Ross Barkley

[RamboandBruno]

After Grealish, Barkley is our next big name player. Said big name player has been playing shite for the last 5 or 6 games. Journalists are asking manager about big name player playing shite. Manager defends big name player in public in which ever way he can, on this occasion with the use of stats.

It’s hardly a shock is it.

Wouldn’t it be weaker or in fact just stupid management to publicly berate said big name player who is woefully out of form?

What’s more interesting than a press conference is if Smith drops or plays him and the reaction of the player, we’ll know how that’s all going by about 6pm tonight.

[Rudy65]

I was confused by his exit, was he trying to get attention or was he just knackered?
It was very strange knowing the cameras were bound to pick it up.

100% wanted the attention. It’s why kids through themselves on the floor in supermarkets. In both cases you look ridiculous. Barkley is effectively saying to Smith, how dare you take me off, do you know who I am type of attitude.

[Risso]

I was confused by his exit, was he trying to get attention or was he just knackered?
It was very strange knowing the cameras were bound to pick it up.

100% wanted the attention. It’s why kids through themselves on the floor in supermarkets. In both cases you look ridiculous. Barkley is effectively saying to Smith, how dare you take me off, do you know who I am type of attitude.

Given that was the second such example, it makes Smith's continued defence of him a bit strange.

[Drummond]

It could be petulance or it could be utter frustration at his own performance. I'd hope it was the latter.

I suspect Barkley is the sort of player who needs an arm round the shoulder and support rather than a dressing down. I hope Smith works it out because on form he could destroy a defence. He just needs to bloody prove it.

[Flamingo Lane]

Pure speculation on my part of course, but I am starting to think that there is an agreement of some sort that Barkley is entitled to start games (provided he's fit).  Also, that his acts of petulance whenever he is taken off is him expressing his disapproval at what he sees as a breach of an entitlement to not be taken off unless he's injured.

Whatever the case, I will be very disappointed if he gets to start the game tonight given the consistently poor level of his performances since coming back from injury (and yes, I know he scored a goal in a game).

[JUAN PABLO]

if we had no options I can understand DS keep playing Barkley hoping it might just happen but while we have options he should be benched.

[Allan C]

I was confused by his exit, was he trying to get attention or was he just knackered?
It was very strange knowing the cameras were bound to pick it up.

100% wanted the attention. It’s why kids through themselves on the floor in supermarkets. In both cases you look ridiculous. Barkley is effectively saying to Smith, how dare you take me off, do you know who I am type of attitude.

How can you possibly make that comment without knowing Barkley personally?? I’m more willing to believe that he is frustrated with his form which, like several others, is below par

[GordonCowansisthegreatest]

You can forgive an off game or two, what you can't over look is lack of commitment or effort. Not sure where Deano got his distance stats from but he never got within 3 or 4 metres of any player he was "closing down' and there was never an intention to actually challenge let alone tackle anyone.
He wouldn't make the bench if I had any say in the selection.

[LeeB]

He's been poor since coming back from injury, but I think some of the criticism is a bit over the top.

[JuanMartinez]

He's been poor since coming back from injury, but I think some of the criticism is a bit over the top.

Couldn’t agree more, the criticism borders upon hatred at times and is palpable.

We don’t even own the lad, hope Ross has a blinder later.

[ChicagoLion]

He's been poor since coming back from injury, but I think some of the criticism is a bit over the top.

Couldn’t agree more, the criticism borders upon hatred at times and is palpable.

We don’t even own the lad, hope Ross has a blinder later.

Hatred?
Really?

[Bobby Boy]

He's been poor since coming back from injury, but I think some of the criticism is a bit over the top.

Couldn’t agree more, the criticism borders upon hatred at times and is palpable.

We don’t even own the lad, hope Ross has a blinder later.

Hatred?
Really?

If Ross Barkley was performing, showing commitment and a great attitude then there would only be plaudits on here.

He is being criticised because he is not showing the basic levels that would apply to any professional footballer.

If he plays today I hope he is sensational.

[paul_e]

He's been poor since coming back from injury, but I think some of the criticism is a bit over the top.

Couldn’t agree more, the criticism borders upon hatred at times and is palpable.

We don’t even own the lad, hope Ross has a blinder later.

No hatred here, I just think he needs to offer more in the final 3rd to justify his lack of defensive ability.

[wittonwarrior]

Its a now or never situation.  He's clearly not fit but when has he ever been in his career.

[Allan C]

He's been poor since coming back from injury, but I think some of the criticism is a bit over the top.

Absolutely it has been. I get that he hasn’t been on form but then many others haven’t either. Some of it is just ridiculous