Football’s Quarrels and Feuds, Part Seven

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)