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 development of football, Iraola, and Araujo. Related link: [McManaman: I don't think Arnold has an adaptation problem; Yamal is already a world-class superstar]

You are an ambassador for both UEFA and FIFA. There is much discussion about the direction of the sport. In your view, what does football need most in the future?

I don't think there were major problems in the past. What really needs to happen is communication with everyone, listening to the consensus view, and most importantly, it has to benefit the fans, because fans are what matter most, and there shouldn't be too many changes. Now I feel there are many new rules, different new rules, every year.

We're changing things just for the sake of change, and frankly, I don't like what we're doing now. I don't like the water breaks at the World Cup, and I don't like the halftime break in the final being extended to 30 minutes. We're changing so many things every year.

This year we changed the corner kick rule, and next year maybe we'll change the throw-in rule. I think we're making football increasingly complicated. Football was wonderful 40 years ago, 50 years ago, or even 20 years ago. We're just changing things for the sake of change. I don't think we're making it better.

Are you referring to VAR?

Like VAR, it disrupts the most exciting part of celebrations and changes the meaning of a match. It also causes more controversy. With its original purpose when it was introduced, I think it has gone too far, and it seems you agree with that, don't you? I also want to hear your thoughts anyway, since you watch many matches.

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

Frankly, it doesn't even need explaining. Billions of people around the world follow and love football. So I think it makes perfect sense for businesses and brands to want to connect with football, especially with top teams.

It's very natural. Football itself speaks volumes. It's the most popular sport globally 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 are also an ambassador for Liverpool. What do you think about the team's prospects this season under Iraola?

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

We have also signed some very good players, but they are all young and don't have much Premier League experience. So I hope the team can still add another more experienced player. Many teams in England are in a similar situation. I think Arsenal are strong contenders, and other teams might have a more difficult season.

Man City brought in many players and changed their manager. Chelsea also brought in many players and changed their manager. Liverpool made big moves in and out and changed their manager. So this could be a transitional season. By comparison, Arsenal look like a fairly stable team.

Coincidentally, 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 a lot of La Liga, and he's an excellent defender. I know he was injured and then stepped away from football for a while due to some personal issues. But in terms of defensive ability, he is truly very strong.

Many Liverpool fans are concerned about the situation at right-back, but as you know, Araujo has played right-back many times before. I've seen him play there. When Kounde moved to center-back, Araujo was tasked with marking Vinicius, and he did very well.

I really like this signing. It's an important reinforcement for Liverpool. Although it's currently only a loan deal, an experienced player who has played at the highest level is arriving. He can play center-back and right-back, he's very quick, and he needs playing time. He's very aggressive, and I really like that.

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