Thiago Hates Modern Football

Thiago’s start to the EUROs has been a little lackluster as Spain was unable to breakdown Ukraine in their first match. He recently spoke with the Guardian about how he views the modern game and there’s some really interesting quotes.

“I have that ‘hate modern football’ mentality; I’m more classic in attitude.” Thiago told Sid Lowe. “And then there’s VAR, which I’ve always opposed. It removes the essence, the picaresque. 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...’”

Thiago is maybe the best passer in the game right now, but it’s from a deeper midfield position. He also laments the modern tactics of midfielders.

“It’s taken up a different pace, rhythm: more accelerated, more physical. 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.”