Pragmatic Analysis of Selected Online Soccer/football Related Interviews

This study explores the pragmatic dynamics of soccer-related interviews conducted in 2024, focusing on the application of H.P. Grice's Cooperative Principles. By analyzing selected interviews with prominent football figures— Erik Ten Hag, Pep Guardiola, Andre Onana, and Erling Haaland—This study was motivated by the increasing importance of effective communication in sports, particularly in soccer interviews, where players and coaches often engage with the media to express thoughts, opinions, and strategies. The researcher noticed that, despite the widespread attention on soccer, there was limited research on how pragmatic principles shape these interactions, especially through the lens of H.P. Grice's Cooperative Principles. To address this gap, the researcher aimed to explore how the four maxims—quantity, quality, relation, and manner—are applied or violated in interviews with prominent football figures such as Erik Ten Hag, Pep Guardiola, Andre Onana, and Erling Haaland. The research was conducted using a qualitative descriptive methodology, analyzing selected soccer-related interviews from 2024. The study examined the way speakers adhered to or flouted Grice’s maxims and how implicature, or implied meaning, played a role in communication. Data were collected from various media outlets, focusing on interviews with high-profile figures in the soccer world. By evaluating the interactions, the study aimed to uncover how the context of these interviews—whether post-match, during press conferences, or in one-on-one interactions—shaped the interpretation of the messages conveyed. The findings revealed that while some maxims were adhered to for clear communication, others were deliberately flouted to manage the flow of information, control the narrative, or avoid giving away strategic insights. The research highlights how pragmatics plays a crucial role in conveying both direct and indirect messages in soccer interviews. The study concludes with recommendations for further research in the area, particularly focusing on the impact of cultural differences on pragmatic strategies in sports communication. Future studies could also examine how these pragmatic choices affect the relationship between media and players or coaches, and how they influence public perception of soccer events