What to Do with Carlos Tevez?
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September 28, 2011 TheFreshOutlook  |
Should Carlos Tevez face the sack following his latest irritable outburst or do his talents make him above the rules?
“What we don’t know is if Tevez is subject to ongoing disciplinary proceedings. But if it is true that he refused to play yesterday, that borders on gross misconduct which would entitle City to sack him.”
These were the words of Specialist sports lawyer at FrontRow Legal Richard Cramer, who, following Carlos Tevez’ refusal to play for his team on Tuesday night, told the BBC of the legal obligations a player is contracted to meet, and of the consequences if they are not met.
A sacking, it seems, is the obvious punishment for Tevez. A separation between club and player that would put an end to Tevez’s reported weekly earnings of £250,000. But, for a player who has repeatedly tried to leave the club over the past 10 months, is this really a suitable punishment? The obvious answer is a resounding “no”. Instead, it is Manchester City who would lose out if they were to fire Tevez.
Let us forget for a moment about the emotional repercussions of Tevez’s actions. Let’s forget about the actions which have publically undermined Roberto Mancini’s authority and disrespected Manchester City FC. Let us even forget, if we can, the thousands of City fans who paid hard-earned cash to travel to Munich to see their team perform.
The fact is, the Argentine is one of the best strikers in the world and, as such, is more than just an employee for City. Carlos Tevez is an asset, in the business sense of the word. He is an asset that is potentially worth £40m in the transfer market, a sum of money City would never see if they were to let the player go.
What the player would cost the club in wages over the duration of his contract does not equate to the sum of cash the club would make from a transfer involving the player, despite the likelihood of having to sell Tevez at a cut-price.
Sacking a footballer is not the same as sacking a builder, a nurse or a lowly reporter, despite the emotional trauma. The current capitalist nature of football doesn’t allow it to be. Sacking Tevez would cost City millions of pounds. Sacking Tevez would save the club who acquire his services millions of pounds. Those are the cold hard facts. The only facts that seem to matter in this day and age, however depressing or cynical that may be.
But what of Tevez’ defence?
The allegations of his refusal to play does seem incongruous to the player’s attitude on the pitch, where he is considered a hard worker with a passion for the shirt he wears. Today, Tevez himself has denied Mancini‘s claims, citing his past record as a team player and suggesting that the whole episode is more a result of a misunderstanding, rather than a blatant act of petulant rebellion. But, in all honesty, a misunderstanding seems far-fetched.
Tevez either said one of two things when Mancini asked him to play: “Yes” or “No”. Hard to misunderstand that.
Mancini has vowed that Tevez will never play for City again while he is in charge. But of course, that doesn’t mean Tevez will get the sack. Even with all their money, it’s hard to imagine Manchester City throwing away a £40m asset on principle. Tevez’ job is safe. Does that seem fair?
Perhaps I’ll refuse to write tomorrow. I wonder what will happen…
By Luke Ryan
[Imagine courtesy of Johnny Vulkan]
Very interesting take on thr current capitalist nature of the English Premier League where it seems sometimes that the players think they are bigger than the club. I believe Mancini should sell Tevez at it will definately cost them more to sack him as stated in the articke, especially knowing who his agent is. His attitude could be toxic to the club and shouldn’t be toleerated.
Don’t you think however, if they got rid of him, it’d save them a hell of a lot of money through his wages (£250K a week!) without mentioning embarrassment?
Great article…
Certainly does seem far-fetched that the whole episode was merely a ‘misunderstanding’. Tevez has played under Mancini for how long now? Can the language barrier still be that pronounced?
It is sad that perhaps Tevez will remain at the club as an ‘asset’ and not be sacked. As a Man U fan I have to say I still have respect for Tevez for the goals scored as a Red. Nevertheless it would be great to see a stand on principle and see him fired for what was a disgraceful act considering his wage!
However it makes sense that City will keep Carlos on the books in order to achieve that possible 40m price tag. A difficult situation for Mancini I guess… As a Utd fan all the more pleasing!
what a pain of a player. wasn’t as good as rooney or ronaldo and moaned at united. been crying to go away from city for an age. let him go…
Not sure what to think of this whole debarcle really. I think I’m starting to lean towards Tevez on this one. On the face of it, it looks like tevez spat his dummy out and refused to play. However, earlier in the match tevez joined those warming up (with no refusal) and states that he didnt need to warm up further but was instead ready to go right then. Now this in itself is undermining to Mancini, which would explain his reaction to the situation. However, why would Tevez refuse now?? The timing doesn’t fit for me - he can’t leave until January, Joe Hart has recently had an interview stating that Tevez is still very much part of Man City and gives 100percent during training and as a player who thrives on playing especially in all adversity (west ham move was contraversial and yet he performed; moves to City from Man Utd and did perform; playing in Brazil as an Argentinian and his international career in its entirity), I just can’t seem him refusing to play. I genuinely think that Tevez is both a whinger and disruptive but not the type of player to turn down playing. Thoughts???