As the saying goes, “football can be a cruel game”. And that’s certainly been illustrated a few times over the last week or so.
I know you’ll sneer when I say it, because you hate Chelsea, me, and some of you follow football for fashion purposes only.
But the Blues were great in Barcelona, created more chances, played with more purpose and should have ended the 90 minutes with a draw at least.
But at the final whistle, we found ourselves 3-0 down.
I guess Lionel Messi was the difference, a football sorcerer the first goal was something out of a David Blaine show.
CONSTANTLY ATTACKED: Man United’s Luke Shaw. Photo: NIGEL RODDIS/EPA
I’m usually gutted after getting knocked out, but I didn’t feel so bad, it was far from the embarrassment predicted.
A similar scenario played out on Saturday at Old Trafford.
You have to give Brighton boss Chris Hughton credit. The Seagulls were a real pleasure to watch. They played some lovely neat football and created a number of excellent chances. On two occasions conceding against the run of play.
Now, before you start sending me swear-ridden mail, forget my comments and listen to what the pundits in studio had to say about both games, or read any reputable journalist. They would agree with me more so in fact, regarding Manchester United, check out Jose Mourinho’s two most recent press conferences.
Which brings me to the cruelty and danger of high level pressure in sport and the victims it swallows up.
It’s something I take note of these days especially with my middle son looking more and more likely to play sport as a profession.
Can you imagine what it’s like for United’s young prospect Scott McTominay right now?
I think he’s slotted in pretty well. Obviously he has a long top-tier career ahead of him.
But Mourinho tore him to pieces following the Brighton game. Is that right?
It was a dodgy performance, but to be singled out to a worldwide audience like that.
No mate, that just ain’t right.
SINGLED OUT: United youngster Scott McTominay, left
Let’s not even begin about the regular lambasting poor old Luke Shaw endures he’s broken.
I compare McTominay to Chelsea’s Andrea’s Christensen, another excellent youngster.
He made a massive blunder giving Barca their away goal, but was straight back in the squad without a word from his boss.
It’s not the first time Jose has behaved like this, but it’s becoming too much now - crucifying his own players and then justifying it by saying that if he is to build a great side, his players must grow up by recovering from bad times.
Surely that can be achieved behind closed doors? Dropping poor performers to the bench is as direct a message you can give, no?
I’m worried about Jose. Team rivalry aside, of course he’ll always have hero status in the back of Chelsea minds for what he achieved at Stamford Bridge.
But look at him. Listen to him.
From suave Mediterranean god to Caravan cracker looking for a hit of meth.
Seriously, the man is falling apart. What suddenly happened to his hair?
The crazy Mr Bean facial expressions?
The angry ranting?
Where’s the smart and sophisticated humour that tantalised press rooms every week?
With the pressure mounting daily, below-par performances, a disillusioned board, fans planning more protests and a trophy far from guaranteed (with Spurs in the FA Cup), we may well be witnessing the sad demise from “Special One” to “Disturbed One”.
Yep, football can be a very cruel game.