There was an interesting ‘take’ on Nuno Espirito Santo’s press conference this afternoon as the manager met media ahead of the resumption of Championship football.
Mexican outlet soyfutbol.com appears to have got the impression that their national captain Edson Alvarez is due for a long-awaited comeback after a couple of months in the domestic wilderness at east London.
Whilst ‘El Machin’ played thirty minutes in the behind closed doors friendly last week, it would be pushing the boundaries of truth to suggest that Nuno actually earmarked the Mexican for a comeback, as the South American news outlet claimed in something of an Alvarez frenzy:
“Edson Álvarez Set for a Comeback with West Ham After Nearly Two Months Out..
Mexican midfielder Edson Álvarez is on the verge of making his long-awaited return to action with West Ham United, after almost two months on the sidelines, as revealed by coach Nuno Espírito Santo in a press conference.”
“Oh no he didn’t” – Nuno made no suggestion that Edson Alvarez is poised to make a comeback
I did have to go back and read every word again to see if I’d missed anything. Nope. In fact the inference came from a throw away sentence made by West Ham’s manager that they’ve highlighted:
“The Portuguese boss made it clear that only one player is definitely out….
” There are always some knocks and niggles but nothing serious: The only player who is definitely out is Keiber Lamadrid”. This statement has fans buzzing with excitement about Alvarez possible return to the squad after being out of action since August 8th”
West Ham fans in Mexico may be buzzing with excitement, (really?) – I couldn’t tell you.
I ‘d suggest that those in the UK are a little less agog with anticipation at Alvarez returning. In fact, if I were a betting man, I’d stick a tenner on him not making the starting line up – or even a cameo appearance.
Sorry, ‘buzzing’ Mexican Alvarez fans. There’s just too much talent ahead of him in the pecking order these days.