Dubai: There are still 13 games remaining until the end of the English Premier League season, but the mind games have already begun.
Both Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and Liverpool coach Brendon Rodgers issued the customary ‘we’re not title contenders’ line just before their side’s respective 3-0 and 5-1 wins over Newcastle United and Arsenal on Saturday.
As certain as a vote of confidence precedes the sacking of a manager, the fake title concession alleviates pressure on your squad and lulls your rivals into a false sense of security ahead of a pivotal fixture.
The results can be devastating, as we’ve seen this week, and they often lead to an extended run of form and new-found confidence.
But the timing of such claims is also vital.
With Chelsea coming off the back of beating Manchester City 1-0 away and Liverpool having earlier beaten Everton 4-0 at home in the Merseyside derby, both sides were confident. Likewise, opposing threats were at their weakest, City having come off a season-changing home defeat and Arsenal having to step into fortress Anfield.
Both Manchester City — who drew 0-0 away to Norwich — and Arsenal buckled under that weight of responsibility this weekend, whereas Chelsea and Liverpool players led a stunning riposte to their coaches’ earlier comments.
As much as the statement guards against complacency, it also evokes a reaction from players who want to counter the coaches’ claims.
Of course, neither Mourinho nor Rodgers truly believe they are out of the title race, especially not now. League leaders Chelsea are a point ahead of second-place Arsenal and two points clear of third-place Manchester City, with Liverpool just six points behind.
If anything, it’s advantage Chelsea and Liverpool.
Chelsea entertain Arsenal at home and Liverpool away in the coming months, while Liverpool face Manchester United away and City at home before they host Chelsea.
But City and Arsenal arguably have it harder. City are set for an onslaught of away ties against United, Arsenal and Liverpool, while Arsenal — who play United at home on Wednesday — also have potentially season-ending, back-to-back games away to Chelsea and at home to Arsenal next month.
Let’s not forget the top three also have Uefa Champions League, League Cup and FA Cup distractions, whereas Liverpool, who must only contend with the latter, can focus solely on the league run-in.
Indeed, the musings of a football manager may often be overstated and players may be blissfully unaware of the headlines, but when it comes to the title concession, it’s a tactic in itself.
Both Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and Liverpool coach Brendon Rodgers issued the customary ‘we’re not title contenders’ line just before their side’s respective 3-0 and 5-1 wins over Newcastle United and Arsenal on Saturday.
As certain as a vote of confidence precedes the sacking of a manager, the fake title concession alleviates pressure on your squad and lulls your rivals into a false sense of security ahead of a pivotal fixture.
The results can be devastating, as we’ve seen this week, and they often lead to an extended run of form and new-found confidence.
But the timing of such claims is also vital.
With Chelsea coming off the back of beating Manchester City 1-0 away and Liverpool having earlier beaten Everton 4-0 at home in the Merseyside derby, both sides were confident. Likewise, opposing threats were at their weakest, City having come off a season-changing home defeat and Arsenal having to step into fortress Anfield.
Both Manchester City — who drew 0-0 away to Norwich — and Arsenal buckled under that weight of responsibility this weekend, whereas Chelsea and Liverpool players led a stunning riposte to their coaches’ earlier comments.
As much as the statement guards against complacency, it also evokes a reaction from players who want to counter the coaches’ claims.
Of course, neither Mourinho nor Rodgers truly believe they are out of the title race, especially not now. League leaders Chelsea are a point ahead of second-place Arsenal and two points clear of third-place Manchester City, with Liverpool just six points behind.
If anything, it’s advantage Chelsea and Liverpool.
Chelsea entertain Arsenal at home and Liverpool away in the coming months, while Liverpool face Manchester United away and City at home before they host Chelsea.
But City and Arsenal arguably have it harder. City are set for an onslaught of away ties against United, Arsenal and Liverpool, while Arsenal — who play United at home on Wednesday — also have potentially season-ending, back-to-back games away to Chelsea and at home to Arsenal next month.
Let’s not forget the top three also have Uefa Champions League, League Cup and FA Cup distractions, whereas Liverpool, who must only contend with the latter, can focus solely on the league run-in.
Indeed, the musings of a football manager may often be overstated and players may be blissfully unaware of the headlines, but when it comes to the title concession, it’s a tactic in itself.
