"Managing in Europe is 100 times easier than here," said
Néstor Pipo Gorosito at the beginning of February,
when he was still coach of Tigre, and left the question open as to whether directing in Argentine soccer is more complex than in Europe.
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 mark you literally, that's why there are so many goals,"
he said. 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 Allister
, who 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 point of view, he does not feel that it is as easy as he thinks it is to manage in the Old Continent: "It is strange.
The other day I heard that there were people who said that European defenders do not score, that it is 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 coaches who say that in Europe? Why don't they go there? It's not so 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 "They are worth 80 or 100 million. Not everything is so simple,"
added Mac Allister.
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 it's all good, 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 that will never happen. "We'll be able to check, ha."
"WHY ARE THE TECHNICIANS WHO SAY THAT NOT IN EUROPE?"
Alexis Mac Allister got into the discussion about how Guardiola or Klopp would fare in Argentine football.
📺 #ESPNenStarPlus pic.twitter.com/6DsrkO8qlH
— ESPN Argentina (@ESPNArgentina) March 24, 2024
Mac Allister: Scaloni, the National Team, Liverpool and more
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 for a while 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 positivism 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 reached the peak of all power. focus on what's coming.
I think it's normal. It's good that he took his time.
The whole group is focused and we have very big goals for what's coming so I'm happy that he's still with us.
Without a doubt the group "It 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." "There's 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 help us. save.
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 adapting very well.
Everything is positive and we want to continue in this way,"
commented Mac Allister.
"We do know that when Leo is on the field they are a little more afraid and that is normal.
But we also have players who play in big clubs in Europe
and we are sure that when they (the rivals) see the Argentine National Team and the "The players we have know it's not going to be easy," he added.
The best midfielder in the world?
Asked about 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 treat not to focus too much on that because if you focus on that 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'm also aware of "I'm at a great level, in a great club, with teammates who help me do everything better, so I'm also happy with my present."
Mac Allister at Liverpool.
(Photo: AP)
More quotes from Mac Allister
Luis Díaz:
"Luchito is a star.
He has a skill 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 showing everything he can give.
Physically he 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 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's the biggest goal. 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 brought me to Liverpool. I hope that at some other time we can cross paths again."
Who asks him about Boca in Liverpool:
"Allison always told me that his dream is to play in La Bombonera.
We talk to him a lot. Lucho Díaz also because he played with Júnior in La Bombonera. Some of them bother me a little.
Some become fans of River to go against me, ha. But they ask me a lot."
Mac Allister against Brazil.
(Photo: Reuters)
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 will 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 Olympic Games'.
I was able to be there and unfortunately that experience was not as nice as I thought it would be." I had dreamed of or how 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 that I can 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, I welcome it,
but I am also aware that at that moment I fought a lot for them to let me go because Brighton did not "He wanted to leave me and the clubs don't have the obligation either. 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 what's coming, ha.
I was angry about the way we lost him but hey, these are things that happen. They 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 time at Argentinos Juniors,
because everyone knows that my family is very grateful to the club and they gave us everything. So I hope one day it will happen ".