President Donald Trump has lashed out at England head coach Thomas Tuchel for his treatment of captain Harry Kane during the Three Lions’ World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina.
The European nation were clinging to a 1-0 lead in Atlanta before two goals orchestrated by Lionel Messi saw their work undone.
Tuchel’s substitutions and defensive mindset have come under heavy fire from the media, with reports even suggesting the players were stunned at what they were being asked to do on the pitch.
After taking the lead through Anthony Gordon, England shifted into a back five, allowing Messi more time on the ball, and ultimately being punished for it.
Speaking at Trump Tower on Friday, the president admitted he found Tuchel’s tactics unusual.
“You have a great player in England who I’ve played golf with. And he is Harry [Kane] who has been fantastic,” said Trump.
“I think they perhaps made a mistake when they made him a defensive player. What do I know about soccer? They took the lead, and they took their best player and put him on defence.
“We got to be a little offensive, right. But no, I’m not going to call it. What do I know about coaching? But that was a little unusual.”
Trump defends Balogun intervention
It is not the first time Trump has involved himself in the World Cup conversation this summer.
The USA Commander-In-Chief was involved in a heap of controversy after he stepped in to help USMNT striker Folarin Balogun have a red card overturned in the knockout stages of the tournament.
Balogun was sent off in the USA’s win over Bosnia-Herzegovina and was set to miss the last-16 match with Belgium.
But Trump spoke with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, lobbying for the suspension to be delayed.
He got his wish, although it would not matter, as Belgium ran out 4-1 winners against Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Reminiscing on the incident, Trump added: “This has been a tournament like no other. Filled with fierce competition, unforgettable moments. Probably the most unforgettable is when they gave that gentleman… is it a red card?
“And I was forced to call Gianni [Infantino]. I said ‘Gianni, I’d like to make a recommendation. Let the guy in the game!’ No, I didn’t say that. I said I’d like to wage a complaint.
“And actually I had no idea what was going to happen, but you know it is so much better the way it worked out because there is no controversy. [Belgium] won the game and our team had all of its players. You made another great decision if you think about it, but you’ll never get credit for it.”