1- Stephane
Demol and Leo Clijsters, 1986-1991
Belgian
International defenders Stephane Demol and Leo Clijsters had an ongoing feud as
both were vying for the Libero position in the national Team. On the plane to
Mexico for the 1986 World Cup, apparently Demol made a public jibe that
Clijsters was only coming to carry everyone’s luggage.
Later
on, the very first time that started a match together in the heart of defense
with Clijsters as Libero and Demol as Stopper, Demol was overheard telling
Clijsters that it was the last time he would be playing as Libero since he
would replace him.
More
often than not it was Clijsters that would start as the Libero.
Photo
From: Foot Foot Magazine, May 1990
(Leo
Clijsters)
|
Photo
From: Foot Foot Magazine, May 1990
(Stephane
Demol)
|
2- Mario
Corso and Giovanni Ferrari, 1962/64
There
were many who felt that Internazionale Milano defender Mario Corso was unjustly
excluded from Italy’s 1962 World Cup Finals squad for Chile.
The
player himself certainly held a grudge. During a Friendly between Inter and the
Czechoslovakian National team in March 1964, Italy’s 1962 World Cup selectors
Manager Giovanni Ferrari and Paolo Mazza (who made up the Technical Commission)
were in the audience.
After
scoring a goal, Mario Corso rushed towards the VIP stands and made an obscene
gesture directed at them.
He
was fined for his actions.
Photo
From: 100 Anni del Campionato del Calcio
(Mario
Corso)
|
Photo
From: Calcio 2000, Issue 19, May 1999
(Giovanni
Ferrari in his playing days)
|
3- Edgar
Davids and Fabio Capello, 1997
When
Fabio Capello returned to manage AC Milan in 1997, he sidelined Dutch
midfielder Edgar Davids. The temperamental Davids made his displeasure very public.
As a result Davids was transferred to Juventus in the November transfer window
and found a new lease on life by helping them win the Scudetto.
Capello
for his part explained to the media that Davids was a very difficult character.
He claimed that he was so difficult that even his former Ajax Manager Louis van
Gaal did not sign him for Barcelona like he was doing with his other players
and urged the media to ask van Gaal.
Photo
From: World Soccer, January 1999
(Edgar
Davids)
|
Photo
From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 131, December 1999
(Fabio
Capello)
|
4- Hugo
Sanchez and Leo Beenhakker, 1992
By
the 1991/92 season, Mexican striker Hugo Sanchez was at his seventh season at
Real Madrid. He had missed a lengthty part of the season due to injury. When he was fit, Dutch Manager Leo
Beenhakker felt he was not ready to start matches and sidelined him for some
matches which angered the striker famous for his ego.
Sanchez
grew angrier and verbally attacked the Management. Things deteriorated to such
a point that he was axed from the team by Club President Ramon Mendoza and
trasnfered back to Mexico at the conclusion of the season.
Photo
From: World Soccer, Summer 2008
(Leo
Beenhakker)
|
Photo
From: Foot Magazine, March 1986
(Hugo
Sanchez)
|
5- Stephem
Keshi and Aad De Mos, 1990/91
Nigerian
defender Stephen Keshi left Anderlecht at the end of the 1990/91 season because
of his difficulties dealing with Dutch Manager Aad De Mos. He even said many
felt had left the club because of the Manager.
Photo
From: World Soccer, June 1989
(Aad
De Mos)
|
Photo
From: France Football, Issue 2375, October 15, 1991
(Stephen
Keshi)
|