MPENZA BANISHED FROM SCHALKE SQUAD

Mpenza and Schalke have produced poor performances at home and abroad this season and coach Huub Stevens appears to have come to the end of his tether with the powerful front-man.

"We have sent Emile Mpenza home because he has conducted himself in an unprofessional manner in the past few weeks," revealed the Dutchman.

"Emile came in with the attitude that he did not want to play and we don't need those type of players."

The former Standard Liege ace, who joined The Royal Blues for a record 17 million Marks (£5.5 million), was said to be suffering from an illness in the weekend's 3-0 thrashing by Stuttgart but that does not seem to be a valid excuse in the eyes of the Schalke hierarchy.

"Emile has been suspended because he gave the impression that he didn't do everything he could to get fit," added general manager Rudi Assauer.

"A portion of his wages will be frozen."

Assauer also indicated he would sell players who did not have their heart at the ArenaAufSchalke.
          
"Anyone who wants to go can do so. Of course the transfer fee will have to be right." 

Ebbe Sand, the usual strike partner of Mpenza, welcomed the words of Assauer and acknowledged things must improve on the pitch.

"His words were hard but fair. We must all think about what he said," said the Danish international.

"Such outbursts once or twice a year can sometimes be worthwhile. I prefer to give my answer on the pitch."