Strachan Dismisses Delgado Debacle

Last updated : 13 February 2003 By Christian Kelly

Gordon Strachan certainly has no doubts. The only things he's interested in is winning against Norwich on Saturday. He's hardly going to miss a player who had a demoralising effect on the squad and who was barely ever fit enough for squad selection.

Strachan's public lack of concern over Delgado was such that he said: "I want the FA Cup to be the sole focus this week-end. I will produce files to show everyone when he was missing but right now I have more important things to worry about - like eating a yoghurt!

"I have a yoghurt here which has its expiry date today - and if I start talking about Delgado I won't get it eaten in time!

Strachan is only interested in coaching the players he has at his disposal. He couldn't care less about the tantrums of individuals. He wants determined players with an attitude of winning and competing.

"Honestly the whole thing is farcical. It is laughable but it is also very sad," Strachan continued.

Concerning Agustin's claims that Strachan hated him, Gordon said: "People have been bending over backwards to help Agustin and sometimes going against their principles to make sure he is properly looked after.

"I find his remarks laughable and I feel very sorry for the chairman, coaching staff and the people that have backed him up since Agustin's been here.

"I find it sad for the rehabilitation and fitness teams and they must be scratching their heads but I have more important things to deal with.

"We have another big game on Saturday and it is imperative the players put everything else at the back of their minds and concentrate on the job in hand."

Strachan has proven to be very astute when it comes to the attitude of his players. He was never impressed with the signing of Delgado. While he sympathises with those in the staff who went out of their way to help Delgado, he doesn't say that he regrets the departure for a second. He's right not to. Southampton is better of without Delgado. Any problems or faults regarding the whole sorry saga cast no shadows over Strachan and concern things Strachan has no involvement in. He just gets on with what he's always done, making sure that Saints are as capable as possible of winning their next game.