Barthez

Neil Thomson

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From Soccernet:
Fabien Barthez yesterday become the first player to publicly accept responsibility for Manchester United's disastrous season, but refused to apportion any blame for the barren campaign to his under-fire manager.

Barthez's blunders didn't help United's cause this season
(PhilCole/Allsport)
A world and European champion with France, the eccentric goalkeeper will travel to Korea with Arsenal's Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry and Sylvain Wiltord having suffered the ignominy of surrendering the championship on home soil on Wednesday night.

Barthez's own United future is uncertain because of personal problems which are believed to include an illness in his family that has forced regular trips home to France in the last nine months, as well as his on-off relationship with Linda Evangelista and her reservations about living in Manchester.

Whatever effect those factors had on his form, Barthez admitted that he has been well below par this season and owned up to his part in the debacle which has seen United end up winning nothing for the first time in four years.

He said: 'During my season, I had six months that were very difficult until December - I had a very bad period.

'Still today, I do not consider that I am playing well but in football, as in every part of your life, things can change quickly and in some ways I don't like to talk about my form.

'The reaction of the United fans during my problems was fantastic, though. They love me and Manchester United and they respect the special pressure that players are under who play for United.

'For me, though, with every football shirt I wear - whether club or country - there is not any particular pressure. When you want to be on top you have to play with your mind free, and in England the freedom is everywhere, and also in the dressing room.'

A penchant for doing whatever he likes, however, has partly been the downfall of Barthez and United this season. Memories of two errors at Highbury which gifted Thierry Henry the goals to make sure of an Arsenal victory come to mind, as well as the night he decided to take on Deportivo La Coruna single-handed in the defeat at Old Trafford in the Champions League group stages.

Amazingly though, Barthez revealed that it is the much more unorthodox preparation prior to big matches which he has found suits his character, while choosing to defend Sir Alex Ferguson's approach to management in the stoutest terms.

The Frenchman added: 'The way the English players prepare for matches is good for me. It is almost designed for me.

'For example, against La Coruna you still see players watching TV or listening to music and you never see that in Italy or Spain. In England, in 15 minutes the players become wild. I've found that the norm and I admire that.

'Fifteen minutes after a defeat, though, everything is forgotten. During those 15 minutes the boss says all he has to say and then he is finished and smiles again. He has this smile which makes us feel so good. He does not make a drama about a defeat.'

Despite that glowing testimony, perhaps if Ferguson had been more critical about his team's performances at any point during their nine Premiership defeats this season, then the outcome could have been different.

Barthez has enjoyed more indulgence than most, of course, and revealed just how much Ferguson has put his trust in him.

The insight he gives into the relationship between manager and players is a fascinating one, and tells the story of a coach able to command loyalty and respect from all who enter his dressing room.

Barthez said: 'He is brilliant in the way he looks after his players and supports them.

'He always wants to see joy and fun in what we do. He treats me with respect. He has done that since the first day I met him, and if I have a problem he is the first person I talk to. Also, if I have an injury he is happy for me to go back to Paris to sort it out.

'It's a shame for him what has happened this season because everybody wanted to be so successful at this club, and it has been painful. But he is the best coach I have ever worked for.'

Barthez also called on his fellow Frenchman Laurent Blanc to postpone his retirement and stay at Old Trafford for another year.

Blanc, 36, has been the target of criticism since Ferguson brought him in to replace Jaap Stam early on in the season, but his performances improved in the second half of the campaign as he adjusted to life in the Premiership, and Barthez believes the veteran defender should stay on.

He said: 'I do not know why Laurent wants to retire. If I was him, I would go on for another year.'

Whether Barthez does the same at Old Trafford is uncertain. He, like United, is not familiar with failure and questions remain as to how this dismal season will affect his outlook on a future in Manchester.

Considering SAF recently said:
"Individual mistakes have cost us all season. Not only in this game, but in the early part of the season in particular. But we always set ourselves something to work on. We must not be complacent and we try not to be. Maybe some of the players have been, but we're not. I think some people react to adversity. I have always done that and we will be ready for next season. I think that we will make some changes and we just have got to get the show on the road properly next year."


Then I really would not be surprised to see a different first team keeper next season.
 
Barthez's own United future is uncertain because of personal problems which are believed to include an illness in his family that has forced regular trips home to France in the last nine months, as well as his on-off relationship with Linda Evangelista and her reservations about living in Manchester.

