Body language, mood music, atmosphere, call it what you will but the optics of today’s Viaplay Sports press conference looked awful.
The League Cup’s title sponsor showed a bad lack of judgement and a touch of disrespect to Michael Beale and Ange Postecoglou by awkwardly sitting them so close together for the joint press call.
Why do it? To get people talking? That was going to happen anyway, the build-up is underway. Both managers looked really uncomfortable in this change to the usual protocol of having two separate sessions for the coaches to field questions from the journalists and reps assembled.
That’s so weird. No idea why the sponsors decided to make them do it jointly. https://t.co/wD90611rRe
— Heart & Hand Podcast (@ibroxrocks) February 21, 2023
The reaction on social media has been almost universal, there was just no need for it.
Further press commitments are due later in the week so hopefully this stunt will not be repeated with the captains, James Tavernier and Callum McGregor but after today, an uncomfortable part two could be set to follow.
🏆 Who will be lifting the trophy this Sunday afternoon?#ViaplayCupFinal pic.twitter.com/YSPp7lgaYs
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) February 21, 2023
Rangers face a wait on a number of key players ahead of Sunday after Beale gave an expected update on the injury front.
When asked if he would take a risk on the likes of Malik Tillman or John Lundstram, his response was:
“Only if I thought they would get through it. It’s a final and I think we live in a fantasy world if we think players lace up every week in a fantastic physical condition. It’s a final against a big rival so I have 100% faith one or two will declare themselves fit around Friday or Saturday.”
“Whether they are 100% fit, I will need to make a choice on that. This is why you build a squad.”
Let the games begin!