Football Philosopher
Press Conference
James felt a little nervous after entering the press conference room. Even though he had prepared for this moment, seeing all those cameras and reporters still made him a little worried.
The news of Manchester United's takeover is huge news, the club has a history, a glorious achievement and of course has fans all over the world. News coverage spread all over the world. So no wonder many journalists from the larger media agencies of different countries get together, this is a big history.
Seeing the reporters had just sat down and many were curious about the new owner of Manchester United, James calmed down and sat down.
After everyone sat in their seats, James did not wait for journalists to start asking questions. James tapped on the microphone to grab everyone's attention, "I just want to say this before you guys start asking questions. James said in a light-hearted manner that was responded to by some laughs from the journalist.
"I am very pleased to announce the exciting opportunity of my takeover of a historic club like Manchester United and I look forward to leading the club to a new level and era." there was a slight murmur in the crowd but nothing serious as everyone already knew the news.
"Now you can start asking questions." James said with a slight nervousness about how this would happen. But he also felt the excitement he felt.
The journalists raised their hands and James picked out a young woman with long-haired blonde sunglasses. James knew in advance that he was a journalist from the Manchester Evening News (MEN), which focused on news in the Manchester area, and certainly could also support him in increasing first impressions.
"First of all, congratulations Mr. Packer has become the new owner of Manchester United. I'm Bella Butcher from the Manchester Evening News. I'm curious about your plans for the club going forward" said the professional-looking woman.
"Well, at the moment we are focused on the current season, although there is no hope of winning the Premier League title, but we will not slack off in the rest of the game and we will be focused on winning the FA Cup. For next season we will strengthen the team from all fronts and hopefully become champions in all competitions. For the next season there will be surprises. " John said in a very optimistic manner. Although James would like to say that he will take the club to the top of football, no one will take him seriously right now. So he said what everyone expected.
The journalists began asking the expected questions and James continued to answer in a gentle manner. Then a journalist asked, "Mr Packer, according to the information I received, you have no previous experience in football. How do you plan to accomplish the things you've said?"
Although James knew this to be true, he still felt a little annoyed at the journalist who asked that.
"Well, I'm not going to be a team manager or player after all. I plan to hire capable people for the job. That's how we plan to achieve something" James said in a slightly upset but still smiling tone. James knows that dealing with journalists we have to be able to play with words and expressions.
Another journalist took the opportunity to stand up and ask, "Master Packer, you said you plan to hire people, does that mean there will be a change of management personnel at the club later?"
James regained his composure while still a little nervous about the question to come, but luckily Bella came and asked.
"What do you think of the FA Cup semi-final against Newcastle United?" Bella looks at James's slight nervousness and asks the usual questions.
"I'm fully confident in the squad and believe in Mr Ferguson. This is an FA Cup match, the oldest competition in the world, of course Newcastle United will certainly go all-out and so will we. As for the result, well this is football, you can't predict the result," said James who had regained his composure and no more jitters.
"What are your long-term prospects going forward for Manchester United's Mr Packer?" An oriental-faced journalist who was likely from Asia asked that question.
"I will definitely invest a lot in infrastructure, especially the expansion of stadium construction. We will increase the capacity of the number of seats that will reach approximately 80,000 in the first stage, the next stage we will remodel it to become the grandest stadium in the world." James said with a serious expression.
James took a breath and said, "Training young players will also be our focus going forward, as you know, Manchester United's youth academy has always brought out a lot of world-class talent. Like the famous 'class of 92, we expect many talented young players to come from the academy and play for Manchester United during his career such as Richard Hargreaves Duckworth who 11 years (1902-1913) defended United and Foulkes who 19 Years (1951-1970) defended United.
In addition there are still alumni 'class of 92' in the team, namely Gary and Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, and Ryan Giggs.
James continued, "In addition, even though our Ground Training is the best at the moment and has only been updated in recent years, we will continue to develop into always the best and keep up with the development from year to year".
James recalled Manchester United's Carrington Training Center, which had not developed until his time before taking over. At a time when new rich clubs like Manchester City and PSG were making the Training Center with the latest facilities, Carrington remained as if it was just maintenance and no development at all. This is one of the things that make Manchester United slumped year after year since the death of Sir Alex Ferguson.
"Thank you to everyone who has been present, it's time we return, hopefully Manchester United always succeed 'Glory Glory Manchester United' " James said chanting the usual words always echoed in the Old Trafford stadium.
James stood up and walked out of the conference room. He is very passionate and optimistic about managing the club. Of course it is because of the memories far ahead that will help him.