Manchester United and Chelsea Balls: BBC And The Sun Portray Mourinho And Moyes As Blithering Idiots
FOOTBALL reporting is all about conjuring a story from pretty much nothing. In certain hands it’s all about extremes.
On Saturday, the BBC reported on Manchester United’s home defeat to Newcastle United. News was that Man United’s David Moyes was saying his team could still win the Premier League:
United are 13 points behind leaders Arsenal after 15 played. Of course they can win the title. But they won’t. But did Moyes really say United will win? Is he a fantasist? Says the BBC:
Said Moyes: “I stand firm we will be very close. I hope we are in it at the end of the season.” When asked why he was so confident, he said: “The players – because I am working with the champions.”
Or as Sky Sports puts it:
“I stand firm we will be very close,” insisted Moyes. “I hope we are in it at the end of the season.” When asked why he was so confident about their title chances, Moyes added: “The players – because I am working with the champions.”
So. Moyes is not a fool. He’s just supporting his players, reminding them that they are the champions.
And then to Jose Mourinho, subject of today’s headline news:
Chelsea are not on fire. But they’re just five points behind leaders Arsenal. Is the Portuguese manager writing off his team so early? Well, no. He;’ not an idiot, either. He said:
“Who told you we are the first contender to win the league? I don’t think we are. I think we are one of the six teams that are the potential contenders.”
So. To recap: Moyes hopes United find the form that made them champions and Mourinho says Chelsea can win the league. Scoops all round, then…
Posted: 9th, December 2013 | In: manchester united, Sports Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
