A bizarre quote found itself into the media today regarding Derby manager Nigel Clough and an accusation that he “doesn’t like foreigners”!

Setanta.com are carrying a news story (or what passes as news) that states Przemyslaw Kazmierczak has accused Clough of discrimination against foreigners.

After not being at the races for most of the season Kaz seems to believe it was prejudice rather than a lack of quality that led to him being overlooked for much of the season.

The Pole (who is acting like one) will return to his club Porto after spending the season at Derby on loan, after his comments I would be happy to personally put him on the plane.
Setanta reported on the statements that Kaz made while speaking to Mais Futebol.

 “I would love to return to Porto, I was contacted by a director a few weeks ago and he asked me how I was, but right now we have to talk”.

“I had been told that this manager did not like foreigners and it seems to be the truth. I have made up my mind - I want to leave. It is all over. I am leaving Derby County”.

“I have no idea whether there is a place for me at Porto or not, that is why I must make it clear at the end of the month, but right now I dream of returning.”

The ridiculous nature of this statement would be laughable if it wasn’t so out of left field. The quiet and good natured Nigel Clough who has been raised in a home where footballers of all race, creed and colour would have been admired and discussed would surely be dismayed at this petty and immature attack.

Kazmierczak arrived with big expectations and a good pedigree but never impressed anyone with inconsistent performances and lack of intensity. It seems now he would like to find a scapegoat, other than himself, for his lack of playing time.

What is more laughable is that he tries to make it sound like it was his decision to leave the Rams, when there is no doubt a pink slip was in his final pay envelope at seasons end.

While never becoming a regular player for the Rams at least Kaz is now required…. to leave that is!

Sometimes it is not even worth replying to such ridiculous accusations but in my opinion, if I was Nigel, I would be making a statement slamming the comments immediately. If for no other reason than to stop the Scottish, Australian, Welsh and Dutch members of the squad worrying about any impending ethnic cleansing (for those who didn’t recognise it, that is sarcasm).

There is no room for a manager to hold any prejudices in today’s modern game, especially if they wish to succeed. Foreign players make up such a big part of teams, talent from overseas is often a way of bagging a bargain for any forward thinking team.

Luckily there is no way Rams fans would believe any of what has been said but I think it is important for Derby and its place in the football community that Nigel stamps his authority on the situation. This would also show he will not tolerate players making him a target to protect their own pride after such an embarrassing failure. Perhaps imagining a little of what his father would have said in the same situation would provide inspiration (or a guide on what not to say!).

As for Kaz he can now leave Derby behind with the knowledge that a few sentences will make him one of the most unpopular players to wear a Rams shirt.

Ravanelli and Beck will be glad to have the heat taken off them for a while.

Photo: Action Images

Rochdale Polls