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...