da apostaganha: Real Madrid are looking set to resurrect their interest in controversial Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebyor, but does the player’s pros out weigh his cons and can Jose Mourinho tame the fiery Togolese star?
da prosport bet: Adebayor’s goal-scoring record since moving to England from Monaco is very good, and in that respect it is clear to see why Real Madrid would be keen to sign him. He notched up 46 goals in 104 appearances in three years at Arsenal and has 15 goals in 34 games at Manchester City. But Adebayor’s attitude and off-field rin-ins often go before the talented striker and the controversy that follows him is often his own doing.
In the early days of his Arsenal career, Adebayor was often criticised for his attitude and lazy appearance on the field. But what firmly villainized him in the eyes of Arsenal fans was his flirtation with AC Milan and Barcelona in the summer of 2008. Reports from Adebayor’s agent that he was keen on a move away from the club and that, in his own words, Arsenal were moving backwards earned Adebayor a bad reputation which he never lost.
Trouble followed him to Manchester City where this season alone he has had severe bust-ups with teammate Kolo Toure and manager Roberto Mancini. Despite Mario Balotelli’s knee problems, City are thought to be willing to allow Adebayor to go to Madrid on an initial loan deal.
Jose Mourinho is considered by many to be the best manager in the world, and it’s clear to see why. Success has followed him around from Porto to Milan and few managers in the modern day can compete with the 17 major honours that Mourinho has won since he began his managerial career in 2000.
Part of managing the best teams in Europe means working with the best players, and biggest egos, in the world and this is something that Mourinho seems quite capable of doing. One only needs to look back to 2004 when Adrian Mutu failed a drugs test while at Chelsea. Mourinho and the Chelsea board moved quickly to sack the player and set an example to the rest of football of how to deal with drug cheats. While it is much easier to sack a star player when you’re one of the richest teams in the world, Chelsea were still applauded for the way which they dealt with the incident. During his career Mourinho has worked and dealt with the likes of Adriano, Samuel Eto’o and William Gallas – all of whom have had bust-ups with managers during their careers.
Mourinho is well known for his effective style of man management and recently Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas heaped praise on his manager: “He always shows concern for everyone and he never forgets about those who are always in contact with the players. It really catches on in the dressing room and all my team-mates and I are thrilled to have him. We hope he stays for a long time”.
Adebayor strikes me as a player who needs to be loved and it appears that Mourinho could be the man to put his wing around, and nurture the player. After recently turning down a lucrative return to Monaco, Madrid seems to be Adebayor’s first choice and a chance to play regularly for the most revered football clubs in world could also help rejuvenate his career.
[divider]
Love fantasy football? Love live footy? You’ll love live fantasy football! Take part in the Arsenal v Ipswich match and play Picklive for FREE Go on, give it a go!