Fans are all saying the same thing after Sky Sports' US-style half-time interview with Martin Odegaard
By DAN DAVIS,
Sky Sports viewers have had their say on Martin Odegaard's half-time interview during Arsenal's showdown at Manchester United - but not many were impressed.
Odegaard was put on the spot during the interval at Old Trafford after the Premier League were granted greater behind-the-scenes access, including player interviews during live coverage and cameras filming inside dressing rooms, this season.
A new four-deal domestic TV deal worth £6.7billion came into effect this month and both Sky Sports and TNT Sports are believed to have wanted more for their money.
Despite the traditional 'Big Six' reportedly pushing back against the sweeping US-style changes, Odegaard found himself in front of the microphone with his side leading 1-0 after Riccardo Calafiori capitalised on Altay Bayindir's gaffe.
Arsenal's captain shared his thoughts on the first 45 minutes of the game, but viewers were almost unanimous in their belief that the segment was a step too far.
Posting on X, one user said: 'Don't like this American-style half-time interview thing at all. Just let the players be @premierleague.'
Martin Odegaard was interviewed by Sky Sports at half-time of Arsenal's trip to Man United
Odegaard was put on the spot and delivered his thoughts on the opening 45 minutes
Another wrote: 'Ridiculous. Players shouldn't have to do an interview at half-time when they need full focus on the game.'
A third added: 'Interview at half-time? We never asked for this.'
A fourth posted: 'This rubbish half-time interview is just codswallop. Shouldn't they be recuperating and taking instructions?
'They are trying hard to ruin football by introducing all this nonsense.'
A fifth said: 'Odegaard giving a half-time interview ffs. Nobody needs this.
'The team however do need their captain in the changing room as we need to figure out how to improve 2nd half.'
During the interview, which lasted around a minute, Odegaard had told Sky Sports: 'They have quality and really good players up front. I think we let them play through us too easily at times, but also we had a lot of space up front.
'When we regained the ball and we got to run and counter. We just need to be a bit more clinical in those moments and we will have chance to score more.
'It has been a bit too hectic at times. So much space. It's too open.
'We need to control it a bit better and be more compact without the ball. When we get the ball we need to pick the right moments and be more accurate when we counter.'
As part of the enhanced broadcasting package, touchline interviews with substituted players are also set to be introduced during coverage this season.
Furthermore, camera operators will be allowed to briefly enter the field of play to film close-up celebrations after goals during live matches.
Similar elements are a regular feature of sport in the United States, but they have rarely been seen during events in the UK.
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