David Moyes is reminded that it is now March. The inference is clear. This is the month when Sunderland sack managers. A new boss arrives. The team survives.
The Scot, for the large part, has remained calm and considered during a season in which he has been lied to by his owner and let down by his players.
But this angers him. He doesn't raise his voice, but there is agitation in his tone. 'That would say more about the players, wouldn't it?
'If they only get a boost off a new manager,' he snaps back.