Pontus Dahlberg has granted a big interview to Goteborgs Posten and whilst the headline speaks of his ‘different dreamlife’, it’s strangely not the cheeriest of chats.
There’s nothing specifically downcast from the Watford player, but a lot of the questions seem to be searching for negative answers, and even the aesthetics of the layout encourage a little melancholy.
The introductory paragraph sets the scene: ‘Darkness has settled over the last stop on the Piccadilly Line. In northern London, easy weekend activities have been exchanged for preparation for a new week. The main street in the Cockfosters district is empty and the intended meeting place has unexpected early closure.’
Dahlberg is quizzed on keeping up his level and progressing, despite not getting games: “I feel that I maintain a very good level of training and can compete. I have received good feedback from the coaches who say they are very happy with the job I have done. A good feeling to bring along.”
The 19 year old goalkeeper then talks about his recent head injury, and is happy to report he’s now fit again, cutting the four week layoff time in half.
That’s a positive. Yay.
Then, to perhaps put some doubt back into the youngster’s mind, it’s pointed out he could have been a handball player, having already reached the relevant national level.
Goteborgs Posten ask the NINETEEN YEAR OLD PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALLER, WHO HAS ALREADY DEBUTED FOR THE SENIOR SWEDISH TEAM if he made the right choice.
“It’s hard to say before making a choice if it’s going to be good or bad. So far, I think it has been a good choice. You will certainly make some bad choices in life as well.”
The interviewer pressed on why he chose Watford: “Just because they were on me for a very long time and expressed a great wish that I would come here. The entire club wanted it. That was probably the biggest reason. To come here and be at a Premier League club is very rare fortune.”
Almost something to be happy about, but, no, despite explaining further that he knew he wouldn’t be involved straightaway, Dahlberg is asked whether not playing was really part of the plan.
“Yes, that’s how it is.”
And then he’s asked if that irritates him.
“No.”
Then some brighter things are covered, like furniture shopping and the wonderful restaurants and shops of London. His parents and some friends visited at the weekend and his girlfriend Helena has been a lot and will stay ahead of Christmas.
Asked if the move has changed him, Dahlberg said: “I think I have grown as a person and become wiser. I do not think the move has changed me in any negative way, I’ve learned more about life. I lived alone at home in Gothenburg, it is clear that there is a difference in moving to a new country and living alone here.”
Given he’s got a Premier League move and everything which comes with it, the youngster was asked if there’s a danger of him relaxing too much: “It is clear that there may be a risk in it, I do not think I have been there. I have always had a very clear goal and been hard working in what I’ve done. I don’t think I’ve been lazy in that regard.”
Pontus Dahlberg was presumably then left to go off into the dark night, all cheered up by his lighthearted and positive chat.