Hmmmmmmmmmmm
 
If Barthez chooses to leave, who'll be the next first choice? Could Carroll do it or does he need more experience? I'd prefered Barthez to stay, but who knows with all these rumours around him these days <img src="confused.gif" border="0">
 
:mad:

The way the British media distort everything makes me mad. How dishonest they are.

First, Barthez refuses to talk to the British press. Whenever you read an interview by Barthez, it's in fact an interview given to the French press, generally distorted.

This interview has been given after the La Coruna game (home), when the team had still hopes to win the CL and the premier League title. It has been published in French monthly "Onze Mondial". Barthez would have NEVER talked like this after the Arsenal defeat.

In it, he explains he had a bad period, but he doesn't take all the blame all alone, although he doesn't criticize any of his teammates. He doesn't say "I'm the one to blame", although the British press will be happy to make big titles with that "quote".


However, I still think he will leave, because the United board and Sir Alex have said nothing adter the rumours published in the British press, contrary to what they have said after the Veron rumours.

:(
 
Elfie

Do you agree that it would be a huge bonus for you lot if you do offload Bobo?

Taking into account the fact that he's rubbish...
 
Originally posted by Elfie:
<strong> :mad:

The way the British media distort everything makes me mad. How dishonest they are.

First, Barthez refuses to talk to the British press. Whenever you read an interview by Barthez, it's in fact an interview given to the French press, generally distorted.

This interview has been given after the La Coruna game (home), when the team had still hopes to win the CL and the premier League title. It has been published in French monthly "Onze Mondial". Barthez would have NEVER talked like this after the Arsenal defeat.

In it, he explains he had a bad period, but he doesn't take all the blame all alone, although he doesn't criticize any of his teammates. He doesn't say "I'm the one to blame", although the British press will be happy to make big titles with that "quote".


However, I still think he will leave, because the United board and Sir Alex have said nothing adter the rumours published in the British press, contrary to what they have said after the Veron rumours.

:( </strong><hr></blockquote>
He might be one of your favourite players, but its a fact that he's willing to admit that he's had a bad season. When Alex refers to individual mistakes, he's obviously in large part referring to Barthez. Its true that SAF hasn't come out and denied all these rumours, but its also true that we've had scouts watching lots of keepers. He's not been shy before of getting rid of goalkeepers. Barthez is clearly an outstanding goalkeeper, but so was Grobbelaar, and they are both too similar for my liking.
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The quicker Barthez leaves the better. He's been disastrous this season at crucial times. He's not a United player. You never know what's going to happen next.

Also to be shown the door should be Yorke (of course!), Phil Neville (unfortunately), Dennis Irwin ( thanks for great service), Laurent Blanc (still a good player but not young and quick enough to be the organiser in central defence), Quinton Fortune (not quite up to it), Sebastian Veron ( possibly as much a victim of Fergie's muddled thinking as anything else, as well as the Plc's only real source of big cash with which to buy reinforcements), Ronnie Johnsen (too injury prone unfortunately). Doubts remain about Mikail Silvestre (great going forward but when he's in two minds - watch out !) and Diego Forlan ( who needs to spend time in the reserves to adjust his game and his sights - once he's scoring regularly there then he can be brought in).

Lots to think about in the summer.
 
Originally posted by Davo:
<strong>

Taking into account the fact that he's rubbish...</strong><hr></blockquote>

I dont thik he's rubbish at all and certainly apportion some of the blame for his mistakes on the defence

He's won more than most, that speaks for itself

Pool alledgedly have the worlds best defence and keeper and they won as much as we did
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Originally posted by Stanley Road:
<strong>

I dont thik he's rubbish at all and certainly apportion some of the blame for his mistakes on the defence

He's won more than most, that speaks for itself

Pool alledgedly have the worlds best defence and keeper and they won as much as we did</strong><hr></blockquote>

Shut up ya daft twat...

I'm winding up his number one fan..

;)
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Originally posted by Neil Thomson:
<strong>
He might be one of your favourite players, but its a fact that he's willing to admit that he's had a bad season. When Alex refers to individual mistakes, he's obviously in large part referring to Barthez. Its true that SAF hasn't come out and denied all these rumours, but its also true that we've had scouts watching lots of keepers. He's not been shy before of getting rid of goalkeepers. Barthez is clearly an outstanding goalkeeper, but so was Grobbelaar, and they are both too similar for my liking.</strong><hr></blockquote>

You haven't understood what I meant. I wasn't discussing if he's responsible for United failure this year or not, I was saying that he has NEVER said that.

