“Why they don’t direct in Europe”

“Directing in Europe is 100 times easier than here,” he said at the beginning of February. Nestor Pipo Gorosito, when he was still coach of Tigre, and left the question open as to whether directing in Argentine football is more complex than in European football. In another aspect, but always in line with the differences between the forms of local football and that of the Old Continent, recently Cristian the Ogro Fabbiani also entered into that comparison.

“Everyone criticizes (Edinson) Cavani and everything, but in Europe the defenders don’t mark you. But they don’t literally mark you, that’s why there are so many goals,” he assured. The debate even grew on social networks, with the opinions of the fans themselves. But now, as a Liverpool player, the one who also entered that discussion was Alexis Mac Allisterwho presented a different perspective…

In dialogue with ESPN, Mac Allister, who spoke about his present in the Argentine National Team and in Liverpool, was also consulted, among other things, about the debate about whether or not it is easier to direct in Europe. Although the Reds’ number 10 maintained that, from his perspective, he does not feel that it is as simple as he thinks managing in the Old Continent: “It’s strange. The other day I heard people saying that European defenders don’t score, that it’s easy to play there. It’s always easy to talk. If you say that (Pep) Guardiola and (Jurgen) Klopp come to Argentina, why aren’t the technicians who say that in Europe? Why don’t they go there? “It’s not that easy.”

“Obviously they are right when they say that they have great players. It is the reality. There are players who are bought for 80 or 100 million and that is a very clear reality, but it is not that easy either. Another big problem is managing those players who are worth 80 or 100 million. Not everything is simple”, Mac Allister added.

Even so, the National Team midfielder maintained that he respects all opinions and mentioned that he does not believe that neither Guardiola nor Klopp will ever lead Argentina, so the answer to these debates can never be found: “I understand that it can be talk a lot of things because in the end talking is free and everything is fine, everyone has their point of view and that must be respected one hundred percent. And I don’t think Jurgen and Guardiola will come to Argentina either, so it’s something we’ll never be able to verify, ha.”

Beyond the debate about the differences between Argentine and European football, Mac Allister, of course, also spoke about his present with the Argentine National Team. First of all, about the continuity of Lionel Scaloni as coach, after that statement that raised everyone’s doubts last year after the victory against Brazil in the South American Qualifiers.

“The truth is that at first it was a surprise for everyone. We didn’t have the information nor did we expect it because the truth is that things were going quite well, beyond that defeat with Uruguay. I think it was something that we as players had to respect and he had to take his time to think about the future and everything that is happening. And thank God he stayed with us a little longer, He knows that we are very grateful to him and that we want him to continue leading this great group. Happy because we see and need that positivity both inside and outside,” said Alexis.

He also explained the complexities of maintaining the highest level after having won the last World Cup: “If you go to different moments of players after winning a World Cup, Many players tell you that it is difficult after you reach the top of everything to be able to focus on what is coming. I think it is normal. It’s good that he took the time for it. The entire group is focused and we have very big goals for what’s next so we’re happy to have him continue with us. Without a doubt, the group has a lot of positivity.”

As for whether Scaloni told them something more about his questioning whether to continue as coach, Mac Allister made it clear that he did not do so and that, in any case, he did not feel there was much to talk about: “No, there is not much to talk about either.” a lot to say. The important thing is that he is with us and that the group is well and focused on the objectives we have.”

He also spoke about Lionel Messi, absent on this FIFA Date due to an injury he suffered with Inter Miami. “We always focus on what the group is and what the team is, and we know very well that when Leo is not there we have to become much stronger, because we do not have that player who perhaps when things go wrong can save us. We are doing very well and putting a lot of emphasis on what we want, the training sessions come with a very good level of intensity, with new kids who are fitting in very well. Everything is positivism and we want to continue in this way,” commented Mac Allister.

