Sympathy For The Captain

Now that Fabricio Coloccini has personally rubbished any rumors of a January trip to Argentina, it is worth reflecting on a stressful situation for the player, club, and supporters. Perhaps it was just a reflection of a soul-sucking 2012-13 season, but the speed with which many fans turned on Coloccini was disappointing. Considering so many of us turn to sports as an escape from whatever else may be going on in our lives, maybe we've forgotten that our favorite athletes do have lives outside of the sport we love to watch them play.

Even while enjoying his role as captain and the environment at the club, the pressure of Coloccini's family situation could easily have placed some nagging doubts in his mind. To me, at least, it's not surprising that he would decide to talk to officials at Newcastle about those feelings in a vulnerable moment, even if he wasn't staying awake every night thinking about returning to Argentina with his family.

Though Coloccini has not been at his best for much of the year, there has been nothing credible to suggest he's acted unprofessionally. His performance against Norwich, as the drama around him swirled to a climax, was perhaps his best of the season. He did write, or at least sign, a curious letter to San Lorenzo fans last week, but the English translation was likely misunderstood by those of us with Newcastle sympathies. Sentiment can be difficult to capture when switching from one language to another.

Fans have also criticized Coloccini for not being a more demonstrative leader on the pitch during poor performances. Kevin Nolan was perfectly willing to shout and point, of course, and most of us still have that image fresh in our minds. But in some ways, urging a captain to be louder is simply a way to say, "show us you care as much as we do, because we don't believe you." Supporters here in Boston are notorious for praising the passion of those who scream and yell, while denigrating those who go about their work quietly. If other players need Coloccini to yell at them in order to respond, they're the ones who should get the criticism.

And being vocal is not always a sign of great leadership, particularly when it comes from a struggling player. No one lauds Danny Simpson for his initiative when yelling at teammates, and West Ham fans' thoughts about Nolan should be reiterated for those still pining after him.

There's no worse time to suffer a crisis of confidence than when captaining a club teetering over the relegation zone. But of all the question marks still hanging over Newcastle United at the moment, Coloccini's performance is not high on the list. Mark my words: the captain will do as much as anyone to keep Newcastle up this season.

Comments

[Dabtoes]

Colo owes our club nothing! Throughout his time with us, he has been an outstanding professional who has now encountered conflict between the needs of his family and those of the club.

He has acted with dignity and professionalism throughout this personal versus professional turmoil, and it is to his great credit that his continuing professionalism has allowed him to commit to our club - at least for the remainder of this season.

I've been to every home match, and the true supporters (those who pay up and turn up) have demonstrated both vocally and loudly that our captain has our absolute support.

I fully expect that to continue.

[MNTOONARMY9]

As an observer from afar (the windchill is -36 degrees Farhenheit this morning), I think Matt nails it in the last paragraph: We're in a relegation scrap.

Until the Villa game when our new players seemed to give us some confidence that there is enough talent to compete and even stay up, our Captain's trevails were not only distracting but gave people the sense, right or wrong, that he was jumping ship...and that it might lead to a number of other players to leave or, worse, not want to join the club.

If we were sitting mid-table, this would take on a very different light. Fans are importing thier own anxiety about relegation and relevance into poor Colo's situation. I admit, I did it myself a bit.

I am glad to see he will stay and I think he'll play well. His efforts against Villa were solid, which is what we need on the back four. Colo built up a lot of goodwill and a reputation as a character guy and I'm glad he's living up to it.

[SDMag]

Another observer from afar would like to also note that this whole thing was taking on the aire of the Enrique affair, which should have left a bad taste in EVERYONE'S mouth, not just the Jawdee's. Agree with the basic sentiments of the last posts and article, but keep in mind the context that this all happened in...

[geordiepat]

Come on boys, where's the article on our mini-revival? Be nice to hear something whilst we're on the up! Don't know how long it will last after all - a Podcast - even better!

[DeFactoPhil]

Let me articulate (hopefully) the stance of the camp who still does not fully accept this Coloccini sympathy.

First off, its incredibly curious the timing of his personal problems. It is safe to assume that problems began to fester before January. Why would nothing be reported until he is basically walking out on the team (in the middle of a relegation battle). Why does San Lorenzo act as if it was NUFC's obligation to release him back to Argentina, but then put a deadline on this process? Why is Colo's dad saying in papers that he will bring his son back home?

Also, do we really believe this "lost in translation" nonsense? We mock when the excuse is stamped for other teams, but because its NUFC now its totally believable?

The Chronicle article did not ask the important questions. Ryder let Colo dictate the tone of the article. Here are the questions I would ask:

-Why did you sign a new long term deal in light of personal problems?
-If you never wanted to leave, why did you let San Lorenzo continue their charade?
-Why did you write the letter?
-How is the relationship between you and the manager?

[Jaeger]

phil to answer your questions:

#1maybe the personal problems started after he signed the contract.... things happen
#2 he could have said that he wanted to stay at the club...instead he let the clubs talk amongst themselves to see if there was a deal even feasible... not the best way of handling it but he's not been know to be outspoken....
#3 he wrote the letter because he wants to play at home in his career and be with his family. seems pretty straightfoward in the letter and is thanking them for the support and desire to have him at the club.
#4 Im sure they are at least on a professional basis by the fact neither of them have spoken out against each other and colo is still the captain and is starting. thats all thats neccessary.