Whats Up With Robert and Shola?


By Matthew Jones
May 2 2004

Laurent Robert came of the field injured, and Shola Ameobi was complaining about his blisters, so why the attitude when they were substituted during the second half?

Manager Sir Bobby Robson is also clueless, and said:

"I don't know what's up with Laurent. He gave me the sign which said he wants to come off - so that's what I did.

"As for Shola, he was complaining about his blisters. I told him not to talk to me, I don't want to hear it - he has a few days to recover."

This leaves Robson needing to boost the morale in the Toon camp ahead of United's second-leg semi-final UEFA Cup clash with Marseille.  The Magpies' boss refused to give up on qualifying for the final, despite injuries.

He added:

"Under the circumstances we've had a pretty good season, but on Thursday it can go one way or the other. If we get any more injuries, it will go the other. Woodgate, Dyer and Bellamy have only started five games for us [together] this season.

"There have been many times when I have not been able to put out my strongest squad, so Thursday will be no different.

"I still believe we can beat Marseille, though. We beat Chelsea at the weekend and they have spent £120million on players and are desperate to finish second. That is proof of our potential. It's difficult to say what clubs have to do to catch Arsenal when Chelsea spent all that money and still fell short."

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