How much is too much?

While all of us eventually face an Existential Crisis in our tiny-drop-in-a-crazy-big-ocean lives, our brave commander (Jose’) has picked up a momentous occasion to face his. While we teeter at the fag end of a much hyped but somewhat down to earth season, Fatigue, travel, injury, and bananas (yes, bananas) have finally decided to make their presence felt on our beloved club- at least that is what Mourinho would have us believe.

Mourinho is the master of misdirection (and consequently must be the magician of football?). He has blamed a doctor for a loss (Eva Carneiro, Chelsea FC). It was strange, unheard of, and just plain crazy. While he was funny and everybody tolerated him, there was obvious angst brewing in the corridors of power in football. He was NOT an insider- a virtual nobody when he burst onto the scene. Now, he is THE manager in football (I will not say ‘arguably’, because there is no arguing the statement, City fans). With his appointment to the top of the pile at Manchester United, began a long drawn vendetta- long & ridiculous touchline bans were thrown his way. He accepted them with characteristic humility (!). Two major things emerged- realisation (for the fans) of how much he coveted and wanted the job, and that (for himself) he was at the very pinnacle of footballing glory and no misdemeanour will be tolerated and any infringement is sacrilege. The footballing world will not let the head of the biggest club in Football ‘get away with stuff’. First seasons are usually the best time to drive home the message.

Jose, apparently, has got the message. Not a peep about the refereeing, was there? Obvious point, no comment. Instead, he starts exploiting ‘UEFA’ vs ‘FA’, game schedules, injury, fatigue, ‘everybody hates us’, and business mindedness of football (the insurance comment). With the Cup defence going awry, there is now a genuine chance of glory in Europe. Maybe even a top 4 finish, who knows?

He is perfect for us, but I wouldn’t buy his rant though. If we would have won the tie with Chelsea (and there was a genuine chance on the day), everything was on the up & up. He wouldn’t be talking fatigue at all! I am sure he will not worry about fatigue next week if he wins the tie on Sunday (which I am sure he will). Misdirection- taking focus away from Paul Pogba quickly while the back pages vent about him. Maybe giving Zlatan time to cool off for a bit before signing a new deal? Whatever the reason, I don’t doubt he is in control.
How much is too much? Apparently, nothing is too much for Mourinho. The master tactician is truly special. Stretford end will never call him Judas. Now that would be too much.