“What I mean is that I recognize the realities of football, and he’s likely to face challenges. That’s completely normal. Given his lack of experience in this environment, the initial hype—being labeled as extraordinarily talented and the next big star—can be overwhelming, especially when you step into a demanding club like this one. If you don’t deliver consistently, you’ll inevitably face criticism, whether it comes from club legends, pundits, or the media, and sometimes they have valid points.
“Understanding this dynamic while still maintaining confidence is particularly difficult for a young player, especially one who tends to want to control every aspect of the game, which isn’t always possible.
“That said, I’ve been training with Ben and I can see that he has more potential than I initially thought. He may struggle at times, and it’s important for us to learn how he likes to play so we can integrate our ideas effectively.
“Overall, I feel quite at ease about the situation. He is going to be our long-term striker, but like anyone else, he will encounter challenges along the way, and that’s a part of the journey in football.”
