Media's love-hate relationship with Andre Villas Boas

Kuch toh Log Kahenge, Logon ka kaam hai Kehna – Kishore Kumar

People always have an opinion about something because that’s their job

In the new season, Andre Villas Boas was touted as the man to finally get Chelsea back on track. The man to kick start the evolution and not a revolution like other managers before him tried introducing. The fact that he was part of Jose Mourinho’s Staff during his period at Chelsea made it more interesting and the media, or lets say everyone, was hoping he could bring the same zing into the premier league that has been missing since Mourinho departure.

In his first few matches, Andre Villas Boas has portrayed an image of simplicity. Managers are usually more diplomatic in their approach (See Harry Redknapp) and never disclose the full facts about their transfer endevours, which sometimes gives rise to speculation about the players.

Ready to Battle the odds

But AVB was different. He came out of his enclosure every time and gave his stand on Drogba, Essien and Kalou’s future. The Modric and De Bruyne Saga was perfectly articulated and all other unlikely transfers dismissed. He talked about Lukaku, Courtious and Romeu at large though they weren’t very high profile names at that time. Whenever someone asked a question, AVB always gave an answer. This was more encouraging for the media and the fans alike. Everyone got to know about Chelsea’s plans better.

After some games, Chelsea started going through a rough patch. The high defensive line was criticized time and again. David Luiz’s abilities as a defender were questioned. Torres as always was made a scapegoat for Chelsea’s lack of goals. And the inevitable question of AVB getting sacked by the owner arose. Usually, managers tend to find the positives from such criticism; rarely do they defend each and every criticism.

Bring it on !

During Avram Grant and Scholari’s era, some parts of the crowd would chant “You don’t know what you are doing”. But not this time. AVB always came out to explain why it all went wrong. This in a way, gave more fuel to fire a debate among the media and pundits as to why results were not going their way. What was a temporary dip in results was portrayed as doomsday for Chelsea. And Losses against the ‘Top Three’ certainly didn’t make things better.

AVB realized that only good results can bring him back into the good books. So wins against Newcastle, Valencia and now Manchester City showed that he is ready for change if the need be. But the outburst that followed the Valencia game was something, that only Mourinho’s fans would have expected. A slap on the face of the critics was how AVB described the result as. AVB then came out to defend David Luiz against Neville’s comments by terming them as ridiculous. The tide has once again turned in AVB’s favour.

But at this moment, many feel that AVB is crossing the line. Mancini and Redknapp have told AVB to stop complaining and tried explaining him that this is all part of the game. AVB calling Manchester City as media darlings, and blaming the referees for poor results is uncalled for. Also his feuds with commentators/ pundits will not really help his image either. Also reports such as AVB telling the players to celebrate a goal with him and questions on the future of Drogba has put him under the spotlight.

You cant put a finger to Everyone's lips

On a neutral note, pressure from fans and the media is always exerted upon clubs. The 8-2 defeat by Arsenal almost had talks of Arsene Wenger resigning. But today the picture is totally different. However while Robin van Persie has been depicted as God-like today, after a few not-so-good results, Arsenal will be termed as a one man show, no creative prowess,inexperience of youth etc.

Liverpool in their winning ways will portay Suarez as a class player but the losses will signify Danglish’s inability to mould a young $30million striker into a world class player.

Manchester United will always be criticized for underplaying Berbatov and Park in bad times. Their decision of not having quality squad players in times of injury and De Gea’s Goalkeeping abilities will always be questioned.

AVB is intelligent and a tactical genius. He will surely take Chelsea to the zenith. The decision to bench Lampard, to play Sturridge while keeping Torres on the bench, or to use a young Romeu instead of the experienced Mikel is really applaudable when it yields the results. Also taking into account that AVB is as old as some of the players, and can still stamp his authority is remarkable.

The fact remains that decision making is a tricky process and sometimes they just don’t go your way. If AVB focuses more on the games and comments on matters that really need an opinion, then it will do Chelsea’s image good. Also the media as well as the footballing community as a whole should respect that and give constructive criticism, and not catapult minor situations just for the sake of making the headlines.