Silly, Silly Adrian

By: Martha | September 25th, 2007

Football is so silly. You may or may not have noticed, but I’m sort of a big Adrian Mutu fan. He’s turned into an adult over the past few years and has been huge for Fiorentina, both as a player and, increasing, as a leader, both of which are pretty impressive for a guy whose main interests in the past seemed to be coke and porn stars. He’s not, however, grown up quite enough to reign in his ego and avoid giving already fired-up opponents bulletin board material ahead of huge matches.

I mean, you’d think even Mutu would know it’s not wise to poke Francesco Totti with a stick when he’s in sick form and scoring pretty much at will, right? Apparently not: In an interview yesterday the Romanian saw fit to announce that, while Totti is “an excellent goal scorer,” Mutu himself is better. Sigh. Yeah, he really said it. At first I assumed it was just a bad translation, or a guy expressing himself badly in his third (or so) language, but there’s so much detail in Mutu’s assertion of his superiority, it’s pretty much impossible to conclude anything other than that he really thinks he’s better that Totti. In other words, he’s out of his damn mind. According to Wor Adrian, “Totti is an excellent goal scorer and a team player, but I think I’m stronger and faster in the final 20 meters.” Mmhm. And that’s why you’re always at the top of the scoring table, right? Oh, wait.*

So the first task for Cesare Prandelli this morning at Fiorentina training was going to be beating the crap of out Mutu. His plans changed, however, when it was revealed that Totti is skipping the trip to Florence because of a slight thigh problem, so the Viola will not feel his wrath. Hmm. Do you think Mutu has a mole at the Roma camp who slipped him news of the injury early, thus allowing himself to pound his chest without risk repercussions? Very nice.

*I truly think Mutu is a (nearly) great player, but come on.

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Category: Fiorentina, Roma, Rumors & News, Serie A

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mark

um ya, scoring on a penalty shot. I seem to remember Totti gloating about that when he was having his hissy fit at Donadoni. Good job Totti, you can hit the broad side of a barn! Totti can't be on the Azzuri anymore because his ego is bigger than Italy.
AS DeGuilio

Yes Mark against ManU Totti played shit in defense and in between the pipes. Plus his 25 missed sitters really killed Roma's chances that night. Yes put pressure on Totti and he crumbles, you know the type of pressure say like a 90th minute PK in the WC knockout stage and Totti fails, PERIOD.
mark

I think this is absolutely brilliant on Mutu's part. Totti is essentially an overgrown baby/bully (although a talented one). No one ever questions "the Prince of Italian Football". Put enough pressure on him, goad him, make him prove himself, and he'll crumble. Witness last years thrashing by Man U.
chris

He must have known Totti wasn't playing, nobody can be that stupid.

That said, many of the message boards are actually excited Francesco isn't playing, because it gives Mirko Vucinic a chance to play in his natural position, and all he does from there is score goals. Totti is Totti, but it won't be much easier for Fiorentina.
Marco

Actually Martha, in light of the upcoming Fiorentina-Roma game, I'd say it was the perfect time for Mutu to make those declarations. It's all about the psychological warfare... too bad Il Capitano (as affectionately called by the Roma fans) will be out injured for the match.

I'd like to add (with the risk of being burnt to the stake for heresy) that Mutu is indeed probably "faster" than Totti. I won't even touch the "stronger" part. Well ok, see I didn't take a big risk there after all.
Julie

I'm more concerned about Mutu waging an on-field battle with my precious Bobo.
tmc

Yeah, Martha, not the smartest move by Mutu. Even if you think that, its best to keep those things to yourself. Some guys need that confidence to be successful, and maybe Mutu is one of those guys.

However, Totti is not the type of guy who needs any extra motivation. This quote will still come back to bite Fiorentina in the ass, no doubt, even though Totti won't be out there tomorrow. So many great athletes use these actual or perceived slights to gain additional motivation, so it is best as the challenger to keep your mouth shut.

As no fan of Roma (or Totti's for that matter), let me say this: Totti is a phenomenal player and one simply cannot argue with his results for the club. I admire his loyalty to the city and the shirt. I'm also disappointed that he won't be out there tomorrow night, because I think that this particular fixture had the potential to be one of the most entertaining, exciting matches of the Serie A year if both squads were at full strength.

Fiorentina doesn't play its open, attacking game on the road, preferring to try to score one goal and play defense for the 1-0 victory or the 1-1 tie. So, they will play a defensive lineup and tactics in the return leg at the Olimpico. Even without Totti, Roma are very strong and it should still be a great game. And if Fiorentina is to get a result from this match at the Artemio Franchi, I'd like it to be with Roma's captain on the pitch.
Lisa

No Totti? NO! I wanted to see him prove Mutu wrong. (Well, not see, as I still have no TV, and would probably need Sky even if I did have one, but you get the point.)