Nick Faldo has lost the respect of Europe's leading players after calling Sergio Garcia "useless" during their Ryder Cup victory over the United States at Gleneagles, Europe's talisman Ian Poulter has said in his autobiography.

Working as a golf commentator for American television at this year’s Ryder Cup, six-time major winner Faldo said world number three Garcia was “useless” during Europe’s 2008 Ryder Cup defeat at Valhalla.

Englishman Poulter, writing in No Limits which was released this week, said the European team were furious with Faldo who was captain during the 2008 defeat.

“Sergio puts a brave face on it but the rest of the guys are fuming,” writes Poulter. “I’m shocked that he has said it. It’s highly disrespectful. It’s a cheap shot and it’s the worst possible timing.

"It makes me laugh. Faldo is talking about someone being useless at the 2008 Ryder Cup. That's the Ryder Cup where he was captain. That's the Ryder Cup where the Europe team suffered a heavy defeat.

“And he was captain. So who’s useless? Faldo might need to have a little look in the mirror. I have always got on great with Faldo in the past and I have a great deal of respect for everything he has achieved but this feels like sour grapes. It feels like a guy who is still bitter that he lost in 2008.

“Faldo has lost a lot of respect from players because of what he said. There were plenty of things a lot of the players were unhappy with at Valhalla but none of us criticised him. He may find that begins to change now.”

Europe cruised to a 16½ to 11½ victory at Gleneagles and US captain Tom Watson was on the receiving end of stinging criticism from Phil Mickelson who said there was a lack of team spirit in their ranks. Poulter said he was astonished Watson didn't play Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley.