At the IFA 2026 event in Berlin, McManaman gave an exclusive interview to Sport. In the first part of the interview, he shared his views on the evolution of football, Iraola, and Araujo. Related: [McManaman: I don't think Arnold has adaptation issues; Yamal is already a global superstar]

You are an ambassador for UEFA and FIFA. There's a lot of discussion about the direction the sport should take. In your view, what should football prioritize most going forward?

I don't think there have been many problems in the past. What really needs to be done is to communicate with everyone, listen to the common opinions, and most importantly, it should benefit the fans, because fans are what matter most, and we shouldn't change too much. Right now, I feel like there are increasingly new rules, different new rules, every year.

We're just changing for the sake of changing. Honestly, I don't like what we're currently doing. I don't like the cooling breaks at the World Cup, or extending the final's halftime to 30 minutes. We're changing so many things every year.

This year we changed the corner rules, and next year we'll probably change the throw-in rules. I think we're making football increasingly complicated. Football was already excellent 40, 50, or even 20 years ago. We're just changing for the sake of changing. I don't think we're improving it.

Are you referring to VAR?

Like VAR, it interrupts the most exciting part of the celebration and changes the flow of the game. It also causes more controversy. For the purpose it was originally introduced for, I think it's gone too far, and you seem to agree with that, don't you? I'd also like to hear your thoughts, after all, you watch a lot of matches.

Why do you think football is such an important platform for brands?

To be honest, it doesn't need explanation. Billions of people around the world follow and love football. So I think it's perfectly reasonable for companies and brands to want to connect with football, particularly with the top teams.

It's very natural. Football speaks for itself. It's the most popular sport in the world and the most watched sport in the world. So if you want to reach a lot of people, football is a very good way to do it.

You're also an ambassador for Liverpool. What do you think about the team's prospects this season under Iraola?

I think it will be challenging. I like Iraola. I had hoped they would sign a few more players. We've lost many very important and experienced players, such as Salah, Konate, Curtis Jones, and Andy Robertson.

We have also signed very good players, but they're all young and don't have much Premier League experience. So I hope the team can still add one more experienced player. Many teams in England are in similar situations. I think Arsenal are the favorites, and other teams could have a tougher season.

Manchester City have recruited heavily and changed managers, Chelsea have also recruited heavily and changed managers, and Liverpool have made major moves in terms of arrivals and departures and also changed managers, so it could be a transitional season. On the other hand, Arsenal seem to be quite a stable team.

As it happens, one of Liverpool's new signings is Araujo. Do you think he can make a difference in the Premier League?

I really like him. I watch La Liga a lot, and he's an excellent defender. I know he's been injured before and then stepped away from football for a while due to personal issues. But in terms of defensive ability, he's really strong.

Many Liverpool fans are concerned about the right-back position, but as you know, Araujo has often played right-back before. I've seen him play there when Koundé moved to centre-back and Araujo was tasked with marking Vinícius, and he did very well.

I really like this transfer. It's an important reinforcement for Liverpool. Although it's just a loan for now, an experienced player who has played at the highest level is coming in. He can play centre-back and right-back, he's very quick and combative. I really like him a lot.

Traduit par IA.

Le site web d'AF est désormais en ligne ! Actualités complètes, commentaires, détails des matchs et statistiques sur votre ordinateur. Visitez : www.allfootballapp.com