I have the original interview, published in France, where the journalist says "you had a difficult start this season", and Fab answers "Yes, until December, I wasn't well blah blah" and the British media distort that : "Barthez says I'm the one to blame".

Secondly, the article says "Barthez admitted
yesterday etc... and the interview was in fact made after the La Curuna game, when United had still hopes to claim a medal. His mood would have been different after the Arsenal game, because he hates to lose.
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Originally posted by Julian Denny:
<strong>The quicker Barthez leaves the better. He's been disastrous this season at crucial times. He's not a United player. You never know what's going to happen next.

</strong><hr></blockquote>

He has made mistakes at the start of the season, but has played better after. He is a United player, just look how he wanted it vs Leverkusen (away). He has left almost in tears.

That kind of reaction digust me. Anyway, you want to get rid of half the team. It shows the kind of United fan you are. :mad: :rolleyes:
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Originally posted by Elfie:
<strong>

You haven't understood what I meant. I wasn't discussing if he's responsible for United failure this year or not, I was saying that he has NEVER said that.

I have the original interview, published in France, where the journalist says "you had a difficult start this season", and Fab answers "Yes, until December, I wasn't well blah blah" and the British media distort that : "Barthez says I'm the one to blame".

Secondly, the article says "Barthez admitted
yesterday etc... and the interview was in fact made after the La Curuna game, when United had still hopes to claim a medal. His mood would have been different after the Arsenal game, because he hates to lose.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I understood exactly what you said about when and where it was written, so perhaps you can tell me what the better translation of the following sentences were...
'During my season, I had six months that were very difficult until December - I had a very bad period.

'Still today, I do not consider that I am playing well but in football, as in every part of your life, things can change quickly and in some ways I don't like to talk about my form.'

I'm not bothered about when it was said, just what exactly he said. Unless they've really twisted these sentences it looks like he saying he had a very bad (tres mal?) period and was still not playing well whenever that article was written.
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Originally posted by Davo:
<strong>Elfie

Do you agree that it would be a huge bonus for you lot if you do offload Bobo?

Taking into account the fact that he's rubbish...</strong><hr></blockquote>


We'll see how Dudek will play when his mother has cancer, although I don't wish that to him.
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Originally posted by Neil Thomson:
<strong>
I understood exactly what you said about when and where it was written, so perhaps you can tell me what the better translation of the following sentences were...
'During my season, I had six months that were very difficult until December - I had a very bad period.

'Still today, I do not consider that I am playing well but in football, as in every part of your life, things can change quickly and in some ways I don't like to talk about my form.'

I'm not bothered about when it was said, just what exactly he said. Unless they've really twisted these sentences it looks like he saying he had a very bad (tres mal?) period and was still not playing well whenever that article was written.</strong><hr></blockquote>

The first sentence is correct (although Fab exagerates when he talks about six months, it was three months and a half, and almost all the team wasn't well)

The second has been totally distorted. He doesn't say "I do not consider that I'm playing well" (remember, it was after the La Coruna games where he had played well).
The journalist asks him :"Now you're in form !", and he answers "No, I'm not in form ! Because I don't like to say this. In football, everything goes very fast, in both directions. Everything is so uncertain I prefer not to say I'm in form".
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Originally posted by Elfie:
<strong>

The first sentence is correct (although Fab exagerates when he talks about six months, it was three months and a half, and almost all the team wasn't well)

The second has been totally distorted. He doesn't say "I do not consider that I'm playing well" (remember, it was after the La Coruna games where he had played well).
The journalist asks him :"Now you're in form !", and he answers "No, I'm not in form ! Because I don't like to say this. In football, everything goes very fast, in both directions. Everything is so uncertain I prefer not to say I'm in form".</strong><hr></blockquote>
That second sure is a distortion! On the first, I think he was saying that he'd been having problems in his personal life for that long, though what with having the summer off it couldn't have been 6 months of bad form.
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Originally posted by Elfie:
<strong>

He has made mistakes at the start of the season, but has played better after. He is a United player, just look how he wanted it vs Leverkusen (away). He has left almost in tears.

