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No Fear
During a post-match interview in which he failed dismally both in his attempt to disguise his deep rooted disappointment at Chelseas failure to win the Community Shield and his efforts to assert defiantly that his side had controlled the game, the Specious One also declared haughtily that despite injuries to Terry, Drogba and various lesser lights, I have no fear.
Now thats interesting because it begs a number of questions. First, how does the little Portuguese reconcile this apparent bravado with rumours that he became almost apoplectic at the very thought that Diarra (who is not normally at the forefront of his team selections) might be transferred to Arsenal? For an allegedly fearless man, Mourinho certainly has a strangely ambivalent attitude towards movement between the two clubs. Last season, following a long and unusual courtship, he desperately wanted to secure the services of Ashley Cole, whom he seems already to have transformed by stifling the attacking flair which in a red shirt gained him the reputation of being the best left back in the world and replacing them with an instinct for passing backwards and sideways (a la Lampard) and swearing at referees. But the deal teetered on the brink of collapsing because the Brave One couldnt bear the thought of losing William Gallas in part exchange and did everything in his power to prevent the Frenchman moving to North London.
So why is the Fearless One so concerned at the prospect of one of his squad players, who does not command a regular place and hitherto seemed a million miles from being honoured as one of his Untouchables, defecting to the Gunners? Could it be that behind the thin façade of his bravado Mourinho, for all his posturing, is terrified that if Diarra moves to the Emirates, Arsene Wenger will do something for Diarra that he is unable to do he will make him a star, just as he has done for countless players since he arrived at Highbury in 1996?
And if thats not true, theres only one way to find out. Assuming that Arsenal are interested in the player, let Mourinho show his courage by sanctioning the transfer then we can all see what kind of player Diarra is capable of becoming when he is freed from the shackles of Chelseas robotic football.
Any chance, Mr Mourinho? No fear!
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