Rafael Márquez

Galning

Moderator
Yeah, so it seems. Folks who follow MLS more than me (and I don't pay a lot of attention to it) may know more but it's my impression that some element of the NY fanbase thinks that Marquez and Henry to an extent are there more to live in NYC and be cool than to actually play.

Isn't that the purpose of the MLS? Do they honestly expect players who were superstars in their prime in Europe give a damn about a club called "Red Bulls", I mean come on.
 

10Rivaldo

Hoy, mañana y siempre traductor
Isn't that the purpose of the MLS? Do they honestly expect players who were superstars in their prime in Europe give a damn about a club called "Red Bulls", I mean come on.

What? They're paying him to play and give his all, not to be live in NYC and "be cool"
 

Galning

Moderator
If only it was that simple in reality. We all know why Henry & Márquez went to the States, and it seems like the crowd over there is getting it.
 

10Rivaldo

Hoy, mañana y siempre traductor
Yes we all know why they went there, but they should still be expected to give a damn, it's a professional club and they're being paid to play, not to fuck around.
 

La Furia

Legion of Doooom
They have been for the most part though. They could probably put in more effort though, but in the case of Marquez, Red Bull is expecting him to singlehandedly make their defense competent which at this point in his career isn't going to happen. He shouldn't even be playing CB anymore anyway.
 

iced1776

New member
He was boo'ed the other day mostly out of frustration that our team gave up 3 goals in 15 minutes, despite none of them being his fault really. He was singled out specifically because he has shown very little hustle this season, he'll often get beat on the dribble or forget to cover his mark and instead of rushing back to help make a play he'll just stand there and watch the other team score. It was the same thing with Henry at the beginning of the season, he was boo'ed not because of the quality of his play, but because he spent more time walking around than hustling. Unfortunately while Henry took the fan criticism and used it as motivation, Rafa got frustrated and lashed out at his teammates. I feel like part of the incident might have to do with him not being comfortable with English, though.

Its also worth pointing out that the last 4 times NY has kept a clean sheet Rafa was not in the lineup. Expectations are also very high for him because he literally makes 4.6 million dollars a year while most of his teammates make between 75-250k. Last week his salary was 1 million dollars more than the entire other team. For that kind of investment, I think the fans are fair in expecting some hustle...

He's apparently not getting along with the coach either, so I wouldn't be surprised if he moves again over the winter/summer.
 
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IrvDizzle

Charlie Sheen's Protégé
He looks completely bored out there. SUPER casual with the ball. But he always looks to link up w/ Thierry. It's like they are the only two players on the pitch who are on another level. Played a decent game. I think he's starting as the DM or CM for NY. Still looks sexy as ever.
 

iced1776

New member
I know everyone here probably still has fond memories of his years with the club, but this dude no longer has the athleticism to be playing professional soccer. Did you see the goal Toronto scored Irv? Rafa gives up the ball on a simple 10 yard pass, moves like molasses to catch up to the player, then gives up before the play is over. Plays like that have defined his season so far whether he's been playing in the midfield or on defense, its been pretty tough to watch.
 

La Furia

Legion of Doooom
He should go back to Mexico. Stronger competition than MLS overall but slower and less physical. It's not like no team will be willing to give him good money either, if there's anything he's still very good at it's being marketable.
 

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