Sergio: Barcelona, Manchester City, Argentina and everything in between

The final international break of 2023 has come to an end so what better time to sit down with Stake.com Global Football Ambassador Sergio Agüero to discuss the latest news from Barcelona, Manchester City, Argentina and everything in between.

Barcelona

What do you think of Xavi’s job so far as coach at FC Barcelona?

Xavi arrived to lead the main squad in a very tough time for the club, and he's been able to deliver excellent results in a short time.

He's a young manager, with Barca in his DNA.

Xavi assembled a team that combines seasoned players with young talents, and as any process, it will need some time to gel.

Could you envisage Lionel Messi back at Barcelona any time in the future once he has retired as a player?

Leo has always said that he loves Barcelona.

He's the best player of all times, and very identified with the club, the city.

Haven't discussed it with him, but I sometimes think it's just a matter of time.

Joao Cancelo seems certain to join Barcelona next summer on a permanent deal. Is this a move which is beneficial for all, or are City losing out?

Cancelo is seems to be happy there, and if the club is up for it, I think it's natural for him to consider remaining there.

What did you make of the interaction between Robert Lewandowski and Yamine Lamal?

That's all straightened out, isn't it? I don't think it's worth digging up minor topics like this if they're settled.

How big of a boost will it be to have Frenkie De Jong back in midfield?

A major boost, even more important with the sad news of Gavi's injury. Frankie coming back is all the more important.

It could mean Joao Felix drops out if Xavi returns to his preferred four-man midfield, is this fair on the Portugal forward?

It'd be up to Xavi. Joao has been able to adapt to Barca's game well, and has performed excellently.

I guess it depends on how Xavi disposes of the midfield. But Joao's versatility is his ally, he can do a great job forward and also leaning back.

Independiente

Carlos Tevez has done brilliantly to turn around Independiente's fortunes since taking over as coach. You of course know him well, what has been the secret to his early success with the club?

Carlitos had the courage to take on the main squad in troubled times, gotta give him that.

He handled the pressure well and recovered players that played a key role in the comeback – he's also made some bets on players that hadn't seen the limelight until his arrival.

Tevez's got history in the biggest clubs of the world, and he was able to get through to the team on the significance of being part of Independiente.

The about-face of fortunes has been impressive and Independiente now looks to play a leading part across all tournaments.

This Copa de la Liga must be a relief for Independiente after some tough seasons recently. What do your old club need to do to put those struggles behind them and compete with the likes of River and Boca again?

It's a reconstruction process. For the club and the fans, who have shown unwavering support, I hope they continue this path.

Manchester City

City seemed quite out of control against Chelsea, something we have not come to expect from the Champions, what do you put that down to?

What a match!

Very thrilling and intense. It's an unusual sight for City to be scored on so much, but Pochettino has had some very good matches against Pep.

A shame it didn't turn out in our favour.

Is this made worse by losing John Stones? Do you think he has become Man City’s most important player with his hybrid midfield role?

He's had a very interesting evolution every season.

He's last version was cracking.

Injuries can put a hamper to the evolution of players, and it's a big shame, it is.

It's not easy to replace players of this caliber.

Pep knows how to solve for this though, he's always had that knack.

What have you made of Jeremy Doku’s impact so far, has he surprised you?

For sure. I think I had seen him play for Belgium before, but didn't pay a lot of attention to him in particular.

He's performed very well since his arrival.

He's clearly got courage, he's always looking to feint, assist, and score.

He has the tendency to give the ball away sometimes, is this something you believe Guardiola will encourage out of him like he did with Jack Grealish?

I would say he's done very well so far.

There's time for him to be polished, and it's both Guardiola and his team-mates can help him adapt further to the playstyle.

Man City will return against Liverpool next weekend. I did some research and realised you grew up supporting them, is that true?

I used to like Liverpool when I was younger because of Owen, who had also started as a teenager.

Even when I was playing on my Playstation, I tried to play like Owen! In my 10 years at City, we've had amazing games with Liverpool.

Even more so lately, fighting for the Premier head to head.

I've score some important goals, but never got to score at Anfield, though.

You said ‘it would be a dream’ for Liverpool when you were 17 and Rafael Benitez was reportedly keen. Did you ever come close to joining the Reds when you were at Independiente? What about later in your career?

I wouldn't know, really.

I've read that they didn't go out for an offer because I was very young and it seemed like a risky bet for the transfer cost.

How will City fare against the Reds at the Etihad? Do you see Jurgen Klopp’s team as title rivals?

Just like every match against Liverpool, it'll be tooth-and-nail.

Both managers know each other deeply, and they'll try to one-up the opposition somehow. Certainly can't miss that one.

Hope it goes City's way because those three points would be decisive against a rival for the title.

Premier League

What have you made of Cole Palmer’s impact at Chelsea?

He's a talented kid taking his first steps as a professional player.

So far so good. It's a tough challenge to go from a major team like City and arrive at an institution like Chelsea.

They've given him a shot and he hasn't wasted it.

Will City end up regretting selling him to a potential rival?

As far as I've read, Cole chose to leave City. Got to respect his decision.

Argentina

Lautauro Martinez has scored 12 goals in 12 games already this season, does he deserve more respect like Harry Kane and Erling Haaland get?

I think he's well respected.

He's among the best strikers worldwide, and bigger clubs have tried to snipe him many times.

Alejandro Garnacho was left out of the squad by Lionel Scaloni, was this the right call after a slow start to the season?

Scaloni made the call at the time, and explained during his last press conference that Garnacho is considered, he just wasn't put into the roster this time.

He's a young player with a bright future, otherwise, he wouldn't be playing for Man Utd in the Premier League.