Ahead of England’s opening game at the World Cup tomorrow night, the BBC have interviewed Kobbie Mainoo. Just a few months ago, a place in this squad looked totally unachievable, after being frozen out from the starting XI by Ruben Amorim. But following his sacking, Michael Carrick started him every week, and he’s now a PFA Young Player of the Year nominee and back in the England squad.
Mainoo has reflected on the season and his thoughts of Thomas Tuchel as a manager.
Like any season, there’s been ups and downs. Lots of high highs and maybe low lows, but it’s all led me to here.
He’s been really good, a really intelligent manager. He’s a funny guy. Tactically, he’s on another level. He’s really good. For the midfield, he gives you a lot of detail, so you’re never questioning yourself on the pitch.
Mainoo has discussed the moment when Tuchel Facetimed him to let him know he was going to the World Cup.
I was buzzing. Ran out of the room and told my mate who I live with. We were jumping up and down. Then I rang all the family. It was an amazing moment.
Mainoo was also asked about his biggest idols and he revealed that Clarence Seedorf, who represented the likes of Real Madrid, AC Milan and Ajax during his playing career, speaks with him on the phone.
When I was growing up, Ronaldinho I really liked to watch. More recently, Seedorf I like, and we speak a little bit. My dad had met him in the Euros and they got talking then and then connected us and we’ve been talking since. Rooney was a big one for me growing up. When I was coming up he was big and he was a really good model for what a Manchester United player is.
