Let the Mind Games Begin

By: Daryl | January 9th, 2009

Whatever you think about Rafa Benitez getting into a war of words with Alex Ferguson, you’ve got to admire the man’s balls. Ever since Kevin Keegan lost the plot live on Sky Sports, Fergie has looked like the unbeatable champion of mind games. Even Jose Mourinho thought it wise to show some deference when he came to the Premier League.

But with Rafa the Gaffer’s Liverpool top of the Prem right now, and Fergie suggesting they might get nervous during the run-in, Benitez has struck back. Remains to be seen whether he regrets it or not.

But just one thing: I know it’s traditional to refer to these managerial exchanges as “mind games”, but isn’t it time we gave it a more appropriate name? Like “bickering”.

I know “mind games” makes it feel tactical like a game of chess, or an added bonus extra dimension to the on field play. But isn’t it really just two people who are a bit annoyed with each other exchanging a few choice words?

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NonStopLaughter

yeah. and maybe the referees are going to be so pity to the fools that they are going to give them penalties at every time their players fall down, inside or outside the field!! good luck!!
SuperTiger

It's great timing now that they will have quite a few fixtures in a short space of time with referees being vigilant not to favour the Mancs.
Marco P.

Stoke City 0-0 Liverpool.
Man Utd 3-0 Chelsea.

Looks like Benitez needs to revise his strategy...
Marco P.

Daryl wrote:
But just one thing: I know it’s traditional to refer to these managerial exchanges as “mind games”, but isn’t it time we gave it a more appropriate name? Like “bickering”.

I know “mind games” makes it feel tactical like a game of chess, or an added bonus extra dimension to the on field play. But isn’t it really just two people who are a bit annoyed with each other exchanging a few choice words?

That would be true if this was done in close quarters. The fact they're doing it in front of microphones (par presse interposée as the French say) for millions of people to see, well... other story.
shehan

all of liverpool just took a shat. benitez might have the balls, but the scousers have none.

and as toby said, the players might not react well to this statement. gerrard just took another dive in the locker room...
Hana

If the whole "Winning the Premiership title this year" thing doesn't work out, I think Rafa would make a simply fabulous prosecutor on Law and Order.

Is anyone else seeing this? Suit him up, put him in a courtroom, and let him go.

That's a fact.
Jack

Agree with Musab & Co. Fergs is at home laughing it up right now.
Musab

hahaha, Rafa thinks he can take on the master... He has no idea who hes fucking around with.
OhYes

How about Rafa just shuts his pie hole and focuses on winning the damn thing. Once he's done that, he can start the mind games.

Cause it's not like he's in a comfortable position or anything.
Dhaw

Balls of Fury !!!
nobobomo

It would be bickering if anyone really believed that Ferguson was actually pissed about the things he complains about. Most of the time when things like this happen I get the distinct impression that he's just complaining about stuff that will bother the hell out of other managers, and in fact, a normal person. Kind of the same thing Mourinho does.
mele419

I love the mind games in FM09. I told Fergie he was better suited to an alternate form of employment. ahaha.
CSD

Haha.. love seeing Rafa like this... and that is a fact.