LIKE most sayings, the one that a leopard never changes its spots has an element of truth.
El Hadji Diouf’s ‘persecution’ has followed him to Scotland where his presence in Old Firm derbies was always going to be a recipe for disaster.
Similarly Mario Balotelli continues to make headlines for the wrong reasons and I’m not talking about his inability to put a bib on.
Managers have to weigh up the pros and cons of taking on such mavericks and decide if the potential hassle is worth the returns on the pitch.
Eric Cantona is a clear example of where it was, while the jury might be out on Craig Bellamy – but I think Roberto Mancini, on the evidence thus far, may regret his decision to take on a youngster who fell out so spectacularly with someone whose judgement should be always taken into account . . . Jose Mourinho.
l ALEX FERGUSON has accepted a five-match touchline ban this week, while cleverly reiter- ating the accusations which got him into trouble in th first place!
Sir Alex’s touchline ban is not such a big deal. He can be with the team before, after and at half-time, whereas a UEFA ban is far more problematical for a manager.
Whatever you think of UEFA, they do get the job done. The Premier League has the same relationship with its sponsors and the same authority to protect the interests of its stakeholders as UEFA, yet Sir Alex still rides roughshod over the press without any censure.
