Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara explains why he “hates modern football” and VAR
Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara says he “hates modern football” because of VAR and the lack of “magic” from individual players.
Though generally applied successfully at Euro 2020, the use of video technology has caused controversy throughout club football, especially in the Premier League, with long delays until decisions are made and a clinical, microscopic approach to offside calls.
Thiago is currently on international duty at the European Championships with Spain and the 30-year-old has revealed he’s always been against the use of VAR and that it is contributing toward ruining the game.
Get 30/1 on at least 1 goal to be scored by either team in Italy vs Wales
CLAIM HERE. 18+ only. New customers only. Place a max £1 bet on the market Over 0.5 Goals in Italy vs Wales at the normal odds. Click ‘Bet now’ to add the selection to your betslip. You’ll be paid in cash at the normal odds and topped up to the enhanced price in free bets. T&Cs apply. Paddy’s Rewards Club: Get a £10 free bet when you place 5x bets of £10+. T&Cs apply.
“I have that ‘hate modern football’ mentality; I’m more classic in attitude. And then there’s VAR, which I’ve always opposed. It removes the essence, the picaresque,” he said.
“We make mistakes when we play, referees have to make mistakes, too. Lots of mythical moments wouldn’t exist [with VAR]. And when you score, even a brilliant goal from the halfway line, you’re waiting. Thinking: ‘I hope there isn’t a foul in the build-up, I hope there’s no offside, I hope’.”
18+, UK only. Deposit and place a minimum £10 cash bet at single or accumulated odds of 1/1 or greater and we will give you 1 x £5 in free bets plus an extra 3 x £5 Free Bets the following day. Applies to first cash bet only. Free bets credited as 4 x £5 bets to use on 3x Any sport & 1x Virtuals. Cashed Out, Void or Draw No Bet wagers do not qualify for this promotion. 1 x £5 Free Bets are credited upon qualifying first bet settlement, other free bets credited by midday the day after your first bet settles. 7-day free bet expiry. Available once per customer. This offer cannot be combined with any other promotion. Full T&C’s apply.
18+ only. Use code BET30. New Players Only. Minimum stake $/€/£ 10, minimum odds1.5, stake not returned.1X wagering the winnings from the free bet. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds. Free bet is valid for 7 Days from issue. Max conversion: $/€/£ 200. Excluded Skrill deposits. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Full Terms Apply
18+ only. £10 min. deposit required. 1 x £10 qualifying bet required. Qualifying bet must be placed on selection with min. odds of 1.8 (4/5). 4 x £5 Free Bets will be credited once the qualifying bet has been settled. 1 x Free Bet valid for any Football Match Result market. 1 x Free Bet valid on any Football Correct Score market. 1 x Free Bet valid on any Horse Racing market. 1 x Free Bet valid on any Tennis market. Free Bets valid for 7 days once credited. T&Cs apply.
As well as VAR, Thiago believes football’s shift to a more physically intense and faster game is taking away the moments of “magic” and “fantasy” that often used to light up the biggest occasions.
“It’s taken up a different pace, rhythm: more accelerated, more physical,” he added.
“The figure of the No. 10 has almost disappeared. We see less magic, less fantasy. Footballers do more but faster. There’s no need to dribble because you run.
“Players are more developed in every sense. You lose that player who’s different, who ‘breathes’; the playmaker who was slower even if he had sublime technique doesn’t get the opportunity to turn.
“Those of us who are not so fast with our legs have to be faster in our heads. It’s like anything in life: adaptation. Things keep moving. Football changes constantly, expressed differently.”
Thiago’s Spain drew 0-0 with Sweden in their Euro 2020 opener and face Poland next on Saturday evening.
