Bruno Ribeiro’s press silence prompts rumours and speculation
It’s now well over a month since Port Vale manager Bruno Ribeiro was last quoted in the media.
In the grand scheme of things, a football manager not talking to the press isn’t a big thing but the curious silence of Bruno Ribeiro is causing questions to be raised by Vale fans.
Just look at these tweets from Vale fans:
@smurfpvfc Has Bruno been banned from media duties?@BBCRadioStoke @MBaggers37
Any opinion on ATs conduct on Sat?
His silence is eerie #pvfc— Tim Sproston (@tsproston) November 14, 2016
@BBCRadioStoke @mattsandoz1 Can we address silence from Bruno? Smith is a decent chap, but questions from callers point to manager. #pvfc
— Tony Boulton (@TonyBoulton) November 12, 2016
@smurfpvfc Will Bruno ever talk to the press again? Have you gagged him? #pvfc
— Bericon Forensics (@Bericonforensic) November 12, 2016
In Ribeiro’s silence, press duties appear to have been carried out by coaches Andy Smith and Michael Brown but some fans are questioning whether that is the right approach.
Many would feel that if the team is not in great form then it’s time for the manager to lead from the front, to talk to the media, to lead the team – but instead the manager almost appears to have taken a vow of silence…
Vale’s recent form has been patchy at best and despite two home wins in a row, the team’s performances have caused concern with some supporters. However, with Charlton this weekend many fancy Vale to win, including the bookies who have us at 7/2. Be sure to check out SBAT’s free bet offers.
Even if Vale’s form has picked up a little in recent weeks, it’s still not great and many would feel that if the team is not in great form then it’s time for the manager to lead from the front, to talk to the media, to lead the team – but instead the manager almost appears to have taken a vow of silence.
Some have speculated that the language barrier may be a concern – which could be why Ribeiro has left the media to British duo Smith and Brown – but that seems odd after Ribeiro was perfectly happy to talk to the media earlier in the season.
Perhaps Ribeiro feels his time can be used more productively elsewhere – such as coaching the players? In the grand scheme of things, his press silence is no great cause for concern. However, the longer it goes on, the more the rumour mill and speculation will go on. It’s certainly unusual for a manager to not utter a word to the local press for a whole month.
Perhaps Bruno can dampen the rumour-mongers with some comments after the Charlton game? Many fans will be delighted to hear him declare himself to be “very ‘appy” after (hopefully) a valuable away victory.