Cole Palmer talks about why he doesn’t like half-time interviews and shares a new football tradition he really enjoys.
Cole Palmer wasn’t a fan of half-time interviews when he shared his thoughts on some hot topics in football.
Before the new Premier League season kicked off, Palmer had an exclusive chat with SPORTbible in the “Game’s Gone or Fair Play” segment.
The Chelsea star was asked about lots of football traditions and habits that get fans talking. When it came to half-time interviews, which are a new thing on Sky Sports and TNT Sports during matches, Palmer didn’t hold back.
These interviews often feature managers and sometimes players giving their thoughts before the second half starts. During the World Cup, England’s assistant coach Anthony Barry even gave half-time talks on ITV and BBC, sharing tactical insights.
But Palmer thinks these interviews aren’t a good idea. He said, “Imagine you’re getting battered and you have to do an interview.” So, he placed half-time interviews in the “Game’s Gone” category.
On the other hand, Palmer was okay with the half-time shows, like the big one at the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey, which had performances by Justin Bieber, Shakira, Madonna, Burna Boy, and BTS. When asked, he said, “Whatever. I don’t mind. Then we get a longer break!”
Palmer also doesn’t mind things like players cutting holes in their socks, saying it doesn’t bother him since he doesn’t have big calves. He was cool with stutter penalties and kick-off routines but isn’t a fan of goal music or half-and-half scarves, saying, “I just don’t like them.”
He also put bookings for celebrations and supporting more than one club in the “Game’s Gone” box.
Starting the new season under new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, Palmer impressed in the 3-2 win over Fulham. He’s enjoying Alonso’s style and said, “Everyone’s been really impressed with him, his details and his man management and his ideas have been very good.”
Chelsea have added some new faces like Maxence Lacroix, Marco Pelistra, Danny Welbeck, and Jordan Henderson. Their biggest signing is Morgan Rogers, who joined for a record £117 million and scored on his debut.
Palmer and Rogers have known each other since their days in Manchester City’s youth academy. Now they’re teammates and neighbors and have been hanging out off the pitch too. Palmer said, “I’m happy he’s here. We’ve been going round to each other’s houses and watched the City vs Arsenal game. We’ve just been chilling.”
Also, Coca Cola Europe just launched its new Premier League campaign called Taste Every Second, featuring Central Cee’s new track The Team – out now!