After reading this story I like him even more 
The Electric New Paper, Singapore
Al Qahtani not good enough
HAVE you heard the story about Yasser Al Qahtani?
02 January 2008
HAVE you heard the story about Yasser Al Qahtani?
The reigning Asian Player of the Year claimed last week he turned down an offer to join Manchester City.
Do you want to hear the real story behind the scenes?
The truth is, I was told, Al Qahtani was sent home because he was not good enough.
I have worked in the Middle East for a long time and I am close to several members of the City coaching staff.
What I understand is that the Saudi Arabian international striker flew into Manchester with a huge entourage.
He arrived at the City training ground like a prince and when he took part in his first training session, the members of his entourage lined the length of the touchline cheering his every move.
City skipper Richard Dunne, decided to find out what the fuss over Al Qahtani was all about.
When Al Qahtani got the ball, Dunne smacked the Asian striker with a good ol' fashioned 'welcome' tackle, and Al Qahtani fell onto the ground like a bag of chips.
He started rolling around, squealing and had to be carried off the field.
To make things worse, I understand Al Qahtani broke into tears, clutching his 'injured' ankle.
ONE SESSION
He complained to the City officials that the team was too rough, that they were playing rugby and not football.
Just one session, and Al Qahtani's trial was over.
In the dressing room after training, some City players asked manager Sven-Goran Eriksson if he was really serious in signing Al Qahtani.
Eriksson apparently replied that if he was ever forced by the club management to sign a player like that, he would quit.
Of course, in a face-saving exercise, Al Qahtani released a statement saying he rejected City's offer as he felt his club Al Hilal needed him too much this season.
Think about it: Would any Asian player turn down the chance to play in the Premier League just because a local club needs him?
If he is a player with any ambition, he will surely jump at the offer and do his country proud.
If not, why waste everybody's time and attend a trial while knowing that another home-town club actually 'needs' you?
Al Qahtani's explanation just doesn't hold water.
No doubt, Al Qahtani must be a decent player to be hailed as Asia's best.
But the truth is, when it comes to the Premier League, he is just not good enough.
And I bet he knows it now.
HAVE you heard the story about Yasser Al Qahtani?
02 January 2008
HAVE you heard the story about Yasser Al Qahtani?
The reigning Asian Player of the Year claimed last week he turned down an offer to join Manchester City.
Do you want to hear the real story behind the scenes?
The truth is, I was told, Al Qahtani was sent home because he was not good enough.
I have worked in the Middle East for a long time and I am close to several members of the City coaching staff.
What I understand is that the Saudi Arabian international striker flew into Manchester with a huge entourage.
He arrived at the City training ground like a prince and when he took part in his first training session, the members of his entourage lined the length of the touchline cheering his every move.
City skipper Richard Dunne, decided to find out what the fuss over Al Qahtani was all about.
When Al Qahtani got the ball, Dunne smacked the Asian striker with a good ol' fashioned 'welcome' tackle, and Al Qahtani fell onto the ground like a bag of chips.
He started rolling around, squealing and had to be carried off the field.
To make things worse, I understand Al Qahtani broke into tears, clutching his 'injured' ankle.
ONE SESSION
He complained to the City officials that the team was too rough, that they were playing rugby and not football.
Just one session, and Al Qahtani's trial was over.
In the dressing room after training, some City players asked manager Sven-Goran Eriksson if he was really serious in signing Al Qahtani.
Eriksson apparently replied that if he was ever forced by the club management to sign a player like that, he would quit.
Of course, in a face-saving exercise, Al Qahtani released a statement saying he rejected City's offer as he felt his club Al Hilal needed him too much this season.
Think about it: Would any Asian player turn down the chance to play in the Premier League just because a local club needs him?
If he is a player with any ambition, he will surely jump at the offer and do his country proud.
If not, why waste everybody's time and attend a trial while knowing that another home-town club actually 'needs' you?
Al Qahtani's explanation just doesn't hold water.
No doubt, Al Qahtani must be a decent player to be hailed as Asia's best.
But the truth is, when it comes to the Premier League, he is just not good enough.
And I bet he knows it now.
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