"The players are worried": if the Premier League hopes to advance on Monday with a view to restarting the season in June, the idea is far from unanimous among footballers, divided between fear of the coronavirus and willingness to replay. Everyone recognizes the disastrous financial impact of dropping out of the season, but Premier League officials have pledged to consult with players when the general assembly scheduled for Monday could be decisive.
One of the most vocal footballers against the scenario of a resumption of competition has been Watford forward and captain Troy Deeney. "I'm not even talking about football yet. I'm talking about my family's health, he wrote on Instagram. I will not endanger my family. What are they going to do, take money from me? I have been broke in the past, I don't mind. "
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A position consolidated by the fact that Watford was one of the few teams to quickly accept a temporary reduction in wages, the strongest in the entire Premier League (30%), according to the press. “They talk about not playing in front of supporters before 2021. If it's not safe enough for the supporters, why would it be for us? Asked Deeney.
The regular tests promised to players and staff will not prevent the virus from circulating, while only a vaccine, still far from being perfect, should erase this risk. "I think the general feeling is that the players are worried," said Grant Hanley, captain of Norwich, at the Sky Sports microphone. “My girlfriend is pregnant, it's for the beginning of July, so it's obviously a source of concern for me. "
"Nothing to do with the morale of the nation, man"
Before them, two Manchester City stars, Sergio Agüero and Raheem Sterling had also expressed their fears, joined by Tottenham side, Danny Rose, currently on loan to Newcastle, in a rant against the government. "They say 'bring football back' because it will lift the spirits of the nation. I don't give a damn about the morale of the nation, man, it's people's lives at stake, Rose said in a live video on Instagram. We shouldn't even be talking about the return of football until the numbers (of victims) have dropped. "
In contrast to this anger, the England team captain, Harry Kane, was much more open to recovery. "I think the majority of players are looking forward to playing again as soon as possible, but we also want it to be as secure as possible," he said in a morning television program. Personally, I will be happy to resume training in small groups when permitted and try to return to normalcy as soon as possible. "
Between impatience and fear
"I'm ready to play tomorrow if it's safe" in terms of health, also said Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, who still said some fears. “Going back to the field would be important to me. But my father has asthma and the last thing to do would be if I get the virus or be in contact with someone who has it, ”he said.
Others, like former Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton, were quick to denounce selfish interests among the anti-takeovers. “If Troy (Deeney) doesn't want to play, it's his choice. But let's not be fooled by what is happening, "tweeted the current coach of Fleetwood (D3), alluding to the classification of the Premier League: currently 17th and first non-relegationable, Watford could be the big beneficiary of a cancellation at the end of the season.
“There is a lot of money to be made in the Premier League. Who wouldn't want it when the end of their career is approaching? We can only admire his opportunism, “said Barton, known for his low shots on and off the field.
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Coronavirus: English football plans for the first time not to finish the season
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