Olazabal not keen on Ryder role

Jose Maria Olazabal still has his doubts about being part of Colin Montgomerie's backroom team at October's Ryder Cup.

Olazabal served as assistant to Nick Faldo two years ago and is a clear favourite to be in charge for the 2012 match in America.

Montgomerie has delayed naming his helpers just in case any of them look like making the side, but had ear-marked Olazabal along with Paul McGinley and Thomas Bjorn.

The Spaniard has been out of action since October because of continuing problems with rheumatism, but played with Dutch soccer legend Johan Cruyff in yesterday's pro-am on the eve of the European Tour event in Majorca.

"As for being vice-captain, I haven't talked to Colin after he was named captain," said the 44-year-old, who over a year ago first revealed he had misgivings about doing it for a second time.

"I already had that post. It's a useful job, but it's more or less no man's land and not very satisfying as you neither make decisions nor play. You spend your time listening to people.

"Being captain would be quite another thing. It's a very special event and a huge honour, but I would only accept under certain circumstances.

"First it's a committee decision and second there must be a real affinity between captain and players."

Having decided not to play the tournament at Pula Olazabal has not yet ruled out returning to European Tour action in next week's BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth after a call from the circuit's chief executive George O'Grady.

"He called to see how I was doing. I replied that, being realistic, I had very few chances of being able to play, but he insisted that I should sign up just in case.

"They said they would hold my place until the last minute, a very nice gesture on the part of the PGA.

"I was feeling better a month ago, so I thought I would sign up for this tournament. I was hoping to be able to play and I actually played 18 holes on Saturday and Sunday, but on Monday I was in pain again and unable to compete.

"I have stopped taking any medicine and I am on a special diet. I am doing all sorts of different treatments - I am really trying everything."