With all the drama that follows him it is no surprise that Viewing figures for Premier League matches have increased by 10 per cent in the first two months of the season, according to reports.
A report in The Times claims that BT Sport have seen a huge 18 per cent increase on figures for Premier League football, while Sky have experienced a sharp rise on the same period as last season of 12 per cent.
Outside of the Premier League, BT Sport‘s Champions League coverage has soared with a 26 per cent rise on viewing numbers compared to last year.
The report adds that, according to broadcasting executives, there are three main reasons given for the rise in numbers.
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Firstly, the feel-good factor following England’s performance at the World Cup in Russia – where they reached the semi-finals for the first time since 1990.
Secondly, the prospect of a tightly contested Premier League title race with Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea all in the early mix, with only four points separating them after 12 matches.
And lastly, there’s the Jose Mourinho factor, which is ‘providing a fascinating narrative’ to the current Premier League campaign.
One ‘broadcasting source’ told said: “The positive feeling from England at the World Cup has definitely been a factor, and it has left fans feeling enthused. Compare that with the disappointment of the Iceland defeat at Euro 2016 and that can make a big difference.”
It better allows me to physically slap Mourinho when he losses a game pic.twitter.com/urmUa6F0cu
— Nonso Ikenwa (@nonsoikenwa) November 20, 2018
While another broadcaster executive said: “If the Premier League title race becomes a talking point, the famous water-cooler conversation, then that is reflected in viewer numbers.
“We have three unbeaten teams which makes for exciting games, we have the whole Manchester United soap opera which is a gripping story as well, and various subplots around such as Arsenal having a new manager.
“When Leicester won the title in 2015-16, neither Manchester United nor Liverpool finished in the top four that season, so for the start of the next one the expectations were low.”
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