The Premier League will introduce new broadcasting rules from next season which will provide greater access to managers and players than ever before. Arsenal have had their fair share of controversies in player interviews and manager press conferences.
From Mikel Arteta’s frustrations after their defeat to Newcastle United following images showing that the ball appeared to go out of play before a cross that saw Joelinton appear to foul Gabriel Magalhaes before the Magpies scored, to Kai Havertz snapping back at Jamie Redknapp after again being asked what his best position is. There are many examples but now the Gunners’ staff will need to be even more on it.
From next season, broadcasters will be able to interview managers and players during the half-time interval. In addition, players that have been substituted will also be interviewed, giving a newer, rawer insight into the player’s emotions having just left the field.
Many times have we seen players unhappy at coming off the field. Be that throwing water bottles, kicking chairs or just visibly displaying their dissatisfaction at the decision – now they could be asked for clarity by the broadcasters for their thoughts on being taken off.
There will also be access into dressing rooms for the cameras. Beyond some club-specific media and Amazon: All or Nothing documentary series access, this type of insight on such a scale is unprecedented.
Managers and players, like Arteta and the Arsenal playing staff are sure to receive further media training as a result to help better deal with even more public-facing engagements. Arteta has escaped suspensions for comments before, such as the aforementioned rant post-Newcastle.
The more opportunity for interviews and camera-catching words though does indeed increase that risk of potentially a heated, emotional moment leading to sanctions for anyone involved. But equally, they will be very aware of these new principles and the fact they will have to deal with it like they do weekly press conferences and interviews with television, radio and newspapers.
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