Dirty TackleFlorent Malouda is bitter and frustrated
Before scoring in Chelsea's 5-0 FA Cup win over Watford today, Florent Malouda decided to tell the press about his dumb theory that Frank Lampard's position with the club is directly related to his featuring role with the England national team. From the Guardian:
"It's his position in the national team," said the France winger. "He plays like that in the England team, and we are in a World Cup year. But at a certain point, the status has to be in relation with the performances."
Oh yeah, that's totally it. That's the only way Lampard (19 games, six goals, eight assists this season) would get more of the spotlight than you, Florent (15 games, three goals, two assists). Aside from the fact that he's one of the longest standing members of the club, one of its all-time leading scorers, and vice-captain. Yep, you got this conspiracy all figured out.
But Malouda doesn't limit his moaning to just the press. He apparently subjects Carlo Ancelotti to it, too:
"Before the match against Birmingham, I talked to the coach to tell him about my frustration," he told L'Equipe. "The frustration is above all for the big games. I'm ready to look elsewhere. Finding another club is not a problem. But the club has closed the door to any departure, whether it be in January or in June. The coach is counting on me. We'll see from now until the end of the season."
I doubt Malouda will consider starting a third round FA Cup match against a Championship side as a "big game" but maybe if he spent a little less time on his ever-changing hairstyles, he'd have a better chance at getting what he wants.
UPDATE: Malouda is now denying these statements, but not the interview from which they came. Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti is making it sound like there is at least some truth to the comments as reported. Seems like a case of Moulda being upset about the negative reaction to a bit of venting he thought he could get away with.
Photo: Getty Images
