Anichebe
denies rift
with coach - Everton keeps mum
06.02.2009
AnichebeEVERTON striker, Victor Anichebe has reacted angrily to reports of his training ground bust-up with his coach, David Moyes.
Anichebe insists all stories making the rounds in England are false, but stressed that he did not quarrel or fight any of the coaches at Goodison Park.
“I don’t want to speak about anything that goes on at the training ground but if I must I will say I was not verbally abusive to the manager, the reports are not right.
“I didn’t row with Steve Round and wasn’t escorted from Finch Farm by members of the medical staff,” the 20-year-old striker explained.
Although he was predictably left out of the squad that defeated Liverpool in a FA Cup fourth round replay, a remorseful Anichebe confessed that he still loves The Toffees and wants to fight harder for place in the team.
“I have got great respect for the manager, the coaches, all my team-mates and the supporters and I am embarrassed by the reports.
“I’m an Everton player and am proud to be. I want to put this behind me and move on again. I want to fight for a place in the team and I want to repay the manager for the faith he has always shown in me in the past,” Anichebe maintained.
Meanwhile, mum is the word out of Goodison Park, as Everton top shots have chosen to keep sealed lips on Tuesday's widely reported spat from Anichebe at Moyes.
Although news of Anichebe's misconduct was widely circulated in the English tabloids all through Wednesday, no formal comment has been made by the Merseyside club.
The officials have refused to speak on the matter, despite insinuations that the Beijing Olympics silver medalist missed Wednesday night's FA Cup replay against Liverpool on account of the ugly incidents during Tuesday evening's training.
Anichebe reportedly had a row with Moyes as the Toffees prepared for the 211th Merseyside derby with Liverpool at Goodison Park.
The Super Eagles fringe striker is believed to have been upset a deadline-day loan to Hull failed to materialise, at the same time as his first-team chances were put into further doubt by the loan arrival of Brazilian striker, Jo from Manchester City.
However, officials at the club insist there was no face-to-face swearing by Anichebe, but admit the Super Eagles fringe player was escorted from the training ground by physios.
"We have absolutely no comment to make,” said an Everton spokesman.
|
