Anger at Agustin

Last updated : 19 July 2002 By Christian Kelly

Eric Manasse told the Daily Echo: "I am very disappointed by Agustin's behaviour and I personally want to apologise to the Southampton club and fans.

"He should have flown over, reported to Southampton, and met with their medical staff as required in his contract. He's not above the law.

"Ronaldo did this at Inter during his injury and recovery period. I hope Agustin doesn't think he is on a higher plane than Ronaldo.

"For the life of me, I can't understand what Delgado or his brother are thinking. Southampton have done everything they could to accommodate the player. I am afraid that by his recent actions he is ruining his relationship with his teammates, the coach and the club.

"A good agent can only do so much for a player, to get him that rare opportunity to shine in the Premiership, then it's up to the player to do the business on the pitch."

That's as near washing your hands of a situation as you're likely to get and just shows some of the frustrations Delgado's attitude have caused. Every new piece of information just makes things look worse. If Lee Chun Soo impresses on his trial and Saints purchase him, then it's curtains for Delgado's chances of getting into the first team.