More important than whether to inject technology into decision-making. More important than whether the role of a director of football is necessary at a club or not. More important than whether the Europa League winner should qualify for the Champions League (as a “champion”) or not. It’s player power and the influence it has on the game.

Chronologically speaking, Mascherano was the first of the earlier group to mutiny at Liverpool by demanding a transfer to Barcelona. The departure of Rafa Benitez from Anfield coupled by the clubs, then, disastrous financial status under Americans Hicks and Gillet had sent waves of discontent through its columns. But Mascherano, who had won over both the fans and club officials with his earlier displays, shocked everyone with his summer demands. Outside influence will turn out to be a key point as we’ll come to know in a while, especially when we’ll learn that Inter Milan put in a better bid than Barca. In the end, he left Anfield for Barcelona after refusing to play for Liverpool against Man City in a 3-0 defeat under Hodgson.

Torres listened to Spanish teammates urging him to leave Liverpool, but hung on to the sinking ship till January by producing below par performances and moaning all over the pitch, but in one of the most bizarre endings to a winter transfer window, handed in a transfer request to new boss Kenny Dalglish, even though he saw his scoring touch revived under the new manager. Chelsea manufactured a deal worth £50m and left Liverpool scampering to fill in hole he left.

Fabregas was a similar case, where Barcelona players did everything in the book to persuade him to change the red and white of Arsenal with the red and blue of Barcelona. They even tried to force a Barcelona shirt on him during the Spanish celebrations after winning the World Cup in South Africa. Pique, Xavi and Puyol have all publicly advised him to join them, which only infuriated Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. But, it worked! Cesc’s performances dipped and if ever there was a match that showed he wasn’t mentally up for it, it was the Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Barcelona! His needless back heel resulted in one of the goals and with 10 men, Arsenal had no answers especially with a captain who didn’t have his usual drive. The summer came and it was only a matter of time till Barca got their man. The same influence Messi had in the Mascherano deal a year earlier. Finally, Nasri saw the money flashing from Manchester and decided Wenger’s policy isn’t working, so enough is enough. I can’t say I disagree with the logic, but what happened to commitment? To honoring the contract?

Last but certainly not least comes ex-Man C captain, Carlos Tevez. His reputation has always been that of a high maintenance ‘prima donna.’ It was felt during his West Ham days, but Alex Ferguson faced it when Tevez wasn’t a constant starter when he was at Old Trafford. He joined Manchester City as a Golden Boy and was pampered as such.

To give him his due, Tevez has consistently delivered for all of the above teams, and always used to give his best. He had his off field issues like homesickness and jet lags after trips to Argentina, which manager Roberto Mancini was always very lenient and flexible toward. He was also very visible of his support and leniency with Tevez whenever he had one of his outbursts toward a substitution and persuaded him to remain at the club last season, resulting in Man C winning the FA Cup and reaching the European Champion League for the first time with Tevez their topscorer with 24 goals.

The summer was a turbulent time again with Tevez declaring he wants to leave, but with Corinthians unable to meet Man C’s evaluation of the Argentine and Inter mulling over making an offer, he was still a Sky Blue as the season started. So, the expectancy is he honors his dues as a professional footballer and plays his part with his team, at least till January. But, when called upon in the away defeat to Bayern Munich in the CL, he refused to budge from the bench and warm up. Mancini nearly went into a fit and declared soon after that Tevez won’t play for Man C again! The player was suspended for 2 weeks, which he took as a chance to see his family.

On his return last Wednesday night, Mancini texted him to meet him at his home for a private meeting for a last hope to fix things. The terms Mancini put on the table were simple. A private and public apology to both him and the club owner, and he would oversee injecting him back into the team. Tevez rejected! He has been re-fined to solitary training with a couple of fitness coaches until the club decides what its next course of action would be.

It’s a damaging aspect of football, if you ask me. But sadly, it’s an aspect that’s well and truly there. Players, with the help of the media and agents, are getting more and more powerful. I remember the days of Brian Clough (at Forest, I’m not that old!) and how he used to manage, and the only manager today who I believe still carries that style of management is Sir Alex Ferguson. The cliché saying is that no one is bigger than the club. I hope clubs remember that and act accordingly. Had they, Arsenal would’ve made their money far earlier and spent it much wiser. I don’t think they would’ve been in the mess they’re in now.

Back to the pitch, and back from internationals, all eyes start of and are fixed on Anfield. The Old Foe, as they are sometimes called — among other names — are coming to town with the visit of Manchester United to Liverpool. A fixture that promises to be fiery with 5 red cards in the last 7 meetings with local pride at stake. United are joint top with Liverpool 5 of the table after 2 straight wins including the derby win away to Everton. Man U haven’t left Anfield with any spoils in the last 3 seasons, while Liverpool have a curse of their own. They tend to drop points when their players return from international breaks (the last break resulted in the 1-0 loss to Stoke).

The early kick off with Steven Gerrard making his 1 start in 7 months (last start was the 3-1 win against Man U last year!) and Wayne Rooney back in the spotlight after news of the 3-match international ban with England is an excellent way to kick of the EPL weekend. Unbeaten Aston Villa travels to high-flying Man C hoping for a share of the spoils, although I doubt Shay Given could keep his old teammates out of his net. Newcastle entertains a resurgent Tottenham, which should be an excellent showpiece too. While Chelsea hosts Everton for a tricky tie to handle.

But, all eyes will be at Anfield, to see if they will never walk alone, or if Glory will be to United!