Davids Learning to Tone Down His Act
Copyright � 2000 Nando Media
Copyright � 2000 Agence France-Presse
HOENDERLOO, Netherlands (June 23, 2000 4:09 p.m. EDT http://www.sportserver.com) - Edgar Davids won't be kissing babies this coming week, but he has learned one political art since his sensational exit from Euro 96.
Four years after criticizing then coach Guus Hiddink over
his selection policy in a fiery outburst, Davids, nicknamed the
pitbull for his aggressive on-field manner, has toned the
language down and at Euro 2000 deflects all questions about
himself to matters of the team.
He will tell you why he wears his protective glasses and how
comfortable they are to play in, but gives little insight into
the life of a player who has been raised to near god-like status
in his homeland.
But he does acknowledge the burden of a nation's expectation
after a bold show by the Dutch in the 1998 World Cup finals saw
them reach the semifinals.
"We are playing in our own country and everyone expects us
to win after what we showed two years ago, Davids said. "So
there's real pressure."
Two years ago at France 98, Davids was the midfield minder.
He provided through balls too, but had Wim Jonk as key
distributor.
Now the pressure is greater. Phillip Cocu is an able lieutenant, but the onus has increased on Davids to tackle, assist and, as the fighter and vice-captain, to urge others on.
But he insists: "I'm not the leader...in this team there are
others who provide impetus too."
Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard will talk about the importance of
the bustling midfield dynamo and the advertising world has
clearly caught hold of a player whose tenacity is unrivaled.
He is at the heart of a big Nike campaign, while in Rotterdam his massive image dominates a 150 meter-tall tower block.
Just occasionally at media conferences, the questions get
too close. Euro 96 and a desire to make good four years on is
not a topic open for discussion.
"I think this question is not relevant. Everybody knows I'm
capable," he says.
Ask him about a slight tendency to pick up yellow and red
cards and he will tell you to check your facts. Is a reputation
for ferocity deserved? "Whose opinion? Yours?" he responds.
Tap him on the shoulder, as one journalist did on Friday,
and he springs into life.
"Get off me... act normally," he counters.
It's safer ground to ask about his favorite food before the
match as he was by a children's television program this week.
"Oh, maybe pasta," he says.
Davids does manage smiles, but most are reserved for his
training partners during sessions on the hotel field.
And his talking, he saves mostly for the pitch. Some have
said too much so. Only this week, Johan Cruyff criticized Davids
for haranguing the referee, cajoling his teammates and failing
to get on with his job.
"I can't say I don't respond. If affects me in a certain
way. You have to turn it into a positive thing," Davids says.
And then time is up. Some in the Dutch camp are happy to
loiter and converse, but Davids is quickly off.
Talking, indeed, is his on-field art.
