Pochettino Discusses Balogun Ban Controversy: Many Factors at Play in This Case

This week, Pochettino gave an exclusive interview to Sky Sports. In the first part of the interview (due to its length, we've divided it into 3 parts), he reflects on his experience participating in the FIFA World Cup this past summer.

It's been a very busy summer for you, hasn't it? Sitting here now, what are your thoughts on the FIFA World Cup?

Oh, it was an incredible experience, and for us as coaches, we learned a great deal. We learned so much about managing in international competition. Being on the stage of the world's most important event, I think we've all grown as better coaches now. What I've learned is that it's very difficult to plan everything correctly and make every decision the right way.

Every decision can impact the entire situation, and details are crucial. You have to consider how to communicate tactical ideas, how to manage players' physical condition, and every aspect must be perfect. So whoever wins the FIFA World Cup truly deserves the highest praise. It's the toughest and most difficult competition in the world.

It's certainly been remarkable for you, but the process sometimes brings surprises. During the FIFA World Cup, there must have been moments when you stood on the sideline thinking: I thought I was a football manager, how is this happening? For instance, receiving a call from Trump in the dressing room before a match—that's not ordinary, is it?

No, but I want to say that Trump has always been very supportive of us. He's a wonderful person, and we communicate regularly. I can feel his support and that of the government he represents. I'm the head coach of the U.S. Men's National Team.

What was the craziest moment for you during the FIFA World Cup? I imagine you met many people, received many event invitations, and watched many matches. Was there a moment that made you think: "Wow, is this real? Am I really here?"

If I could choose just one moment, it was after our first match. The fans were incredibly passionate, and the players were filled with pride. We felt a connection with the fans, and "Take Me Home, Country Roads" echoed throughout the stadium.

When you stand in the middle of the stadium, full of pride after a big victory, that bond with the fans, that overwhelming emotion, in a country as vast as the United States, the feeling of everyone united together—it's indescribable.

Do you think you became a fashion icon at this FIFA World Cup?

Not me, but the clothes made me feel secure and confident.

Do you know who's copied your style? Who's bought the same clothes?

Who?

Rooney

Ah yes, that's right, I saw it. It looked great on him, truly, he looks like a top-level manager.

Let's ask some questions that are on everyone's minds. There's been a lot of discussion about the Balogun ban controversy. Love it or hate it, this issue has attracted significant public attention. Do you understand why so many people are upset about it?

I do understand, because there are many complicated factors involved in this issue. People don't want to understand the truth. The U.S. Soccer Federation found a way to appeal, filed a request to overturn the ban, and ultimately the FIFA committee decided that the ban could be lifted, and the player was eligible to play.

If you were the head coach of the opposing team, how would you view this?

If you constantly let yourself be swayed by outside noise, you'll go crazy, and you'll feel it's unfair. But if you'll listen to me, being angry about this really makes no sense. Football is a team sport.

Whether this player plays or not, victory or defeat belongs to the entire team. The day before the match, we received a letter from FIFA confirming that he could play. I decided to let him play because he's our main striker, and at that time, I didn't think too much about it.

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