Paul Zabaleta (Buenos Aires, 1985) is one of the recent legends of City of Manchester. Over 330 games in 9 long seasons during which he won two Premier Leagues, in addition to four other domestic cups. Retired two years ago, the former Argentine international is now the ‘blue’ ambassador. At the Hotel Sercotel Roselló, in front of the Sagrada Familia, with the exhibition of the last Premier League winner, the legendary right-back talks with MD about Barça-City, the fight against ELA, Unzué and the signings.
Ambassador of Manchester City…
Yes, enjoying a new phase of life, the global dimension of Manchester City is felt again. Traveling to different countries with the Premier League trophy and always interacting with the fans. An honor.
A club in constant growth
The project is well established. It started in 2008 with the arrival of new owners. With patience and ambition, he became one of the great candidates to win the most important title. They have a great coach and the players already see City as a great team to play against.
The only thing missing is the Champions League
We have won the Premier League several times and all the national titles. Champions will put the icing on the cake to crown the project. We are finalists, one more step in our growth. The owners renewed their hope that this would be a great project.
There is a Champions draw. And if there is a matchup with Barça?
It won’t be bad. One of many, where we lost more than we gained. Hopefully a good group will emerge.
Previously, a Barça-City for a good cause: fighting the ELA
A fascinating game to see great footballers. Two teams that are sure to be key figures in their leagues and in Europe and come together to support an important cause.
With Juan Carlos Unzué as a partner due to his illness
How do you deal with this situation? I don’t know him personally but I really admire this feeling he conveys of positivity, of being present in all events, of enjoying life. He teaches us all a lesson. I am happy to see and greet you.
Pep and Xavi’s friend
Two coaches with many personalities who know and love football.
And Barça are still signing. Curiously, it has no right side. You are in culé orbit
I thought it would be worse two years after retirement. I’m fit… (laughs).
There are transfers to be made
Full-backs are specific positions, very specific and difficult to achieve.
Sound Foyth, Meunier…
There is a lot of talk but it won’t be cheap. And there is no time. There are alternatives but they need to be strengthened quickly.
Last year, Messi’s absence paid the price
It was not easy for Leo or for the club or for anyone. Losing one of the great footballers in Barça history is an emotional blow. More than last year’s season, Xavi knows what he wants and what he expects from this team and has given him the opportunity to have a competitive team and to compete with Madrid, Atlético, Villarreal and the greats of Champions League.
He is Leo’s friend, will he come back?
Leo is the only person who knows what he will do with his future. Leo’s mind has spent four wonderful months at PSG to get the World Cup in shape. Goes to Qatar with desire and desire to be world champion and from there he will make decisions. You have earned the right to choose.
There will be a face to face ‘Lewy’-Haaland
Two great strikers, one older, one younger. Lewandowski has had a great career and this is a new challenge for him. We’ve already seen glimpses of its quality. Haland both. An exciting start with three goals in as many games. A young footballer with a lot of potential, I hope we can enjoy him for many years at City.
Are you giving us the exclusive of Barça’s Bernardo Silva signing?
(Laughter) Against Newcastle he was the best for City and you could see him happy and content, he always ends up being a key part of Pep’s eleven. Just a few days, there are rumors. We’re used to it. He is being the best and I see him very connected now.
done?
I prefer the idea of him continuing as a City player, not because I’ve spoken to him but because the feeling he gives is that he’s in his head and enjoying it.
Eric Garcia and Ferran Torres, from Manchester to Barça.
Eric left young, didn’t have many opportunities at City and decided to return to Barça. He relies on Xavi’s trust. Ferran is the same. He comes as an exciting signing but there is plenty of competition. He was relegated at some point and Barça needed him.
A forecast for LaLiga.
Real Madrid and Barça are the two favourites. Madrid keep the block from last season and Barça have some exciting signings. They will maintain that rivalry
And the Champions?
It’s between City, PSG, Madrid, Barça, Liverpool…, which usually stay until the end.
Liverpool are in trouble.
It just started, there are three games. Don’t underestimate him. It often happens that there may be a bad start to the season but the dynamics can change at any time.
And City’s recurring title?
I hope, I hope, we are excited. There is a template. And with quality. He is one of the great candidates. There is an atypical break in the World Cup but he is one of the candidates for the title
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
