...well, that'll be the shite the Ronnie comes out with. I've just singled out the most interesting question...

-- Anonymous, May 08, 2002

Answers

Do you now regret having signed for Newcastle, a club which doesn't have the profile in France of Arsenal or Manchester Utd{This is asked in the context of LR's failure to make the France squad}?

Not at all. Everything's good here and I have no regrets. We have qualified for the Champions League {well...} and I am proud of my choice. It's true that in France, there's not much talk about me or Newcastle but that doesn't call my choice into question. And Roger Lemerre didn't need the media to be aware of what I've done. If he had been interested, he knew where to find me.

-- Anonymous, May 08, 2002

I just think that Lolo can give up on playing for France ever again as long as Lemur is coach of France. Obviously he just don't like Lolo so even if Lolo end next season scoring 20 goals and having 30 assists, he still won't get in the Farce squad.

-- Anonymous, May 08, 2002

French managers have a habit of ignoring any players they either don't like or have had problems with in the past. Even if the players try to patch things up to get in the side it's still a no go. Look at Ginola and Cantona. They were ignored because of the argument they had and never got back in the team despite playing the best football of their careers (and being two of the best players in England) at the time. They even made (sort of) freinds with each other but never played again.

-- Anonymous, May 09, 2002

I reckon most managers ignore players they don't like or have had problems with, not just the French ones. Cantona & Ginola weren't picked because they didn't fit, neither were seen as 'team' players. A world and european championship would seem to suggest that was a good call. As we know, Robert is a frustrating talent. If you already have talent you can rely on then why bother with those you can't? If Robert REALLY wants to play for his national team he needs to give 100% next season and show the sort of consistency that Newcastle fans and the French manager desire. Or he could just get a transfer to Arsenal.

-- Anonymous, May 09, 2002

I agree with Dread - with the talent Lemerre has available to him he doesn't need to take on the hard work and trouble involved in motivating Laurent Robert.

LR undoubtedly has the talent, and forcing his way into the squad is entirely in his own hands. Play to your full potential, do the business consistently on the field, and the rest will inevitably follow.

-- Anonymous, May 09, 2002