McManaman gave an exclusive interview to Sport at the IFA 2026 event in Berlin. In the first part of the interview, he shared his views on the evolution of football, Iraola, and Araujo. Related link: [McManaman: I Don't Think Arsenal Have Adaptation Problems, Saka is Already a World-Class Superstar]

You're an ambassador for both UEFA and FIFA. There's a lot of discussion about where football is heading. What do you think is most important for football in the future?

I don't think there were major problems in the past. What we really need to do is communicate with everyone, listen to common views, and most importantly, serve the fans—because fans are what matter most. We shouldn't make too many changes. These days, I feel like we're introducing new rules and different new rules almost every year.

We're changing just for the sake of change. To be honest, I don't like what we're doing now. Just as I dislike the cooling breaks at the World Cup, I also dislike the extra time added in cup matches going beyond the halfway point. We're making too many changes every single year.

This year we changed the corner kick rules, and next year we may change the throw-in rules. I think we're making football more complicated. Football has been fine for the past 20, 40, or 50 years. We're changing just for the sake of change. I don't think we're making it better.

Are you referring to VAR?

Yes, like VAR—it cuts out the most emotional part of celebration and changes the meaning of the game. It also creates more controversy. For its original purpose, I think it's become excessive, and I believe you'd agree with me, wouldn't you? Since you watch so many matches, I'd like to hear your thoughts too.

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

Quite simply, there's no need to even explain. Billions of people around the world watch and love football. That's why it makes complete sense to me that companies and brands want to connect with football, especially with top teams.

It's natural. Football speaks for itself. It's the most popular sport in the world and also the most watched sport globally. So if you want to reach large audiences, football is a great way to do it.

You're also an ambassador for Liverpool. How do you see the team's potential this season under Iraola?

I think it will be difficult. I like Iraola. I wished they could have signed more players. We've lost many important and experienced players like Salah, Konate, Curtis Jones, and Andy Robertson.

They've signed some very good players, but they're all young and don't have much Premier League experience. So I would have hoped the team could bring in one more experienced player. Many English teams are in similar situations. Arsenal, though, seem like they'll be favorites, while other teams could face a tougher season.

Manchester City signed many players and changed managers. Chelsea signed many players and changed managers. Liverpool made many signings and changed managers. So this season could be a transitional period. In contrast, Arsenal appears to be a stable team.

Interestingly, 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 matches. He's a very good defender. I know he's been injured and took some time away from football due to personal reasons. But his ability as a defender is genuinely strong.

Many Liverpool fans are worried about right-back issues. But as you know, Araujo has played right-back many times before. I saw him play when he was moved up to center-back to make room for Araujo to mark Vinicius, and he played extremely well.

I really like this transfer. It's an important signing for Liverpool. It's only a loan for now, but it brings an experienced player who has played at the highest level. He can play both center-back and right-back and is very quick. We need to play him. He's very motivated, and I really like that about him.

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