- Mauricio Pochettino famously pulled out a laptop during a hydration break, turning those pauses into a coaching/viral moment and sparking debate about how they're being used.
- Top managers are split — Tuchel and Scaloni say the breaks disrupt the game's identity and create a “four‑period” feel, while Portugal’s Roberto Martinez calls them “revolutionary.”
- The stoppages can help underdogs regroup and often precede a flurry of chances or goals after play resumes, so they make matches more unpredictable and fun to watch.
The news, distilled into what matters.
Get the full experience in the app — topics, comments, and audio summaries.