Too much moaning has cost us in past, says Leicester City midfielder Richie Wellens
Midfielder Richie Wellens has revealed the dressing-room unrest which has hampered Leicester City's previous promotion campaigns.
The 32-year-old said the atmosphere in the City dressing room had not been right in the past couple of seasons because too many players were moaning that they were not in the side.
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Midfielder Richie Wellens
Wellens, who joined City in 2009, said the spirit in the camp was much better now, and was back to how it was under Nigel Pearson's first tenure as manager.
"The last couple of years, since Nigel's first spell, there were too many players who complained and moaned," said Wellens, who made his first appearance for City since April in their FA Cup fourth-round draw at Huddersfield on Saturday.
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"There wasn't a good atmosphere away from the players who were playing.
"We have always had a good squad here but the biggest thing for me is the spirit, the attitude and the togetherness of the players.
"We had it when Nigel was here the first time but, after he left, we haven't had it.
"We have had too many players who expect to play.
"At times, we have had two players for each position and 11 can't play.
"You can imagine the atmosphere in the dressing room is not always what it should be.
"The togetherness and the spirit of the players now is great.
"We have always had a good side but we haven't been able to get that team spirit.
"The manager has done great to get that spirit and togetherness.
"That stands you in good stead when you find yourself struggling in a game."
City entertain Wolves in the Championship on Thursday night as they look to retain their place in the automatic promotion places.
Wellens said City were on course to finish in the top two of the table.
"We are in a good position," he added.
"We need to continue to pick up points when we are playing badly and, when we hit form, we can beat anyone in this division."
27 Comments
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by kapero
Tuesday, January 29 2013, 10:59PM
“Plies - interesting if very shortsighted. Portsmouth first entered into administration under the stewardship of Terry Venables, an Englishman, and were saved by a Serbian called Milan (who later saved another club).
The debacle at Notts County was instigated not by an actual Sheikh, but by a man called Russell King, a convicted fraudster and Englishman. Unsure where foreign ownership has a part to play in Plymouth Argyles downfall. If you had seen Sky Sports interview with Southampton owner Nicola Cortese, you would have seen a balanced and clear explanation of events at the club.
Unfortunately, for every Carsten Yeung there is a Mike Ashley or Peter Risdale (an Englishman credited with one of the very worst cases of football mismanagement ever).
A global sport, reaping global millions, has to expect global ownership. And every global owner has to prove themselves a right and proper person.”
by Con_cise
Tuesday, January 29 2013, 8:50PM
“drh...! i c a ***!”
by Happy_Fox
Tuesday, January 29 2013, 8:01PM
“Plies - English football (especially Premier league) is becoming more globalised.
Do you think Chelsea or Man City would have won anything without those pesky foreign investors?
Where were the English investors when Leicester were in the cack? Luckily for us a foreigner by the name of Mandaric did help us out.”
by Happy_Fox
Tuesday, January 29 2013, 6:46PM
“Its going to be be difficult for Wellens getting 'vocal' if he isn't part of the 'A' team and putting in good football performances on the pitch.
I would imagine that players are more likely to look up to Morgan as a leader.”
by squirril33
Tuesday, January 29 2013, 5:03PM
“he owners are Thai not Chinese. There was or is a new Chinese guy on the board.
The owners have said repeatedly that they are in this for the long term. They have already spent a lot of money mostly wasted by Sven on poor signings.
The owners know that they will get their investment back the first season City are in the Premiership. Not all of the incoming cash will be spent on players. This is the reason that Nigel Pearson is not so bothered about the Cup.
The statement of long term is I believe trust worthy. However this may not include staying with NP as manager if this is not achieved very quickly. Nigel knows that and he wants to get the club up this season as there is no guarantee that there will be a great start next season if still in the Championship and businessmen the world over are notoriously impatient where their money is concerned.”
by truthtooth
Tuesday, January 29 2013, 4:59PM
“omg , am i reading right ? wellens , his legs are gone . he has extra days off training than the rest and talks about moaning . if i coudnt train i still had to turn up and watch what the rest was doing . how can wellens be a sicknote and it not be mentioned in a negative way ? pearson does have his favourites , every manager does ! no camp is perfect , never will be .”
by plies
Tuesday, January 29 2013, 4:49PM
“in nigel i trust, i dont trust the chinese owners because there was a report in the mercury in february 2012, which stated the foreign owners had lent the club millions and this would have to be repaid in the not so distant future. I hope these owners dont destroy the club, as has happened at Portsmouth, West Ham (under the icelandic owners), Plymouth, Birmingham City, Liverpool, Notts County etc etc etc.”
by dobranich
Tuesday, January 29 2013, 2:36PM
“cool it Coalville I think the golf course may open tomorrow so ill be around less. Anyway I'm painting which I hate so keep the comedy posts coming its a good laugh with a cup of tea in between.”
by ash1967
Tuesday, January 29 2013, 1:50PM
“Well they you go an insight to the dressing room, now it is great that there is a togetherness, just like to agree Kapero, you hit the nail on the head mate.”
by Coalvillefox
Tuesday, January 29 2013, 1:01PM
“I think the improved team spirit has been one of the major reasons for our improvement this season. With the departure of some of the bigger ego's/ under performers eg Beckford, Bamba and Mills, the squad seems a much tighter unit. Dobo, Dorset has a point. 8 Posts already today and all that from someone with such a busy life? Is anybody interested in the details of your made up life eg ipads, ballet dancing etc? What a smart move branding everyone who goes to matches as fat,foul mouthed smokers. At least the crowd is made up of real people not attention seeking fantasists. Keep it up Dobby and people will start calling you Fred Lite.”