PrezIke wrote:Sad. What can one really say?
I really wish this was not the way Yaya would go out, yet I have also wondered like PP about Yaya's mental health since his brother died as a trigger. I have speculated that his "big ego" could either be a mask for insecurity or an example of conflict he could have with some deep sense of being slighted by the media he developed in his mind, particularly as a black African footballer with tremendous talent and success compared to other top midfielders of his generation some who weren't even as successful as he, arguably.
It could be this sense of being slighted grew during his best years and could have led him to develop of a "me vs. everyone else" mentality. This could then justify his silence as his agent went on and on. I heard on the CityWatch podcast today that his agent developed a close relationship with Yaya because of how loyal Yaya felt he was to him when he played in Ukraine. This was as he likely felt isolated as a black man in a nation known for hurling racist chants at black players.
This is not an excuse, as I've not enjoyed all of his agent's rants but could explain things a little.
Pep is right, but the timing of his statement is a bit interesting, even if he was asked by a reporter. Why today did he reveal this?
The Pep love fest has been on but it doesn't take a rocket science to figure out that the comments about the fans booing the CL anthem and filling the seats didn't go over too well with many local fans who attend the games, in particular. I hate to sound cynical, but the win against Bournemouth/post-match comments slighting Mourinho + this is a one seem like a 1-2 punch to get the fans entirely on his side again.
The master politician Pep in full effect. Well played...
P.S. Pep's a G!
Well look at you.
You're like s cross between Sigmund Freud and Inspector Clouseau.
Could be Pep just being consistent.
He's told the fans, he's told the players, get over the past. What can you do for the club now.
Player and agent are being told in no uncertain terms......
Not on my watch pal.