Fan power’ for the ‘Special One’

Numerous column inches have been dedicated to the concept of ‘player power’ whereby overpaid prima donnas, usually footballers, effectively demand their own terms and ‘force’ clubs to pay them.

There have been some arguments as to whether this is a new concept because of the vast escalation of money in the game due to the fees paid for television rights although there can be little dispute that it is an escalating problem.

However, there is also a lesser-known phenomenon that is ‘fan power’. There have certainly been numerous instances when the club chairman sacks a manager after those who pay good money to watch live start chanting for the dismissal of whoever the current incumbent in the ‘hot seat’ is.

Yet, there cannot be many managers that have maintained the support of the faithful in spite of a string of poor performances. Jose Mourinho has always been that little different. The ‘Special One’ suddenly became the ‘Unemployed One’, although given the rumours surrounding a massive severance package, he would not be able to ‘sign on’ for many years!

Chelsea’s first match after announcing that Guus Hiddink would replace the Portuguese maestro until the end of the season was a fascinating encounter, not for what was happening on the pitch, rather the chanting and reactions off it.

There can be little doubt that a home game against Sunderland is one of the easier matches that a new regime could benefit from and so it proved. The ‘rub of the green’ that Mourinho believed had deserted his side was back in abundance, while the restlessness and nerves returned after Borini claimed one of the luckiest goals he will have scored.

Yet, rather than backing their side, Chelsea’s fans turned on their players, lamenting their earlier lack of effort. Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas bore the brunt of their ire although others were not immune. Mourinho was cheered throughout.

It may be too early to tell whether the tide has turned – that is likely to be in the New Year after a hectic Christmas schedule that includes matches against Watford, Crystal Palace and Manchester United. However, it may be a period in which what did happen behind the scenes is revealed as stories filter out from the sanctity of the dressing room.

I do accept that players should try their hardest for their club, although the manager does bear the responsibility for also ensuring that they are in the right frame of mind. It is not enough, nowadays, to be a great tactician – managers also need to be psychologists. If Mourinho did ‘lose the dressing room’, he had to pay the price. Certainly the results dictated as much, in the league at least, if not in Europe.

Normally, at this time of year, there are a number of debates as to who will be getting the sack, particularly at the bottom of the table as clubs look to align themselves ahead of the January transfer window.

However, with Aston Villa, Swansea and Sunderland having done their business early and the newly promoted clubs actually performing rather well, eyes now turn to Manchester United. Old Trafford has witnessed another rarity with a manager seemingly inviting the sack. It is not just the results but the manner of the displays that has left fans frustrated. At least Louis van Gaal has acknowledged as much.

At the time of writing there is no sign of a noose being prepared, despite a run of poor performances in the league and an early exit from the Champions League. Will they go the same way as Chelsea in opting for a caretaker manager now, waiting for the summer when a number of the ‘bigger name’ managers could be more easily tempted?

My best guess would be that Ryan Giggs could be handed the reins until the end of the year with a more permanent decision being made nearer Easter when his impact has been assessed. A strong showing and European qualification could be enough to land the job permanently.

If he is given the chance – the talk amongst football fans around the world is second guessing the Glazers as to whether they will land the manager that they missed out on in the summer of 2014 - will Mourinho become a Red Devil?

Of course Van Gaal could always take a leaf out of Rafa Benitez’s book – if your side is under pressure then score ten!