Leicester boss Nigel Pearson apologises to journalist over ‘ostrich’ comment

Leicester boss Nigel Pearson has apologised after calling a journalist an "ostrich" in a bizarre spat.

The Foxes manager was involved in a discussion with writer Ian Baker after being asked to clarify his complaints over the criticism his players had received this season

Pearson then called Baker an “ostrich” because his head “must be in the sand” for not understanding Pearson’s viewpoint in the post-match press conference following Leicester’s 3-1 defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday.

Pearson started Thursday’s press conference, to preview Saturday’s game against Newcastle, by apologising to Baker.

He said: “Ian, before we start apologies for last night. I think it’s right to do it in front of the cameras rather than pulling you to one side so I apologise for that and I hope it doesn’t ruin our relationship.

“I react, that’s it. I think it’s emotion as much as anything which again I am not afraid of. I’m not afraid of showing my emotions. I get labelled with certain titles which is people’s prerogative to say what they want about me and I’m happy to fight my own corner.

“But I will also accept when I have stepped out of line which is why Ian’s due an apology, it’s the right thing for me to do today.

“I wasn’t happy with losing the game, there we are. I don’t like losing. I felt for the players, they worked exceptionally hard again and tried to keep the run going.”

He added: “It’s only right for me to portray what I want to portray. I’m not trying to win any popularity contests and I don’t think I’ll be in the running for that.”

But Pearson dismissed any suggestions his actions and comments over the season would harm his reputation.

The manager has already been involved in one other foul-mouthed rant at a journalist, a verbal clash with a fan in December and a pitchside flash point with Crystal Palace’s James McArthur in February.

He said: “Are you suggesting my job is to pander to your requirements?

“Are you suggesting I made a fool of myself? I think you are looking in the wrong place there. I think what you’ve got to understand is I do recognise when I have been out of order and I thought I was out of order last night, hence my apology today.”

And he refused to elaborate on his stance over the criticism of his players.

“I said there have been criticisms and I’ll stick up for my players, I always will do,” he said.

“I think you are looking at your side of the argument with rose coloured spectacles and I’m not going to get into a discussion with you today.

“I have apologised and if it had been a more private thing I’d have apologised one to one, but when it’s been in the public domain, in the public eye, it is right to do it the way I have done it.”