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Coloccini – For and Against

11 years ago
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Six  days ago we heard Coloccini’s father, Osvaldo, claim that his son was ‘dying’ for a return to his hometown club San Lorenzo. Although worries that our captain fantastic was about to jump ship were soon quelled by Marcelo Lombilla, Colo’s agent, who said that the reports were not to be believed, indicating Fabricio would remain very much as a Newcastle player. However, the saga seems to have taken a further twist…

Yesterday The Independent have revealed that Coloccini has asked to leave Newcastle and return home to Argentina, signalling an end to his Newcastle United playing days. Although how much truth The Independent article contains certainly remains to be seen. If Coloccini does leave the club, who are undoubtedly currently entrenched in a relegation battle, Newcastle’s car crash season will take an even further plunge.

Reasons FOR a Colo departure:

1.            Father Osvaldo is very much involved in San Lorenzo as a club and seems convinced his son wants to join him there

2.            Coloccini is a top player, he is the club captain and comes across as an ambitious professional. Throughout 2012 there were whispers of his dissatisfaction of being paired in a substandard defensive partnership. Newcastle have needed a top centre half to complement Colo for the past TWO seasons now and still the void has not been filled. I’m not saying this is a direct reason and I doubt Colo would spit his dummy out – he stayed with the club during relegation, however it could contribute to his disagreements with Pardew

3.            Recently there was a bit of a ‘bust up’ between Colo and Pards, something Pardew quickly swept under the carpet but it seems that all isn’t well and we are yet to know the full story. One thing’s for sure though, there does seem to be an element of discontent present.

4.            Form. Whilst Colo has been brilliant at times this season and was of course outstanding at the Stadium of Light, his recent form has dipped. Again this is no reason to leave but we do generally see this happen when players’ heads have been turned or when they have one foot out of the club.

Reasons AGAINST a Colo departure:

1.            He signed a new contract only 6 months ago! He has 4 and a half years left with us, he has committed his future alongside compatriot Jonas Gutierrez and it would be a complete shock to see this as a hollow gesture.

2.            Pardew and the club have reiterated, time and again, that we will not sell ‘big’ players on the cheap. Carroll is the obvious example, we generated £35 million to let him go. San Lorenzo wouldn’t be able to afford the transfer fee we would command as well as Colo’s £70K a week plus wages. It doesn’t seem feasible to me anyway.

3.            We haven’t heard any discontent from Colo, no statements have been released from him and his agent was quick to put down his father’s claims.

4.            Colo is still young in footballing terms as a centre half. He has years at the top left in him. Returning to Argentina and playing at a lower standard seems premature. I do think he’ll end his career there and most likely with his boyhood club although now would be too early.

5.            As previously mentioned – he’s a top professional with commitment in abundance, we see this on the pitch and when he didn’t leave the club during relegation. If he were to leave it would seem out of character leaving halfway through the season when the club is in such a precarious league position.

6.            FINAL POINT: This whole saga circulated 5/6 days ago, with primary reports coming from The Mirror and then ESPN. Whilst The Independent are undoubtedly a reputable paper, this could simply be an angle of interest from them. More quotes are coming out of the San Lorenzo camp, with the manager and president declaring interest for Colo. This happens all the time in football, papers feed off this speculation. Perhaps The Independent are filling column space and simply adding fuel to the fire.

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Verdict:

This season has been abysmal for us so far let’s be honest. It began in the summer when we didn’t invest enough in to the squad. Injuries amassed, a loss of form ensued and the added burden of the Europa League has affected preparations. We don’t seem to be riding out games like we did last season. Last season we could play badly and win or at least get a result, this year we are playing badly and paying the price. When this happens there’s inevitably that shroud of negativity around the club.

Perhaps in the wake of Ba’s departure we are seeing the pressure and headlines directed at the club a little more directly. The San Lorenzo camp is making a lot of noise and of course they’d love Colo over there, he’s a top player. Although it’s very much part of the rumour mill at present and it seems papers are latching on to that.

I don’t think Colo will leave, certainly not in this window anyway. Try not to panic for now anyway.

Keep the faith!

Jamie also has his own excellent blog which you can visit at carryingcoals.com

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