Polarising Opinions and the Need to be Proven Wrong
Opinion article from Jai Mcintosh with perfect timing...
The common discourse surrounding football tends to be relatively polarising, to say the least. Sitting on the fence is often seen as a cop-out, and in some instances, that may be the case. However, it is worth pointing out that nailing your colours to the mast and choosing to give a strong opinion on a player, coach, team, or owner does not mean those opinions cannot change, equally, it does not mean that those giving their opinion do not want them to change, oftentimes they do.
My previous pieces have included some kind of measurable statistics combined with an opinion in order to produce what I hope is a measured article; this time that will not be the case.
The focus of this piece will be to emphasise that having a player prove you wrong is actually welcomed and wanted. This comes not long after Jorginho won the UEFA European Player of the Season; a player I have been quick to criticise over his Chelsea career, for valid and less valid reasons.
Nonetheless, this criticism has not stemmed from an inherent agenda against Jorginho, it came from the fact that I felt he was overly protected and that, if the system was not perfectly suited to him, he was vulnerable. Despite my and many other people's criticisms, Jorginho has proved many of his detractors wrong and highlighted just how good he can be. The systems he plays in both at the club and international level suit him, sure, but there is simply no denying he is now operating at a truly world-class level.
When a player or coach is able to shift the general narrative around them and prove they are worth the time and investment put into their development. Antonio Rudiger is the case in point. A player who, at VfB Stuttgart and AS Roma looked as though he had the world at his feet only for him to get lost in the confusion of Chelsea Football Club over the last three seasons.
Nonetheless, under Thomas Tuchel Antonio Rudiger has blossomed into one of Europe’s standout central defenders and has become a nailed-on regular at the club and international level. Rudiger has proved his doubters, like myself, wrong and has shown he can really step up in high-pressure moments.
In the polarising social media war, Mason Mount seems to sit on the opposite side to Jorginho in fan discourse. Jorginho, the lasting emblem of the Maurizio Sarri era, and Mason Mount the youthful representative of the Frank Lampard administration do actually play in the same team with the same targets and goals, it is only the fan base that is divided in this sense. Both Jorginho and Mount want nothing more than for the other to succeed as it benefits the team as a whole.
This remains the case for new signings or potential signings. On social media, the Declan Rice vs Jorginho debate is not only tiresome but pointless. If they were to play in the same team the chances are they would get along and work together to ensure success.
Within the halls of football-based social media it seems as though if you have been critical of a player in the past, you can’t enjoy their excellence in the future. The majority of petty online debates centre around old opinions. Opinions can very easily change; when it comes to football and criticism, sometimes someone changing your opinion is preferred.
Being proven wrong by a player shows you that they have analysed their deficiencies and invested time and energy into addressing their weaknesses. This, in turn, strengthens a player’s mental resolve. One need only look at the mentality monsters Mason Mount, Romelu Lukaku, Jorginho, and Antonio Rudiger have become to see that.
These players have turned hateful agendas into motivation whilst digesting constructive criticism with the aim of proving themselves, all have been successful. Being proven wrong is exactly what fans need. A player who is willing to front the abuse and flip it into long-term success is a player you want at your club.
At a time when the Chelsea fan base should be more united than ever - the club are European Champions after all - there are still tiring agendas that cause internal conflict. Reactionary takes are natural, football is an emotional stimulus after all, however actively wanting a player to fail seems to solve no purpose.
Unfortunately, abusive agendas will always be at home on social media. Constructive criticism is often unwelcome as it is almost always deemed too polarising. Despite criticising a player, the vast majority of fans want to see all of the squad succeed and it should be welcomed when they prove doubters wrong rather than their success being lorded over those who were initially critical.
Chelsea are now in a position of strength that I have not seen since the joyous days of Carlo Ancelotti. The depth of talent combined with outstanding management and a resilient collective consciousness creates the foundations for decades worth of success.
In summary, a player proving anyone wrong should be respected. Yet, that does not mean those who were offering genuine criticism should be consistently tagged with the label of a permanent critic. Equally, due to the nature of online debate amongst fans, polarising opinions will always take centre stage. With the club in the strongest position, it has been in for over a decade, establishing a stronger sense of unity amongst the fanbase is the final puzzle piece to safeguard Chelsea’s long-term success.
Jai Mcintosh
We live in a somewhat fickle world where so many fans expect instant gratification and FIFA gaming performances and stats. Jorginho joined the club at a somewhat turbulent time as Sarri tried to change the tactics and style. Teams eventually sussed out Sarri's style and Jorginho was the lightning rod for the criticism. He has responded magnificently and has been a key cog in Tuchel's impressive first year at Chelsea. Supporters should be thrilled and supportive of where Chelsea are at right now.