Sam Allardyce has defended himself against claims he overlooked Mauro Zárate for personal reasons and explained his decision to allow the striker to join Queens Park Rangers on loan until the end of the season is because his performances for West Ham Have United have not been good enough.
Zárate, who has had a medical at QPR, has accused Allardyce of a lack of respect and said the manager did not pick him because he was signed by West Ham’s co-chairman, David Sullivan. Allardyce pointed to the form of Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia when he was asked about the Argentinian’s lack of first-team opportunities and said he does not select players based on emotion.
Zárate’s claims are potentially awkward for Allardyce given that his relationship with Sullivan has been uneasy at times. Sullivan said last Saturday that Allardyce was unsure about signing Sakho from Metz in the summer. “I chose Sakho, it was a complete gamble,” Sullivan said. “Sam didn’t have a transfer target, and as much as he didn’t want Sakho, I said: ‘Let’s take him.’”
Yet Sakho has been a fixture in Allardyce’s side, scoring eight times in all competitions, and West Ham’s manager rejected Zárate’s version of events, saying he has not contributed enough in comparison with his other forwards.
“What he’s saying is not true,” Allardyce said. “He wasn’t good enough. When you look at what Mauro has achieved when he’s played compared to what Valencia, Sakho and Carroll have achieved all-round … when you look at games, how much he’s contributed, how much he’s given in the all-round game, and what they’ve given and you’ve got that array of talent to choose from, then somebody’s not going to be happy.
“Carlton Cole’s sitting on the bench, not playing, not coming on. He’s had probably more chances than Carlton Cole. Carlton Cole’s one of my favourites. I love him, I think he’s a fantastic pro – I think he’s a great guy.”
Allardyce said his decision to drop Kevin Nolan against Arsenal proves he does not pick his favourites regardless of their form. “I’ve had a great affection for my captain over many years but I didn’t play him on Sunday,” he said. “Does that tell you that I bias my opinion on feelings? I bias my feelings on what I consider to be the best team. It’s a professional, clinical decision, not an emotional one.”
The hope for QPR is that Zárate will provide a creative spark in their battle against relegation and Allardyce did admit the 27-year-old, who scored twice for West Ham in eight appearances, has something to offer. “Not good enough is a bit harsh because is talented and he has contributed well but it’s not good enough to play as regularly as he wants compared to the others,” he said. “It’s as simple as that.”
