Lisandro Martinez's post-match interview criticising Manchester United's ambition was a powerful moment that has sparked widespread debate. The defender said he "expects more from the top" to deliver "more players to compete," in comments that were widely interpreted as a direct challenge to the club's hierarchy.
The interview, conducted by Gabriel Clarke for Amazon Prime, has been praised for its quality. Martinez was ready and willing with his words, and his message to the Manchester United hierarchy was clear. He lambasted United's lack of ambition, and the interview has got everyone talking.
Art of the interview
There is a real art to a post-match interview, and Gabriel Clarke is a master of his craft. Clarke has been doing this for years for ITV and now Amazon, as well as being a first-class documentary film maker. His skill lies in listening to the answers, spotting the "line" and asking great questions.
Many interviewers fail to listen and follow up, which is the most common mistake. The best answers come from good questions. Martinez was fascinating, and as Clarke was winding up the interview, Martinez stepped back in just to make sure his point was made.
"Tonight it's easy to say the coach, easy to say the players, but we also have to see the others, eh," he said. The question of whether anyone disagrees is rhetorical, given Manchester United's current sorry state.
Mixed zone dynamics
This was not a typical post-match interview. Clubs are contractually obliged to put forward the manager and players as part of their TV contracts in both the Champions League and Premier League. The demands can be staggering, with huge numbers of interviews and repeated questions and answers.
Players also walk through the mixed zone area where more interviews are conducted with TV, rights-holders, non rights-holders and written media. It can sometimes be a nightmare for press officers who accompany players through these areas when they go off script.
Down the years, there have been memorable stand-offs. In September 2004, England players initiated a media boycott in Poland because they thought the criticism was over the top. Only last season, former Liverpool star Mohamed Salah accused the club of "throwing him under the bus" in a blockbuster interview that went around the globe.
Memorable moments
Patrick Vieira spoke out after Arsenal crashed out of the Champions League in Valencia, saying, "We have to finish second in the Premiership to secure our place in the Champions League next season. We also have to win the Cup. That is the minimum to so when you wear the Arsenal shirt."
Roy Keane's interview to MUTV, the in-house channel, was a cracker that leaked out. Thierry Henry was a brilliant talker. Harry Kane is prolific in the mixed zone, taking his duties as England captain seriously, as does Virgil van Dijk.
In other sports, it's definitely expected. Christine Ohuruogu came through the mixed zone after winning a medal soon after being banned for missing three drugs tests. It was relevant and part of the story.
Contrast Gabriel Clarke's post-match interview to Peter Schmeichel's with Martinez. The ex-Manchester United keeper's chat with Martinez feels pretty uncomfortable, with Schmeichel trying to talk down Martinez for being critical. "Nothing is won in October," said Schmeichel.
Clarke has faced criticism before, including a pile-on during the World Cup when he was tough with Thomas Tuchel after England's gruelling game with Norway. Clarke never seeks the limelight, which is refreshing. After the Martinez interview, he is rightly getting the praise he deserves.
