Sergio Agüero Exclusive January Interview - Insights & Predictions
We recently caught up with Stake Ambassador and football legend Sergio Agüero ahead of the upcoming Manchester Derby where he shared his insights and predictions, as well as discussing all things La Liga, Premier League, MLS and South American football. Check out our exclusive interview below, and get the latest soccer betting odds when you join Stake Sportsbook.
Manchester United vs Manchester City
Do Manchester United have the potential to end Manchester City’s title race?
It’s a relevant match for both teams, but I don’t think the final result will definitively determine the path of either side. For City, getting the three points will be important to stay in the race, but there is still a lot of the Premier League left to play.
What do you think of Manchester United’s decision to sack Amorim? Did you like his style of play?
It’s a decision made by the club and I don’t have much to say about it. I’m one of those who believe managers should be given time to do their work. But in football, results rule and many times that doesn’t happen.
How hard is it to play at Old Trafford?
It’s a stadium full of history, and whenever you play there, there’s a special atmosphere. Personally, we’ve done very well when we’ve played there. But every match is different, and every era is different too. It’s always difficult when you face your biggest rival at their stadium. That said, winning there is also special, so it’s a great challenge for the players.
Who do you predict will be the standout player in the match?
I hope it’s Rayan Cherki, because that would mean City have created a lot of goal-scoring chances. I think he’s a decisive player and has been key in the team’s structure. He uses both feet very well, has a great shot and, most importantly, provides excellent assists to his teammates. And if he’s creating assists, there will be goals for the team.
What is your score prediction?
It's hard to predict goals,I hope there are many on City's side and they take the three points. That’s my wish, of course.
What is your fondest memory of your experience in Manchester derbies?
There are many. I lived through a period with very good results and great football. Everything surrounding the derby makes it special - the build-up, the desire to compete and to beat your biggest rival. And when things go well, the satisfaction is enormous. I was lucky enough to score several goals, so the memories are always good. We also had some disappointments, but fewer of those.
People still remember the 6–1 at Old Trafford because of the scoreline, and personally, the goal I scored in 2013 when I drove from left to right along the edge of the box, saw the gap and hit it hard, high, past De Gea. It was a goal that allowed us to win the match, and that gives it even more value. I wasn’t supposed to play that game because of a knee problem, but I got some minutes at the end and fortunately managed to score the winning goal.
Sergio, you know how it goes, United are having a rough patch, they bring in a massive club legend like Carrick right before the Derby, and suddenly the Old Trafford crowd finds its voice. When you were playing, did a change like that actually make them harder to break down, or did you just see it as a tougher challenge to overcome while showing everyone that the blue side of Manchester is still in control?
As I said, every derby is different and previous form counts for very little. It’s true that Amorim’s departure and Carrick’s arrival find United in a different moment. A club legend takes charge, someone who knows very well what United means and the importance of derbies. I think City have to detach themselves from that situation, focus on their own game and on how to hurt the opponent. They have the tools to do so, despite the defensive injuries they’ve suffered. I trust they’ll put in a great performance.
Erling is a machine, but you are the King of the Derby. With the game only four days away, and United looking a bit shaky after that Brighton result, what’s the one thing you’d tell Erling to watch out for? Is there a specific weakness in that United backline that you’d look to target if you were starting on Saturday?
You said it yourself, he’s a goal-scoring machine. I don’t have much to tell him other than to keep trusting his abilities, which he does very well. He never gives up and knows that he’ll always get a chance that he’ll be able to take advantage of. I think that’s one of his greatest virtues. You can tell he loves scoring goals, that he’s always lurking, and that he’ll always have an opportunity.
United are feeling fragile; according to the papers, almost like they were back in 2011 before the 6–1. You were there that day; you scored the goal that truly broke them. If we get an early goal this Saturday, do you think this current City side has that same killer instinct to go and put five or six past them, or is Pep more about just controlling the game now?
No match is ever the same as another. As I said, in derbies, previous results or form matter very little. I think it will be played as always, with both teams wanting to win and using their own weapons. I imagine a fairly tight game, but City have the tools to break down a defence that sits deep. They have decisive wingers and very strong play through the middle with Foden and Cherki. And they have goals, which is very important.
