Managers condemn Blatter comments

Premier League managers Steve Bruce and Harry Redknapp have rallied against Fifa president Sepp Blatter's controversial comments about footballers being like slaves.

Blatter's comments were referring to Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been embroiled in a highly-publicised tug-of-war with the Old Trafford club and Spanish giants, Real Madrid - an episode which has developed into an incendiary war of words.

But Wigan boss Bruce suggested football players live in the lap of luxury and believes Blatter has crossed the line in speaking out about players' contractual obligations.

He said: "I don't agree with Sepp Blatter's comments on them being slaves because I believe they have the best job in the world,

"If they are slaves what the hell are the rest of us? They have got a good job."

Bruce's Portsmouth counterpart Harry Redknapp echoed those views, insisting that modern players were in an enviable position.

He said: "The difference in the way the modern player is treated is amazing,"

"The way they are treated, the way they travel, the money they earn...they don't realise, it's a different world.

He added: "What Sepp doesn't realise is that it works both ways. If you sign a player on a four-year contract and he's no good for your club, you can't shift him because he doesn't do well".

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.