UAE manager tries to calm speculation surrounding Tadej Pogačar: 'Whatever’s meant to happen, will happen'

Joxean Fernandez Matxin, sports director at UAE Emirates-XRG, made it clear before the start of the tenth stage of the Vuelta a España that they would not put any pressure on Tadej Pogačar following his crash. The Slovenian sustained multiple injuries Saturday in a crash during the Vuelta a España, but there has already been speculation about whether or not he will compete in the World Championships.

The team from the Emirates shared an update from the medical staff regarding Pogačar on Monday evening. “Tadej successfully underwent surgery on his left collarbone this afternoon after receiving the go-ahead for the procedure.” The surgery had previously been postponed because Pogačar was also suffering from a concussion.

"The procedure went well, and he will remain in the hospital for a few more days for follow-up care. As soon as he’s ready, Tadej will travel home to begin his recovery and rehabilitation under the supervision of the team’s medical staff. We will continue to closely monitor his progress throughout the entire recovery process,” said Dr. Adrian Rotunno.

Matxin spoke with Pogacar after the surgery. “He’s doing really well, to be honest. He just needs a few days to recover, and then he can go home,” he told Eurosport. “I spoke with the doctor; the massage therapist, Mauro, was there, and the team staff were there. I spoke with them. Naturally, this is right after the surgery, so he needs to take it easy.”

When asked when we can expect Pogačar to return, Matxin is clear. “To be completely honest and from the bottom of my heart: the schedule doesn’t matter to me right now. It’s the person that counts. It’s about Tadej; we have to be there for Tadej. And whatever’s meant to happen will happen. If he needs a rest period, then that’s completely justified—he’s earned it.”

Matxin isn't entirely comfortable with the fact that there was already talk of a possible participation in the World Championships at the end of September. “I think we need to give him all that respect and trust. On a personal level—it’s not about cycling right now, but about him as a person. We just want him to have some peace and quiet, recover, and be with his family,” says the sports manager of the UAE Emirates-XRG team.