Chelsea’s ‘model’ to blame for Fernandes comments – Carney
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Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of the cup match, Lescott suggested that Rosenior could have used the decision as a way to stamp his authority as a manager, rather than to show that it was the club’s decision.
Regarding the decision to suspend the player, he said: “I think it’s a collective thing. He said it was obviously his words. I felt like maybe he could have taken a little more responsibility and made his own decision.”
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“Yes, this decision may have been taken by the club but we feel there are a lot of question marks around Liam and that is wrong.
“I think if he had come out and said, ‘This is my decision, I decided not to include him,’ and taken the initiative, he would have gained more authority within the group and in the media. But it was the right decision.”
Lescott added that he believed overseas players should show more discipline when discussing their futures, saying: “I don’t think players should be commenting on their departure or speculating about other clubs.”
“It’s strange that so many foreign players tend to go on international assignments and think that their words may not be heard or translated. This is not new, but I think it is the right decision.”
Chelsea model ‘will continue to pose challenges’
Mr Lescott’s colleague Mr Carney felt part of the problem was endemic to Chelsea, who sign players to long-term contracts, which meant they were not given pay rises when they felt they were entitled.
“I think it’s the Chelsea model,” she said. “Because it’s open, they don’t pay the same wages as some of the clubs in the so-called bracket. So when players perform well, they want to get paid what they think they deserve, and that’s the negative of this issue. So I don’t think he’ll be (the only player).”
“Cucurella, whether it’s Cole Palmer or a player like Estevao, wants to come into a football club and do well and be paid and recognized the way they think they deserve.
“If not, is it a contract situation? That is the model for Chelsea and it will continue to create a difficult situation. Whether he was playing today is another question, but he would be unavailable for the game against City.”
