Personally I think the whole “his heart’s not in it” narrative is largely overblown, I think we are just a fucking dysfunctional mess, thanks to the selections and tactics, and nobody is looking their best. Is Kane’s heart not in it? Is Moura’s. Alli’s, Sissoko just stood and watched Dacoure run off him, is that because his heart’s not in it?
But OK, I have no problem with Poch taking a stance, but if we are are going to banish players who want out, or are refusing to commit to the club, then there’s also no place for Rose, Alderweireld and Vertonghen too.
I had no problem with Poch freezing out Alderweireld two years ago and thought Sanchez did OK in 17-18, I don’t really understand why Poch back peddled. Same with Rose, who went further and cunted off the whole club. We had a perfectly able (if a little meh) deputy in Davies.
Alderweireld needs dropping on merit now, regardless of his contract situation, his performances have been so bad. Same Rose. But this is what happens when your “meritocracy” is bullshit.