Javier Mascherano commented on the Argentina national team, Qatar’s World Cup 2022, and
coaching the U-20 team.

The upcoming World Cup will be Mascherano’s first one as a former player. He participated in the editions of 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018, being a key player in the Albiceleste’s midfield in most of them. This time, “el jefecito” will be in Qatar but as one of the World Cup’s ambassadors chosen by FIFA.

Javier, who will always be an emblem of the national team, spoke briefly with O Globo this Friday. This is what he had to say regarding the chances of Argentina lifting the trophy this year:

“I have a lot of hope in Argentina. This team managed to maintain consistency, they have a very clear idea of playing, they know what they have to do and that is very important when it comes to competing”.

Along with Argentina, Mascherano also mentioned France, Spain, Belgium, England and Brazil as favorites.

About his job as the U-20 coach, he stated the following:

“I am very happy where I am. I couldn’t be in a better place. The youth teams were very important in my career, and today I try to pass on my ideas.

“In football, you can’t convey the idea of others, it has to be yours. In my case, it’s being the protagonist, controlling the game, trying to control it through possession of the ball, playing on the opposite field, taking risks. It’s always important to win, but how you win also matters.”

Julián Álvarez and Alejandro Garnacho have both been substitutes for their respective clubs in the Premier League.

Garnacho has only played one minute in total for Manchester United while Julian Alvarez has played 28 minutes for Manchester City. For Garnacho, it was one minute in United’s opening match of the season vs. Brighton.

Since that match, Garnacho has not played for United as coach Erik ten Hag continues to include him in the team. With United’s struggles, it would be interesting to see if the 18 year old does make start or if he is substituted on for United in their match on Monday vs. Liverpool.

Julián Álvarez has one goal for Manchester City. Even after coming on as a substitute in the Community Shield and scoring vs. Liverpool, Álvarez has not started a match for Manchester City this season. Instead, City boss Pep Guardiola prefers Haaland in the starting eleven.

Álvarez, who was signed before the league champions got Haaland’s signature, played 12 minutes vs. West Ham and 16 minutes against Bournemouth. The club made it clear that Álvarez will not be leaving on loan and will spend the season with them.

It remains to be seen if this could prove to be beneficial to the Argentina national team. Having Álvarez on the bench, resting and training with some of the best players in the world could mean that he reaches the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in tremendous form.

Nicolás Tagliafico commented on the Argentina national team, the World Cup, Lionel Messi, Lionel Scaloni and joining Lyon.

Tagliafico gave an interview where he spoke about several topics. Speaking in an interview with D Sports Radio, here is what he had to say in regards to the Argentina team for the World Cup:

“We are in the countdown and we have a FIFA fixture ahead. We must continue to add and to believe that everything well go well. We’re all walking the same line and we can’t let our feet off the ground.

“We have to be prepared for the bad moments because at the World Cup, there will be moments where we are going to suffer. That happens in every short tournament.”

Regarding Lionel Messi:

“I think Messi realized he had to enjoy the national team because this has a start & an end. Being a father has opened him up a bit more. He is the best football player in history but he’s a human being and has to live.”

In regards to Lionel Scaloni:

“Scaloni must have 400 or 500 hours of less sleep. He is very focused and very tense. He wants to be in every detail.”

He also spoke about joining Lyon:

“This city is convincing me more and more. Little by little I am getting to know it and know why they call it a capital of gastronomy. It’s a new experience for me and a new challenge.

“The first thing I looked for was an Argentine spot. I found a restaurant with empanadas. I’m still living in a hotel and my wife in Amsterdam.”