Video: Nigel Pearson’s 'stupid' rant at journalist in full: Leicester manager lets off steam

After Leicester’s loss to Chelsea Nigel Pearson became embroiled in an argument with reporter Ian Baker, ending in the manager storming out having called Baker an ostrich. Read the transcript in full below:

This article titled "Nigel Pearson’s rant in full: Leicester manager lets off steam" was written by Guardian sport, for The Guardian on Wednesday 29th April 2015 23.36 UTC

After Leicester’s loss to Chelsea Nigel Pearson became embroiled in an argument with reporter Ian Baker, ending in the manager storming out having called Baker an ostrich. Read the transcript in full below:

Nigel Pearson The bottom line is what has given us a chance to survive has been the collective spirit we have. To win four games on the spin at any level, but certainly at Premier League level, is difficult and for the players to have to deal with the amount of criticism and negativity they’ve had to endure over the course of the season has tested us. Without wanting to talk too much, the players come out with awful lot of credit for dealing with setbacks and I expect them to deal with tonight’s setback as well.

Ian Baker What criticism are you talking about?

NP Have you been on holiday for six months? Have you been away for six months?

IB No, I am just not quite sure what specific criticism you are referring to?

NP I think you must have either your head in the clouds, or been away on holiday, or reporting on a different team, because if you don’t know the answer to that question . . your question is absolutely unbelievable, the fact you do not understand where I am coming from. If you don’t know the answer to that question then I think you are an ostrich. Your head must be in the sand. Is your head in the sand? Are you flexible enough to get your head in the sand? My suspicion would be no.

IB Probably not.

NP I can, you can’t. You can’t. Listen you have been here often enough and for you to ask that question, you are either being very, very silly or you are being absolutely stupid, one of the two because for you to ask that question, I am sorry son, you are daft.

IB There hasn’t been much harsh criticism of the players.

NP You are wrong. No, you are wrong. You have been in here, I know you have so don’t give that crap with me, please don’t give that crap with me. I will smile at you because I can afford to smile at you. Now do you want to ask a different question or do you want to ask it differently. Come on, ask it. Ask it or are you not capable?

IB I just don’t know what you, erm ...¶

NP (mimicking his voice) You don’t know. What’s ’erm’?

IB I don’t know how you’ve taken that question.

NP Well you must be very stupid. I’m sorry. (Pearson gets up and leaves)

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