MAN CITY
Is it sensible to sign someone like Guéhi, considering his interest from clubs like Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern?
From what I’ve read, his contract is coming to an end and several clubs are interested in him. He’s a reliable centre-back who knows his role well and has Premier League experience. So it doesn’t surprise me that clubs are interested. But I can’t predict what his future will be.
What is Vítor Reis’ potential? Could he be a great centre-back for Brazil?
I haven’t seen him at Girona, but if City signed him in the first place, it’s because they saw qualities in him. He needed to gain experience in Europe, and it seems he’s getting that at Girona. We’ll see what the club’s technical department decides.
Antoine Semenyo is joining Manchester City this week. What does he bring to the side?
He had a very good debut with a goal and an assist, and he’s just arrived at the club. That’s important for confidence, for believing in his qualities and being able to contribute everything he knows to the team. He’s a powerful forward who can assist and score. He’s interesting because he gives the team more attacking options.
Does Claudio Echeverri have the potential to rival the likes of Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki in this Manchester City side?
I think it has to be seen as part of the adaptation process to European football. He’s a very young player with great qualities and everything ahead of him. It’s not easy to arrive at a big European club at 18, in a different country, a different language and a different league. You have to give him time, let him go through his process, and I trust that over time he’ll be able to show all his qualities.
Savinho has come under a lot of criticism from Manchester City fans. Should he look for a fresh start elsewhere?
I think he's very dangerous, he's an unbalancing player who has contributed a lot to City. He’s also very young but has shown significant growth since arriving. I keep insisting on processes. I understand that big clubs have higher demands and need quick results, but they’re bringing him along gradually and, as I said, I see a lot of potential for him to keep growing.
PREMIER LEAGUE
It’s up to the board to decide the manager’s profile. United have tried different types of coaches, but so far they haven’t found the right one. And of course, it’s always difficult to replace someone like Ferguson, a club legend who won so much.
Luis Enrique has reportedly rejected a new contract at PSG. Could he be a great manager for Manchester United?
Top managers will always be candidates for big clubs. I don’t know the exact situation between Luis Enrique and PSG, but the truth is he’s achieved important things with the club and of course he is a great manager.
Is Gabriel the best centre-back in the world right now?
He’s in great form, and at a club like Arsenal that’s doing very well, especially defensively, they concede very few goals. He’s also lethal from set pieces with his headers. He formed an excellent partnership with Saliba, one of the best in the Premier League. We’ll see at the end of the season, but yes, he’s among the best defenders.
How good is Moisés Caicedo? Could he move to Real Madrid or Barcelona?
I really like Caicedo. In addition to being a combative player, he wins the ball, has a very good pass, assists and even scores goals. And he never gives up. He must be one of the players who runs the most on the pitch, and he always does it intelligently.
What are your thoughts on Enzo Fernández’s improvements at Chelsea?
Yes, he’s one of the best. That’s why he’s one of the team captains. He has leadership, work rate and a great winning mentality, and that’s highly valued.
How much would it cost to sign Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle?
I honestly don’t know. He’s one of Newcastle’s franchise players, so it’s logical that there could be interest in him.
Cristian Romero has been critical of the Spurs board. Do you think this could lead to him leaving this summer?
I haven’t spoken to Cuti, so I don’t know the situation well. From what I see, he’s a key player for the team, their captain, and has influence in the dressing room. He’s a defender with outstanding qualities and strong leadership.
SPAIN
It’s still close in LaLiga, do you think Barcelona will win it?
They’re on the right path, although there’s still a lot of the season to go. They have everything in their favour if they continue the way they’ve been playing. They look very solid, with an attack that’s always lethal.
Has Lamine Yamal been underwhelming this season, or is he still improving?
I don’t think he’s disappointed at all. I don’t know who’s saying that or why. He’s had injuries, but at his age he’s already shown his quality and still has plenty of room to grow. He’s one of the most decisive players, a real talent.
Can you see Marcus Rashford returning to Manchester United now Amorim has left, or do you expect him to stay at Barcelona?
