"A footballer must dedicate himself to work and to play where the trainer says," said Cameroon striker Eto'o. "I never think about whether I feel good or not with tactics.

"If the coach wants me to play in goal and Victor Valdes as striker, I would accept it."

Eto'o also hit out at the continued speculation over Rijkaard's position.

He added: "It is a lack of respect. Today it is Michael Laudrup, and Jose Mourinho also is named every day, but it is a lack of respect because Frank is doing great work and we can still win everything this season."