“We do know that when Leo is on the pitch they are a little more afraid and it is normal. But we also have players who play for big clubs in Europe. and we are sure that when they (the rivals) see the Argentine National Team and the players we have they know that it is not going to be easy,” he added.

Asked how he received the opinions of those who define him as the best midfielder in the world, Mac Allister explained that he prefers to avoid paying attention to these types of comments and that he feels embarrassed when they mention it to him: “I’m a little embarrassed and I try not to focus too much on it because if you focus on it when it’s good, you also focus on it when it’s bad. So I try to stay calm, serene, in my head I try to keep working and improve every day, “But I am also aware that I am at a great level, in a great club, with teammates who help me do everything better, so I am also happy with my present.”

Luis Diaz: “Luchito is a crack. He has an ability that is incredible. He is today one of the best South Americans in the world and the truth is that he is giving us a lot as a player. Also as a person. The truth is that the human quality that he has… he is always very happy, so I really enjoy being with him at the club and being with him every day. He is a great player who contributes a lot.”

Darwin Núñez: “Darwin is perhaps the person with whom I am closest within the club. We share many mates, many talks, today he is a friend that I enjoy having by my side and I enjoy time with him. On the court I believe who has been demonstrating everything he can give. Physically it is an animal. Mentally he is very strong. And he always wants to play and score goals. His present makes me very happy and I hope that he continues to give us joy.”

Did Klopp try the mate?: “For now he doesn’t want to try anything. But he always charges me because he sees me all day with the mate in my hand.”

The Premier League: “It’s what we want. It is the biggest objective. The other day I ran into some Liverpool fans and they told me that the priority is the Premier League. For us it is too. “It’s going to be a nice race with Arsenal, with Manchester City… We focus on ourselves and we know that if we do things well we will have a chance of winning it.”

Klopp’s imminent departure from Liverpool: “He seemed very confident in his decision. You can see that he thought about it a lot and that in the end it is a personal decision. I respect that a lot. Obviously it is also a shame for me because it is my first year with him. He is the person who took me to Liverpool. Hopefully at some other time we can cross paths again.”

Who asks him about Boca in Liverpool: “Allison always told me that her dream is to play for Bombonera. We talked a lot with him. Lucho Díaz also because he played with Júnior in La Bombonera. Some bother me a little. Some become River fans to go against me, ha. But they ask me a lot.”

If he would invite any of his teammates to play Argentine soccer: “Yes, especially the South Americans. Telling the Europeans to go to Argentina is a bit complicated today. It’s difficult. They are all very identified with their clubs and their countries, but I hope that one day one of them can play for Boca. We’ll see.”

Valentín Barco: “I spoke a little more with Facu Buonanotte, who makes me happy that he is doing well, and we talked about what Brighton is and so on. But I see Colo as good, with a lot of desire to learn. I think he is going well path”.

On whether he would like to play in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games: “I have to be careful because they are going to say that the title is ‘he wants to go play in the Olympics.’ I was able to be there and unfortunately that experience was not as nice as I had dreamed of or as I wanted it. I would like to play another Olympic Games again and for things to be a little more beautiful, not with a COVID atmosphere, and for me to be able to enjoy it as I wanted to enjoy it. But this year’s team looks very good, there are great players, older options who raise their hands and say they want to go. But obviously if the call is there, welcome it, But I am also aware that at that moment I fought a lot to be let go because Brighton did not want to leave me and neither do the clubs have the obligation. And that becomes a pretty big problem.”

His kick to Alejandro Garnacho at the Liverpool – Manchester United crossing: “He can’t have much of an opinion. He doesn’t talk much because he knows it’s coming, ha. I was angry about the way we lost him but hey, things happen. “They are also a great team and a great institution, and obviously we wish Ale (Garnacho) the best.”

Retirement: “The idea is to retire at Deportivo Mac Allister, but it would also be very nice to have a stint at Argentinos Juniors, because everyone knows that my family is very grateful to the club and they gave us everything. So hopefully one day it will happen.”