That kind of reaction digust me. Anyway, you want to get rid of half the team. It shows the kind of United fan you are. :mad: :rolleyes: </strong><hr></blockquote>
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Originally posted by Elfie:
<strong>

He has made mistakes at the start of the season, but has played better after. He is a United player, just look how he wanted it vs Leverkusen (away). He has left almost in tears.

That kind of reaction digust me. Anyway, you want to get rid of half the team. It shows the kind of United fan you are. :mad: :rolleyes: </strong><hr></blockquote>

Barthez has made mistakes throughout the season including the game against Arsenal when he cleared straight to one of their players. Alright, he's improved since the beginning of the year but do you want to risk going through all that again ? He's one of the reasons' although not the main one why we're empty handed this season.
Your contention that I want to get rid of half the team is utter tripe. The people I've listed need to go because for a variety of reasons they're not up to it and apart from Veron, (who incidentally I would keep if Fergie knew where to play him, that his heart wasn't still in Rome and that the Plc didn't need the cash to buy a defence),can you give any reasons why they shouldn't, particularly if room has to be made for newcomers.
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Originally posted by AsianFan:
<strong>But not DAVID JAMES to replace Barthez!!! :eek: </strong><hr></blockquote>

Calm down, that's just a joke. Ferige won't replace one clown with another clown, except if he want to change Man Utd into a circus.
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bart wants to be seen , not only w/linda but on the pitch. "look at me f'n about in the area , hey look at me runnin' around like a sweeper , i can score too , just watch me." i want a net minder , one which i hardly notice. conserative and clean with his play. one that cuts out the angles and clears his line , one that actually will dive at a players feet and get dirty. bart didn't keep MU in many games and cost MU plenty this yr. sorry but he's the problem w/the defence.
 
We have been spoiled by the presence of Big Pete, been trying to replace him for the last 3 years,still haven't got it right. Fab is a great short stopper but that's abt it, still dodgy on the crosses. And his need to express himself will continue to cost us games. He's looked good for France, but then anyone would playing behind Desailly,Thuram,Blanc,and Lizarazu. We need a commanding presence in goal, someone who will frighten the life off our own players and opposing players. When Big Pete was there, strikers thought twice about venturing into our penalty box, can we find someone like that? Chilavert is closest to someone like that I can think of.
 
Originally posted by mu77:
<strong>bart wants to be seen , not only w/linda but on the pitch. "look at me f'n about in the area , hey look at me runnin' around like a sweeper , i can score too , just watch me." i want a net minder , one which i hardly notice. conserative and clean with his play. one that cuts out the angles and clears his line , one that actually will dive at a players feet and get dirty. bart didn't keep MU in many games and cost MU plenty this yr. sorry but he's the problem w/the defence.</strong><hr></blockquote>


Stupid twat, you're talking about what you don't know. Barthez doesn't like to be seen, rarely appears on TV, protects his private life and hates to talk about it. He doesn't play like that to be noticed, it's his style, that's all.
As for his style, if you think he's only a good shot stopper then you understand nothing. The real Barthez has a great distribution, can cut actions with his quickness, is not afraid to dive and can be commanding in the air (look at the last Chelsea game !).

If he was the problem then explain me why he was good last year ! (And before joining United).
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Originally posted by Elfie:
<strong>


We'll see how Dudek will play when his mother has cancer, although I don't wish that to him.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Thats the reason he's made so many mistakes this season is it?
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Originally posted by locofishbate30:
<strong>We have been spoiled by the presence of Big Pete, been trying to replace him for the last 3 years,still haven't got it right. Fab is a great short stopper but that's abt it, still dodgy on the crosses. And his need to express himself will continue to cost us games. He's looked good for France, but then anyone would playing behind Desailly,Thuram,Blanc,and Lizarazu. We need a commanding presence in goal, someone who will frighten the life off our own players and opposing players. When Big Pete was there, strikers thought twice about venturing into our penalty box, can we find someone like that? Chilavert is closest to someone like that I can think of.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Chilavert is playing in France and is criticized. As for Schmeichel, yes he was great, but look at the number of goals he has conceded this year (and he has made some mistakes too). It's always difficult when you play for a team that prefers to attack than to defend. The same goes for Fab this year. :mad:
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Originally posted by Davo:
<strong>

Thats the reason he's made so many mistakes this season is it?</strong><hr></blockquote>

