• Ryder Cup

Faldo: Garcia was useless at Valhalla

Sergio Garcia, right, was part of Sir Nick Faldo's 2008 Ryder Cup team © Getty Images

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Sir Nick Faldo has criticised Sergio Garcia's "useless" contribution to Europe's 2008 Ryder Cup humiliation by the United States, claiming the Spaniard had a "bad attitude" at the tournament.

The only European captain to lose the prestigious team event this millennium, Faldo made the accusations following Garcia's opening fourballs defeat with partner Rory McIlroy at this year's event.

Faldo accused Garcia of failing him four years ago as the United States cruised to a 16.5-11.5 victory at Valhalla. While praising Garcia's overall Ryder Cup record, Faldo said of his 2008 efforts: "He was useless."

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Speaking in his capacity as a commentator for American network NBC, Faldo also said Garcia had a "bad attitude" in Louisville, when he claimed just one point from four matches.

Faldo's captaincy was criticised in the wake of Europe's defeat after he loaded the bottom end of Sunday's singles with his best players, despite being five points down going into the Sunday matches.

McIlroy and Garcia were beaten by Phil Mickelson's putt on the final hole of this morning's fourballs at Gleneagles. However, an inspired fightback from the pair saw them claim half a point against Jimmy Walker and Rickie Fowler to help propel Europe to a 5-3 lead against the USA.

Garcia initially laughed off Faldo's comments when they were put to him during a press conference after Friday's foursomes.

"That's unfortunate," Garcia said. "I guess he doesn't feel European. That's the only thing I can think of. There's a lot of things I can say about Nick Faldo, but I'm not going to put myself down to his level."

The Spaniard's team-mates also jumped to his defence at the press conference, with Graeme McDowell, who made his Ryder Cup debut in 2008, bringing up Faldo's controversial decision to drop Garcia and Lee Westwood at Valhalla.

"You've got one of the best Ryder Cup pairings of all time being sat down on a Saturday afternoon of a Ryder Cup that we go on to lose," he said. "I'd say Sergio was fairly useless that afternoon, yeah, because he wasn't able to play. So, yeah, I agree."

Garcia then pretended to burst into tears and McIlroy offered him a consoling arm. "You're not useless," he joked. Garcia replied a smile: "Thanks, Nick. I love you, too."

Sergio Garcia pretends to cry over Sir Nick Faldo's criticism of him as Rory McIlroy offers a consoling arm © Getty Images

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