it was straight after Sidwell's challenge on Suarez. It was a really hard challenge on Suarez but he did get the ball first...but could of easily have been a free kick to Liverpool with a different referee.
ReplyDeleteDid you have the opportunity to have a chat with slur alex too? Must be a true gentleman as well!
ReplyDeleteJamie never let it go,
ReplyDeleteDon't exaggerate or anything :-) There's no 'unfavourble' mention of Benitez here. That's what you are projecting. I merely stated that Benitez didn't show emotion on the sidelines; I didn't give any specific view about that. For some people, calm control on the sidelines is a good thing.
ReplyDeleteHe was once my best pal, Ray but even back then he was quite a pain.
ReplyDeleteLet it go, let it go, can't hold it back anymore
ReplyDeleteBenitez never showed any emotion during a match, Jaimie is 100% correct about that :-)
ReplyDeleteDont wanna get into the pain thing, thats personal,
ReplyDeleteBut amazed you you were close friends, impressed.
Still hurts bro.
ReplyDeletei believe the word is " galvanized " ;)
ReplyDeleteWilkins is a wanker
ReplyDeleteRodgers is just getting started managing and in less than two years he's built one of the most feared attacks around, even outscoring Arsenal, United, Chelsea. He hasn't won a trophy yet but hardly call him a non achiever. For Fulham it was just sour grapes.
ReplyDeleteWhat has he achieved, ??
ReplyDeleteI struggle to see where he has had a lack of tact.
ReplyDeleteI think it is better we just give this argument a miss.
He has achieved quite a lot but agree he has yet to win a trophy. Hopefully though that is just a matter of time.
ReplyDeleteWhat have other managers at the age of 41 achieved when taking into account the position LFC was in when Rodgers took over?
ReplyDeleteWe are not talking about a very young manager that walked into a massive club that has been bank rolled by some Russian billionaire.
I met Ray Wilkins once. Horrible man. Never called.
ReplyDeleteJaimie, did you miss out on the rest of the report? Wilkins was arguing with Agger. Rodgers ended it by asking Wilkins to 'sit down'. Wilkins then went inside, probably embarrased, or to cool off.
ReplyDeleteAfter he had his way with you, I presume?
ReplyDeleteYou mean never showing emotion like this? http://youtu.be/7lT2qu0mTFU
ReplyDelete