Thomas Tuchel, England coach, expresses dissatisfaction with hydration stops: ‘It changes the essence of the match’
England coach Thomas Tuchel has added his voice to the chorus of disapproval regarding the mandatory hydration breaks implemented during half-time breaks in World Cup matches, regardless of the weather conditions at the match venue.
“I feel that this interrupts and changes the identity of a football match. Previously, interruptions for hydration only occurred in conditions of extreme heat and were shorter. Now, the match is fragmented, appearing to have almost four quarters, changing the dynamics of the game in a way that I did not foresee”, declared the coach in a press conference held before the clash against Ghana. This measure, although focused on the health of athletes, raises debates about the impact on the flow and strategy of the game, contrasting with the more continuous form of traditional football.
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He added to his observation by saying: “As a coach, I seek to exert influence and maintain cohesion within my team, but in general, I enjoy football more when the match is played uninterrupted.”
Before expressing his concern about the hydration breaks, Tuchel had already criticized the positioning of the photographers, who gathered in front of the benches during the pre-game protocols. After the coach’s intervention, FIFA reviewed and modified the protocol.
England’s next challenge will be against Ghana. The match is scheduled for this Tuesday, June 23rd, starting at 5pm (Brasília time). The confrontation will be broadcast live on CazéTV, which can be accessed at no additional cost on Disney+.
