Pearson sorry for ‘ostrich’ jibe
LEICESTER manager Nigel Pearson has apologised after calling a journalist an “ostrich” in a bizarre spat.
The Foxes manager was involved in a discussion with writer Ian Baker after being asked to clarify his complaints over the criticism his players had received this season.
Pearson then called Baker an “ostrich” because his head “must be in the sand” for not understanding Pearson’s viewpoint in the post-match press conference following Leicester’s 3-1 defeat by Chelsea on Wednesday.
Pearson started yesterday’s press conference, to preview tomorrow’s game against Newcastle, by apologising to Baker. He said: “Ian, before we start, apologies for last night. I think it’s right to do it in front of the cameras rather than pulling you to one side so I apologise for that and I hope it doesn’t ruin our relationship.
“I react, that’s it. I think it’s emotion as much as anything, which again I am not afraid of. I’m not afraid of showing my emotions. I get labelled with certain titles which is people’s prerogative to say what they want about me and I’m happy to fight my own corner.
“But I will also accept when I have stepped out of line, which is why Ian’s due an apology.”
But Pearson dismissed any suggestions his actions and comments over the season would harm his reputation.
The manager has already been involved in one other foul-mouthed rant at a journalist, a verbal clash with a fan in December and a pitchside flashpoint with Crystal Palace’s James Mcarthur in February.
The BBC’S Pat Murphy pushed Pearson, with Murphy defending the media for how they have covered the Foxes this season and claiming Pearson could be April’s manager of the month – but that his latest outburst has damaged him.
Pearson responded: “Are you suggesting my job is to pander to your requirements?
“Are you suggesting I made a fool of myself? I think you are looking in the wrong place there.
“I think what you’ve got to understand is I do recognise when I have been out of order and I thought I was out of order last night, hence my apology today.”