"It's My Fault" - Barthez
By Chris O'Brien
October 10 2003
Out-of-favour 'keeper Fabien Barthez has insisted that his current exclusion from the United team is his own fault. The French international, who is still on top form for his country, is yet to even appear on the substitutes bench this season
| "It's My Own Fault" - Barthez |
| Out-of-favour 'keeper Fabien
Barthez has insisted it is entirely his own fault that he is not currently
getting close to the Manchester United starting line-up. The French World Cup winner is yet to even appear on the bench or play a reserve game this season for United, and he is unlikely to feature in Sir Alex Ferguson's plans for any upcoming fixtures. The United boss would seem to have lost interest in Barthez, and a number of clubs are believed to be interested in signing the 'keeper when the January transfer window opens. To be fair to Barthez, he has not grumbled about being dropped and has continuously vowed to fight for his first team place at United, but it now seems very unlikely that he will ever become first choice goalkeeper again. "Since the start of the season, I haven't played but I am prepared to enter the team at any moment," said the 32-year-old "We never talk about it with Ferguson. Our relationship is, let's say, perfect, except that I don't play. "But I know anything can happen. I have never asked anything of the club. I don't feel in a painful situation. "If I have to leave, it is only because Manchester want it. "If I lost my place, it is only my fault and it will never be someone else's fault. It is up to me to do what is needed. "I prepare myself every day to play at the weekend and I believe in that every time, if not I would give up." Barthez's lack of first team football on the domestic scene is yet to hamper his international career, and he remains in superb form for the 1998 World champions. However, France manager Jacques Santini has warned Barthez that he wants him to be playing regular football to keep his place in the future. "The Barthez case is special because he is a keeper and not a midfielder who needs to play matches to be fit. "However, if Fabien doesn't play during the season, it will become complex both for him and for me. "He knows that perfectly. The situation will have to change in some way." It's easy to forget what a good goalkeeper Barthez is, and despite his drop in form towards the end of last season and several well publicised nightmare displays for United, he has been an excellent last line of defence for the Red Devils since signing from Monaco. I feel he is capable of challenging Tim Howard and Roy Carroll for the number 1 jersey, and deserves another chance before the lack of first team football drives him away from Old Trafford. Barthez's chance may come in the League Cup when United visit Elland Road on October 28th. Sir Alex Ferguson is now taking the competition more seriously than in previous years, but he is still expected to rotate his side slightly which could allow the eccentric Frenchman to be given 90 minutes in the United shirt. |
