It’s an exciting time for football fans, with major International soccer tournaments at their peak! As things heat up, we asked Global Football Ambassador Sergio Agüero all the big questions and got the inside scoop on the 2025 Europa League and Champions League finals, as well as his thoughts on La Liga and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Can’t get enough of the action? Read up on Europa League finals and Champions League finals picks from our experts here at Stake Sportsbook, or our predictions on the FIFA Club World Cup before placing your soccer wagers on our platform.
Europa League Final
Does Tottenham winning the Europa league mean it has been a successful season? Or is potentially finishing 17th in the Premier League simply unacceptable?
I’d rather put a positive spin to things. Sure, Tottenham didn’t have a killer Premier League season, but winning an international title for the first time after 41 years is a major accomplishment. Teams know it and give it their all to win the Europa League, and the Spurs were the one who came on top.
Do you think Ange Postecoglou should keep his job now?
I doubt it’s my opinion that matters in this matter, and even if it did, it’s very hard to tell from the outside. Tottenham execs will make that call. You can chalk off some of the performance issues to injuries that lead to having to improvise a defensive line without a lot of the main squad picks. That’s a very relevant factor.
Is Ruben Amorim now in trouble of losing his job?
I really don’t think I’m the best to issue an opinion about the matter. We all know that United has struggled to find an identity on the field since Ferguson left, and many managers have come and gone since then. Leadership chose to bet on Amorin, a young coach for sure, but with a very good track record. If what they’re looking for is a solid, long-term project, then time is a key element in the mix. This is not just about United, this applies to any team. I think clubs should be in-line with their own decisions, so if they thought any given manager was the right call for the team, it makes sense to give them enough time to flesh out their ideas.
If you were Bruno Fernandes, would you be tempted to finally leave Manchester United and move to a team competing at the top level?
I’ve read that Bruno will stay in the club for as long as they want him to, he wants to help bring United back to its glory days. I think that’s all that needs to be said.
If you had to pick one striker for Manchester United to sign to help them compete at the top level again, which striker would you choose?
Heheh, now, I just can’t go around telling this team to poach this or that player from another club, can I? Every team has its own scouting staff and I’m sure they’ll be able to determine what they need better than I could.
It is another winning medal for your old teammate Christian Romero. He has been linked to both Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, do you think he will move to one of those teams?
It’s become clear, once more, that Cuti is a top-flight defender. He played a final like one should – tooth and nail, fighting for every ball, with a lot of flair. No wonder he was the match’s MVP and the best player of the tournament. All of these reasons explain why it’s been widely speculated that great teams want to negotiate a transfer. We’ll see what happens.
Man City
After seeing Omar Marmoush’s incredible goal and performance against Bournemouth on Tuesday, do you think he will be the main player in City’s midfield next year?
What a shot! One of the best this season, wasn’t it? Omar has created a lot of positive vibes during his first year at City, even coming from abroad to a foreign league. He’s quick, hard to keep a mark on, and has amazing crosses. And he can score for sure. I hope next season he’s able to fully materialize everything that he has begun to display this year.
Where do you see City finishing next season? Could the return of Rodri and a few new players see them make a return to the top?
Rodri is the best addition that City could have hoped for. He was practically out for the whole last season, and we all know what a key role he plays for the team. He has leadership, personality, and clarity. Those are his defining features – and what earned him the last Ballon d’Or. I’m sure City will look to complete the roster with aims of winning more titles every year.
We saw your message to Kevin De Bruyne after the Bournemouth game. Where does he rank amongst the best City players of the past twenty years?
Among the very best, he’s up there on the podium. After City took its first Premier League in 44 years, Kevin was what the team needed to make that jump into the best of Europe.
We heard this week that City have chosen not to pursue the signing of Florian Wirtz this summer, due to the high price that Bayer Leverkusen are demanding. Do you think this is a good decision or is he the player that City need to replace Kevin De Bruyne?
The club needs to make these types of calls. Executive management should have a shortlist of players well-suited to replace Kevin. They are surely prepared to make the right signing at the right time.
The team is also being linked to Morgan Gibbs-White. Can he make the jump up from being successful at Nottingham Forest to being successful at Manchester City?
Gibbs-White is an interesting player. That is, if he can adapt while giving continuity to the type of performance he had at Forest. I’m sure he has the caliber to pull that off though.
When Pep Guardiola leaves Man City, do you think his former Barcelona captain Xavi could replace him?
I think it’s way too early to consider that kind of hypothetical…
Are Man City in trouble of going trophyless next season after losing the FA Cup Final?
Unfortunately, this was not the best season, and we’ve missed winning a title. City has been amazingly consistent over the past few years, that’s been the key to the team’s continued success. I’d like to keep that in mind, as it’s a challenge in itself. We’ve been close this season, so no reason to believe we won’t be able to get there sooner or later.
Many found it odd that Pep didn’t bring on Jack Grealish in the FA Cup Final. Is his career at City over in your opinion? Where should he go next?
I’m not fully aware of the matter. Pep probably had reasons to do so.
Can Claudio Echeverri be his replacement? Just how good can he be?
I really like Echeverri. After he came onto the pitch in the final, you could see he had a lot of personality, and that showed even on a high stakes debut for Man City. He was looking for the ball, had a few chances on the net, and made the most of a tough situation. We’ll see what the future has in store for him.
Can you explain Phil Foden’s current poor form?
Last season, Phil was chosen as the Premier League’s MVP. So we can begin by saying we all know he’s a brilliant player. It’s been said that his performance is wanting lately, but that’s par for course for any player. We have ups and downs. The mark of a great player is to recover the form though, and if you ask me, Phil is certainly in this category. I really can’t conceive of someone thinking otherwise.
