sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Liverpool’s Thiago Alcantara Says He ‘Hates Modern Football’ In Astonishing Rant

Liverpool’s Thiago Alcantara Says He ‘Hates Modern Football’ In Astonishing Rant

Spain and LFC playmaker takes aim at VAR and the style of football in 2021.

Alex Reid

Alex Reid

Liverpool and Spain midfielder Thiago Alcantara has gone on an extraordinary rant in which he claims: "I hate modern football."

Listing everything VAR to the speed and physicality of the game - meaning there's less emphasis on player skill - the 30-year-old did not hold back in his interview, reported in French outlet L'Equipe.

"We see less magic as the players are faster," began the Brazil-born playmaker. "There is no need to do as much dribbling, because the players are faster, more physical.

"The players are more developed in every way, but you are missing those players who can bring you an intake of breath at moments in the game."

VAR was next on Thiago's hit list as he explained: "There's also VAR... I've always been against it and wish it didn't exist.

"It takes the essence of the game away from you. It takes away the cunning, the mischief, that is part of football - as long as you don't hurt anyone, of course."

He added: "We make mistakes when we play. Referees must do so too, as they are human.

"Without trickery, many famous moments in the history of football would not have happened. Above all, when we score, even if from midfield, we have to wait, it can be overturned."

The fact that fans and players can no longer celebrate a goal in the moment for fear of it being overruled by video review has been one of the main complaints about VAR.

However Thiago, who joined Barcelona as a teenager, did praise one aspect of modern football. He explained that he admires the dedication players coming through now have to their training and how professional they are in looking after themselves.

"You get young players arrive who are quick, full of desire, well-prepared, very diligent," said Thiago.

"When I was 18, I would grab a coffee, sit, chat, and then five minutes before training put my boots on and go out.

"Now, 30, 45 minutes before, they're in the gym preparing: mobility, strength work. Things evolve. We didn't do that because no one explained it to us."

Preach on, brother Thiago. There will be a lot of football fans nodding their head in agreement with with the Spain international's assessment.

Featured image credit: PA Images

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Liverpool, Spain, Thiago Alcantara