Comment by Chris Bailey
THERE is only one boss at Manchester City and whatever the ins and outs and the whys and wherefores of Nicolas Anelka's absence at St Mary's on Saturday, Kevin Keegan's decision to sit his record signing in the stand showed he has the big picture sharply in focus.
Well though the French superstar has performed this season, the Blues are not a one-man team totally reliant on his sublime scoring skills.
If you are not fit to join in training during the week then you are not fit to play on a Saturday and Anelka, the Premiership's top marksman, now knows that.
It is something other players such as Steve McManaman and Trevor Sinclair have also discovered this term.
Keegan will not place possible short-term gain before the welfare of the whole team.
Pragmatism and principles have a big part to play in the City chief's managerial style and long may it last.
Anelka thought he was fit to play at St Mary's. The manager didn't and that is the end of the story as far as the pair are concerned.
Calf complaint
If the 24-year-old French international, who has been at great pains to say how happy he is at City all season, proves his fitness he will be back in the side to face Groclin in the UEFA Cup on Thursday night. If he doesn't then he will not.
"Nicolas had a slight calf injury and he wanted to play but sometimes I have to protect him against himself," said Keegan. I did the same with Steve McManaman at Chelsea last week when he said he desperately wanted to play.
"He came to see me and I said no. We cannot afford to risk losing players for four, five or six weeks with all the games we have coming up.
"We have shown that we are one of the sides who can, if we maintain our best standards, break into the big club league.
"We are one of the teams that can do that so we need everyone fit.
"Why risk players? I have a duty to protect every player, not just Nicolas. I did it with Paulo Wanchope and Trevor Sinclair when I thought they weren't fit and could do themselves damage.
"They weren't happy being left out but I have to look a the bigger picture because that's my job.
"All players want to play all the time but they have to leave it with me to try and get those things right and hopeful I have done that.
"It is the first time Anelka has ever missed a game for us. There has been no row and no bust up.
"He felt he was fit to play and I didn't."
Will Nico be back on Thursday? Have your say.
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There can only be one boss. We are 5th in the table, after comprehensively beating a team that was previously above us in the league, despite Mr Anelka missing. If he has taken his teddy in, hopefully it is just a little sulk at not being allowed to play. If there is more to it than that, cash in in January and reduce that appalling B#50 million debt!
Of course he should play if fit, he is world class. KK probably thought it would do him some good to have a rest, maybe as much for his ego as for his body, and no doubt Nik will deliver the goods on Thursday in a very poitive manner. Leaving Anelka out also helped Robbie and I did think that that might happen but what we need is to get them playing well together, then every defence will be fearful. Just hope Nik takes it well and does not sulk!
Cash in on Anelka? Are you real?
If 100% fit yes, but if not no. I for one think it won't do Nico any harm to rested a few times this season especially leading up to European games. And Nico as got to apreciate that if we are to become a top team once again then they are the tough decisions Kev has to make.
When are the newspapers gonna get of Kev and Nic's backs?? It still seems that if the truth is too sensible, then the newspapers just make stuff up to try and rock the boat.
In my opinion The Elk is probably the best player we have had at the club since Colin Bell and under no circomstances should we want him to go,I personally feel he will be here as long as KK which will be at the very least 5 years , as we will be that 4th place team if not this season then next and the better we do each season the more quality we can attract but KK and the Elk will be instumental in this.I have heard some bizzare rumours that Elk is going to Man U for B#22M and he is also going to Arsenal for B#5M and Jeffers all rubbish as far as I am concerned .as I , KK and I bet the Elk all feel that there is no reason why City and Chelsea cannot become the new Man U and Arsenal.
Anelka is a top class striker we need at the club lets just hope theres not much more in this story like a falling out and super nic bags a hat trick on thursday
The "Media" are like sharks having a frenzy just wishing this was going to be a big story.
Kevin Keegans version will do me thankyou.
Come on you Blues !
City are little more than a shop window for Anelka, who is actively rebuilding his reputation as a great forward. He has already flagged up that he will probably go if we don't qualify for the Champions league - on a regular basis!! Maybe Anelka has realised that Keegan is also in City's shop window, rebuilding his reputation after the England debacle. I expect neither of them to stay beyond the first big offer that comes along - for Anelka a consistent Champions League side anywhere in Europe, for Keegan, the Liverpool job. Both are old hands at this lark. Both are mercenaries. I expect both to be gone or on their way by the end of this season - Enjoy it while it lasts.
Lavinda (Conspiracy Boy) - I bet you are a bundle of laughs when you are out , and trust me , Bruce Lee didnt die from 1 asprin nor is he alive !!!
How the hell can u say that we dont need Sir Nic, how could u say Cash in on him? Are u a city fan, if so u off ur head.............................
Borg - Bruce Lee dead? Has anyone told Elvis? - Grow up lad, professional football IS all conspiracy. Deals are done by agents, managers, directors etc, long before the sad old fans slack jaws hit the floor. This is about business, not sport - I'm the most biased City fan in the world, bar none. <br> I would not be seen in stretford or its immediate vicinity but if someone offered me the right amount of money i.e. loads, I might just think about it. <br> We're not talking about fans here, but professional footballers and managers, i.e. people who don't recognise the word loyalty unless it's followed by the word bonus and a large amount of cash. That's no conspiracy mate, it's just the cold hard truth. <br> Anyway, if you want to see how City reward loyalty, just look back at how they treated Joe Mercer (God bless). There's lots more to life than football (although you wouldn't think so when you read these pages) - and as long as City simply exist I don't give a toss. Like I say, enjoy the good times at CoMS while they last, I know I will!