Yes. He has given a recent interview where he has said "I had extra-sporty reasons I won't talk about". Then the press has revealed this. Fab has often explained the concentration was the key. When you're not well in your head, it's more difficult to concentrate. If you look at his mistakes, you know that his ability is not the reason, because these are things he has succeeded many times in the past.
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Originally posted by Elfie:
<strong>

Yes. He has given a recent interview where he has said "I had extra-sporty reasons I won't talk about". Then the press has revealed this. Fab has often explained the concentration was the key. When you're not well in your head, it's more difficult to concentrate. If you look at his mistakes, you know that his ability is not the reason, because these are things he has succeeded many times in the past.</strong><hr></blockquote>

So he'd have been perfect but for his mum's illness?

He can concentrate enough during a match to dribble the ball out of his area and act the fool, but not to roll the ball out to his own player properly?

What a bunch of toss...
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He's staying:
Fergie

“Fabien came to me himself to say that agents had been phoning him saying that clubs were making a bid for him and that he was for sale. Agents have been telephoning him to say that Man United were selling him to such and such a club but that is absolute nonsense. That certainly didn’t come from us and I told him that. He is definitely happy at Old Trafford and he’s staying. We don’t want to sell him.”

Not sure whether to be happy or not about this - on balance unhappy unless this really was a rare bad year for him and next season he'll be on best behaviour.
 
replys from elfie - Stupid twat, you're talking about what you don't know. Barthez doesn't like to be seen, rarely appears on TV, protects his private life and hates to talk about it. He doesn't play like that to be noticed, it's his style, that's all.
As for his style, if you think he's only a good shot stopper then you understand nothing. The real Barthez has a great distribution, can cut actions with his quickness, is not afraid to dive and can be commanding in the air (look at the last Chelsea game !).

If he was the problem then explain me why he was good last year ! (And before joining United).

another one - Yes. He has given a recent interview where he has said "I had extra-sporty reasons I won't talk about". Then the press has revealed this. Fab has often explained the concentration was the key. When you're not well in your head, it's more difficult to concentrate. If you look at his mistakes, you know that his ability is not the reason, because these are things he has succeeded many times in the past.

well frenchie which one the private bart or the bart that gives interviews and photo ops to yhe glossies. get yer head outta of yer arse. and your the one who needs to tell me how many matchs bart won for MU this season?
 
Originally posted by mu77:
<strong>

well frenchie which one the private bart or the bart that gives interviews and photo ops to yhe glossies. get yer head outta of yer arse. and your the one who needs to tell me how many matchs bart won for MU this season?</strong><hr></blockquote>

Barthez doesn't give interviews about his private life, sorry. In fact, since the World Cup, he has given only one . The first year at United, he had said to a journalist : no question about my private life. And then the journalist asked one, since that day he refuses to speak to the English press. The photos you could have seen were taken by paparrazzis. He never speaks to the gossip magazines too. They talk about him but he hates that.

As for his games, he has played well since December and made some good saves.
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As for his games, he has played well since December and made some good saves.

well he gave up more clunkers than he saved. i'll list the shite goals he gave up but you'd hurl names at me. "twat" hey , you must live near someone from the US or Canada. didn't carroll keep more clean sheets then bart?
 
Remember Peter Schmichael you could always look back over a season and say he won a few games for us on his own. Can you remember one game where
you thought Barthez has won us any points? He is an expensive show pony who
does very little to give confidence to the defence, Blanc can only be used
as cover and we need an organiser there with a modicum of speed.
 
So most of you are saying 'Sell him'!!!

So who would you buy to replace him????
(be realistic)

I think hes a fantastic keeper - and he should stay!
 
Originally posted by reddermo:
<strong>Dump Linda and get yourself a Manchester lass.</strong><hr></blockquote>

They have separated in January (apparently).
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Originally posted by pete_8:
<strong>Remember Peter Schmichael you could always look back over a season and say he won a few games for us on his own. Can you remember one game where
you thought Barthez has won us any points? </strong><hr></blockquote>


Obviously he has kept us in some games, if a keeper mades some saves and the result is tight, then he has played his part in the victories...
He has ALSO made some very good saves this year !
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Originally posted by mu77:
<strong>As for his games, he has played well since December and made some good saves.

didn't carroll keep more clean sheets then bart?</strong><hr></blockquote>

May be, but he never faced top sides.
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