Many things have plagued the New York Red Bulls this season, who after finishing first in the East in 2010 are 7-7-15 and on the brink of missing the playoffs this season, despite the fact that the postseason was expanded to include 10 teams (out of the 18 in the league).
One of those things is the play, attitude and salary of centerback Rafa Marquez.
Don’t tell him that though.
The Red Bulls lost to Real Salt Lake on Wednesday 3-1, seemingly reaching their lowest point of the season. And dragging the team down with him was Marquez, who was responsible for the third goal when he did not stop the ball and let Fabian Espindola dribble down the middle of the field.
“I'm focusing on really performance at my highest level. That doesn't mean that the whole back line can perform at that same level, so that's a problem,” Marquez told reporters after the game. “I think this is a team game, and unfortunately there isn't an equal level between my teammates and I.”
Someone should tell him the boos from the Red Bulls fans every time he touched the ball were indeed for the captain of the Mexican National Team, not Tim Ream or Jan Gunnar Solli.
As a Designated Player, Marquez is making $4.6 million this season. He’s only played in 15 of the team’s 29 matches, mostly because of his commitment to his National Team. He plays well for Mexico. He’s played in 11 games for his country in 2011, made his 100th cap for the team and scored in this summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, en route to winning the trophy.
When he suits up for the Red Bulls it’s a different story though.
He’s supposed to be the backbone of the defense and the veteran leader. However Marquez often looks passive and uninterested in the game at hand. He’s sloppy, no longer the crisp passer he was when he came over last season. He’s lazy. Too often the Red Bulls get beat by a player slicing down the middle of the field and on set pieces either because Marquez refuses to step to the ball or he does not pick up a man in the box. He also spends more time complaining to the referees than anything else.
To start the season he was relieved of corner kick duties, not hitting a good enough ball. Coincidentally enough the game after he was removed from that role the team scored off a penalty kick.
It’s gotten to the point where the team plays better without him.
Saturday in Dallas Marquez did not play and the Red Bulls got their first win since July 6, winning 1-0.
Then he’s back in the lineup in a home game against Real Salt Lake and they lose 3-1. Coincidence? I think not.
Marquez has been detrimental to the team on the field. And now his poor demeanor is showing up off the field and affecting the team’s play even more.
The veteran should know better. He should know nothing good comes out of publicly criticizing and bashing your teammates, especially when you’re a big part of the problem.
Marquez should be accountable for his actions both on and off the field. His play, his attitude and his comments deserve to be punished. That punishment can only be one thing at the very least: a benching.
And maybe without Marquez around the Red Bulls can get back to team play and winning. And they won’t need to waste $4.6 million on him.
Photo Credits.
Rafa Marquez: AP Photo/Rich Schultz
you have no idea what ur talking about. All these "coincidence? i think not" is stupid reasoning. And what does being relieved off of corner kick duties have to do with scoring a penalty? you are out of ur f***ing mind! he may not be playing at a high level but if Landon Donovan were doing the same your excuses would be "hes frustrated at his other teammates" and ignore his on field performance. I have been a fan of all teams coming out of the New England area, and although this season has been a disappointment your critique is a copy of other trends going on around the media world, unoriginal, and ignorant. Learn the sport, be unbiased, and learn how to write before you think about putting your input on another story. The team needs help, their attitudes are not in the right place, but Marquez is not the only man to blame. Recognize it, deal with it, stop talking about it.
ReplyDelete@megadeath2086: First of all, how can you assume what I would do if Landon Donovan were in a similar situation? There's no basis for your assumption.
ReplyDeleteAs for Marquez, sure he isn't the only one to blame. But he has had a terrible season. And when your playing terribly you don't call out other people, and you especially don't say that you're above them. He should be responsible for his own play above all. And he's delusional to think he's doing a good job.
As for the corner kick duties, it's just another aspect of his game that he failed to do well this season. It adds to his faults this year.