Source: Daily_Mail
IAN RIDLEY: Don't blame Wolves manager Mick McCarthy, greedy Premier League are the problem
There is in Arsene Wenger a sportsmanship and integrity appropriate to a club such as Arsenal, who have historically tried - even if failing sometimes in their aspirations - to do and say the right thing. [LNB]But there can also be the pragmatism of a professional who has never shied away from doing and saying what most benefits his club. [LNB]In the sportsmanship stakes, he will forever have credit for replaying that FA Cup game against Sheffield United after a winning goal that should not have been. [LNB] Weakened side: Wolves manager Mick McCarthy changed all eleven outfield players for his side's trip to Old Trafford[LNB] PIERS MORGAN: Wolves boss Mick McCarthy should be sacked for putting his ego before his teamMcCarthy blasts Wenger but admits: 'I've taken the heat off poor old Tiger' Beckham goes back to Manchester United in dream last 16 drawFergie defends Wolves boss McCarthy after he fielded reserves at Old Trafford An example of the self-interest came again as he complained aboutMick McCarthy sending out a second-string Wolves team to faceManchester United.[LNB] 'We will have to compete with Manchester United over 37 games instead of 38,' said Wenger.[LNB] 'I believe it is a problem for the international credibility of thePremier League but it is not my problem. It is a Premier Leagueproblem.' [LNB]As much sense as Wenger talks, this time it is mostly guff. [LNB]Wenger and Arsenal have already benefited this season from theselection of an opposing manager when Tony Pulis did not start withRicardo Fuller at the Emirates recently as the striker was on fourbookings and Stoke did not want him suspended for their next - morewinnable - game (at home against Wigan). [LNB] Angry: Arsene Wenger (right) hit out at Mick McCarthy's team selection[LNB][LNB]You suspect there will, too, be other times this season when Arsenal will profit, as all the big clubs do these days. [LNB]Wenger is seeking to load a gun for the Premier League to fire at Wolves. [LNB]But, believing that any rules about fielding a strongest side areredundant in these days of increased fixture lists and bigger squads,the League look to have written to the club reluctantly. [LNB]For this is less of a problem for the Premier League than one caused by them. [LNB]Watching recently a TV programme on the season the competition was formed, it was evident how the game has improved.[LNB]Handled: United strolled to a comfortable 3-0 win over Wolves [LNB] Play is quicker, pitches slicker and stadia smarter and safer. [LNB]The by-product has been, of course, that the big have got bigger. And richer. [LNB]To reach the Premier League is to arrive at the end of the rainbow, to drop out is to lose the pot of gold. [LNB]And for a manager, it frequently means the loss of his job. [LNB]Thus was McCarthy's action understandable in seeking to keep a fresh first team for today's game against Burnley. [LNB]The League has gone from three tiers - Champions League challengers,the relieved in mid-table, relegation candidates - to two divisions ofthem and us; those with money (or the collateral to borrow it) tryingto achieve and those without it trying to survive. [LNB]Wolves are among the latter, as McCarthy, a genuine - and fiercely competitive - football man, is aware. [LNB]It probably pained him to admit tacitly that his squad are not yet strong enough to take on bigger clubs on a regular basis. [LNB]Some declared it a betrayal of Wanderers' proud heritage but the game and the status of the club have changed.[LNB] His thinking is that he may lose a battle but win the war - that ofkeeping Wolves up so that they can continue earning and progressing,maybe one day to compete better with bigger clubs. [LNB]Dances with Wolves, as of yore? More like chances with Wolves these days. [LNB]Some of their fans may feel short-changed but three points against Burnley today will make it all go away. [LNB]Such attitudes may be superficial, even sad. [LNB]But then, to offset their assets, so are the many modern defects ofthe Premier League: Off the field the cash that goes out to agents andpaid directors; on it the minor cheating that has become the norm, suchas stealing yards at throw-ins. [LNB]Then the diving . . . (and how is Wayne Rooney getting away without the condemnation that would befall an overseas player?) [LNB]The growth of greed and money usually means slipping sporting standards. [LNB]Brave, and few, are those who uphold them in such an atmosphere. I[LNB]t thus becomes the Premier League's duty to claw back some moral high ground. [LNB]Punishing Wolves would be unjust. Instead, the League should make itclear to clubs - including the big ones, who send out weaker sides inthe name of squad rotation - that future over-diluting of teams willmerit sanction.[LNB] If that, or any argument about sporting integrity, does not do thetrick, then Wenger's one telling phrase about international credibilityshould. [LNB]After all, TV companies will not pay future fortunes to broadcast reserve teams to the world. [LNB] He's Beck: Beckham will play against Manchester United for the first time since he left in 2003[LNB][LNB]Beckham back to Old Trafford, Mourinho toStamford Bridge. How mouth-watering a pair of ties are Milan vManchester United and Inter v Chelsea? [LNB]Not just because of the thrills andrevenue it will all generate, both English clubs will be delighted tobe facing the Milanese and giving their fans the chance to buy thosesouvenir models of Milan Cathedral (not endorsed by Silvio Berlusconi).[LNB]For the days are gone when Serie A was the richest and most revered league. [LNB]It is still rebuilding trust from thematch-fixing scandal of 2006 and thus is its revenue down, meaning lesscompetition for players with England and Spain.[LNB] Liverpool and United have both provedthe Premier League's more youthful vigour in beating Inter in the lasttwo seasons, while Arsenal beat Milan in 2008. [LNB]Arsenal's tie against Porto will get lessattention but they have this season the chance to sneak through on therails. Three into eight should go.[LNB] PIERS MORGAN: Wolves boss Mick McCarthy should be sacked for putting his ego before his teamMcCarthy blasts Wenger but admits: 'I've taken the heat off poor old Tiger' Beckham goes back to Manchester United in dream last 16 drawFergie defends Wolves boss McCarthy after he fielded reserves at Old Trafford [LNB] [LNB]
