problems with steed!

part of the postmatch conversation with chris coleman

However there is now a question mark hanging over the future of French midfielder Steed Malbranque who left the ground before the game after being left out of the match-day squad.

Coleman insisted he wanted Malbranque to stay with the Londoners, saying: "Steed is a quality player and still has a big future at the club but he hasn't been having the best of times.

"I can only pick a team that I think is best equipped to go out and beat Everton and that's what I did. Everybody reacts badly if they're not in the team and I've no idea if he watched the game."

 

unfortunately, I think is Steed is as good as gone. He has not been playing well this season and does not seem happy at Fulham. I wish this were not the case, but it seems like it is.

 

I posted this in the Everton match thread but it belongs here, as well.

I think some of the shine is wearing off the emperor's clothes.

- from BBC match report
It's all well and good to call out player attitude when it's warranted, and I have been a little surprised that he hasnt done so more, in some cases... but READ those quotes again and I think they show a cracked veneer of confidence .. both of Cookie in the players and the players in him.

Does anyone recall seeing a quote where CC assumed responsibility for poor results? I vaguely remember something in the vein of an excuse.. or faint-hearted apology. But we know he was quick to criticize those in stands for lack of support when they had nothing to cheer.

Well CC, perhaps you do.. do the players? Could that be the problem in the "inconsistencies?