I’ve read that he’ll stay at Barcelona, although it’s not official yet. His contribution during this period has been very important, so it wouldn’t surprise me if they want him to stay.
Can you see Vinícius Jr leaving Real Madrid because he’s no longer the main star?
I’ve seen what’s happened with Vini recently. We’ll have to see what’s decided. I’ve read that there’s been some resistance from the crowd because of some of his attitudes. But these are moments. He also had an outstanding performance in the Super Cup final and is a very important asset for Madrid. So we’ll see.
The rumours about Rodrygo leaving Real Madrid have cooled down. Will he stay for a long time?
There was a lot of talk about that last European summer, and in the end it didn’t happen. In recent matches he’s returned to the starting lineup with good performances and goals. He’s another great asset for Madrid.
BRAZIL
Do you believe there is still time for Gabriel Jesus to regain his best form and make the World Cup?
He’s come back after a very long injury and is doing very well. He’s getting minutes and looks sharp physically. He also gives Arsenal more options in their strong attack. If he continues like this, he has every chance of making the World Cup.
Between Savinho and Estêvão, who is currently ahead in the race for a World Cup spot?
You’d have to be inside Ancelotti’s head to know that. Brazil have very decisive wingers and a huge pool of players available. We’ll see who the coach chooses, but it’s clear he has many options.
Since 2018, no Argentine club has won the Copa Libertadores. Could this change in the short term?
There’s a very clear reality: Brazilian football is far more powerful financially than Argentine football. Their clubs have a lot of money available, and players who used to stay in Europe are now returning to Brazil. There are many examples. There’s even talk of Lucas Paquetá returning for a record fee. Of course, matches still have to be played and anything can happen. Argentine clubs are competitive by nature and will always fight, but in recent years that gap has become very noticeable and makes things harder.
USA
Will Messi retire in MLS with Inter Miami?
I’ve said it before, Leo will retire when he feels it’s the right moment. He’s earned that right and it has to be respected.
What do you see Messi doing after retirement? Staying in football or making a big career switch?
I think he’s really enjoying this present moment, and he’ll keep enjoying it until the day he decides to retire. After that, he’ll have time to think and decide what he wants to do. Recently, I saw an interview where he said he likes the idea of being a club president. The truth is, he can do whatever he wants. Leo is passionate about football, and whatever he does will have his signature.
Do the hosts USA, Canada and Mexico stand any chance of going far, and who will go the furthest?
It will be a different World Cup, with a new format. You could already see that at the draw, which had a very strong institutional presence, with the groups and the number of teams. Changes to a tournament always make it unfold differently. It will depend on the matchups each team gets, which makes it more unpredictable. It will certainly be a very competitive tournament, so we’ll have to see what happens.
What do you make of MLS as a league? Should it be taken more seriously?
I don’t know who isn’t taking it seriously. Leo’s arrival caused a real revolution, and more and more stars are choosing to play in MLS. Every year the league improves, and that’s a fact.
How big an impact have Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba had on MLS, as well as Son, Thomas Müller, etc.?
That’s exactly what I was saying. These are world-class players who choose the league and help improve the level of competition and the matches. You can really see it in the North American audience, which follows the games more closely every year.
What did you make of Inter Miami’s MLS Cup triumph? Do you see them dominating for years to come?
It was a deserved triumph for the best team in MLS. I get the impression that Inter Miami is already a registered brand. They were already working towards that, but the arrivals of Leo, Suárez, Busquets and Jordi took it to another level. And they’re continuing on that same path, a club that knows what it wants and does everything possible to stay at the top. In short, it’s a long-term project that’s on a very good path.
And finally, what do you make of David Beckham’s involvement at Inter Miami?
He was key in the club’s founding period. His charisma and experience gave the club the push it needed to grow. And now that the club is among the elite, he’s using that same experience to give the final push to its growth.
Did you ever consider moving to MLS, and if so, which club would you have liked to play for?
It’s hard to know what might have happened if I hadn’t had the heart issue. Things turned out the way they did, and that’s it. I’m very proud of my career and everything I experienced in football. But of course it would have been nice to play there.