Do you think Kevin De Bruyne is being forced out of Manchester City? Could he stay in the Premier League with Liverpool, Chelsea or Arsenal?
Not sure what’s going on in Kevin’s mind right now. I’m sure the moving send-off at Etihad is still fresh for him. I think he’s given the team so much that he’s earned our support to pick the best next step for himself.
Could Man City make a controversial move to re-sign Cole Palmer as a Kevin De Bruyne replacement if Chelsea fails to make the Champions League?
I think we should wait to see the full picture. It doesn’t really pay off to mull on fictitious scenarios.
Is Erling Haaland fully fit? Do you think he should miss the Club World Cup and be given a period of recovery?
I’m not privy to the current condition of Erling. He’s recovering from an injury and to get back to 100%, a player needs to be on the field. When you are able to play more, you recover faster. I think a period of recovery would have the opposite effect.
What % chance do City have of winning the CWC?
Well, it’ll be the first time playing a tournament like this. We know that all teams will be arriving in the post-season, with very little downtime for players to catch a breather. The teams with the better physical condition might have an edge. There’s also the transfer market to take into consideration – we’ll have some players who aren’t quite used to wearing their team’s colors playing a major competition. But this affects every club the same. I do hope City do well and I wish the team the best.
Premier League
Who do you think will make the Champions League with a dramatic final game week ahead?
I’m sure City will secure a spot. It’ll be tight but the win on Boro was key so it’s just a matter of netting a single point to get the UCL ticket.
What is your reaction to Trent Alexander-Arnold being booed by his own fans?
Arnold has given everything for Liverpool, and helped the team achieve really momentous things. I can understand that fans feel sorry for the loss, but calling this a betrayal seems very misguided. Players should be trusted to make decisions about their own future.
Who should Liverpool replace Darwin Nunez with this summer?
As far as I know, Darwin is still playing for Liverpool, so I think discussing replacements seems a tad green for a conversation topic.
Why have Arsenal failed to win any trophies again this year?
Because the Premier League is hard. You need consistency from start to finish. Arsenal had an unlucky break with their starting offensive line being fully out-of-commission due to injuries, and then Gabriel Magalhaes who was a defensive lynchpin. That undermined the performance they showed at the beginning of the league. But you see Arsenal fighting for a top spot every year, so you know it’ll eventually happen for them.
When you worked with Mikel Arteta, was his preferred style of play what it is now? Or has he moved away from what made him successful?
He prefers an offensive style, pressuring the opposition, and keeping a high-intensity dynamic throughout the match. I don’t think he’s given up on that, at all. I think he’s still true to his style.
It’s generally accepted that Arsenal needs a new striker, who should they sign?
Hard to suggest a name because the sporting director probably has specific traits in mind for one. Then, there’s also the matter that anyone you’d want is probably playing for a top-flight team, and that makes them difficult to peel off.Lots of factors in play.
Which club will Victor Osimhen be playing for next season?
I don’t exactly have a crystal ball, do I? I knew he played in Turkey after leaving Napoli. I’m sure there’s other leagues that are interested in the signing but I couldn’t say which for sure.
Could you see Paulo Dybala playing in the Premier League? If so, for which club?
Paulo is an amazing player, his performance in Il Calcio has shown that. He could certainly play in any of the top leagues of the world.
How likely is a return to Spurs for Mauricio Pochettino?
Poch just took the helm of the US squad ahead of a World Cup, so I don’t see why this should be under consideration.
Should Man United make a move for Emi Martinez as he looks set to leave Villa?
Seeing him tear up on his last match gave the impression that he may be leaving, but there’s nothing set in stone that I know of. Dibu is a great goalie, the best in my opinion, so if he leaves he probably has a spot among the best teams of the world.
In your playing career, would you have considered joining Wrexham?
It’s impossible to tell – there’s a specific context and moment for everything. Too many ifs to entertain the hypothetical.
Champions League Final
Your prediction for the UCL final?
This will be a fascinating match. PSG have shown their impressive teamwork in the quarter- and semi-finals. Inter, on the other hand, is clinical in delivering their game plan. They can stay on the prowl to then launch very effective counterattacks. It’ll be a battle of styles and the team that is able to unfurl their strategy better will win. Inter does have recent experience in UCL finals playing against City, which was a nailbiter on its own. I think predicting a winner is a very close call.
What has been the secret behind Ousmane Dembele’s success? What has changed since you played with him at Barcelona?
He has been major for PSG this season, especially on the offense. The reason? It could be confidence, it could be the team clicking better around him. It seems to me that Luis Enrique found a formula to get the best out of Ousmane.
Should Lautaro Martinez win the Ballon d’Or if Inter Milan win the Champions League?
Winning the Champions League has a significant impact on Ballon d’Or awards. Lautaro has been the lynchpin for Inter – he was key in the semifinals even if he had an injury. If Inter takes the Champions League, I think Lautaro should be considered among the top contenders for the award.
Could you see him joining an English club this summer?
Hard to tell. Lautaro has always said he finds himself at home at Inter. He’s team captain, has the love of the fans… but then again it’s football, who knows what’s to come?
The League
While they were knocked out by Inter Milan in the Champions League, is Barcelona the best team in Europe in your opinion?
Barcelona has been a very consistent team this season, true to their style, and – last but not least – they’ve played games that have been a pleasure to watch. The semis against Inter slipped away from their grasp by the tiniest of margins. It’s a sorry thing but that’s football for you. That won’t change the fact that Barca was one of the best teams this year.
Barcelona fans would like to see Wojciech Szczęsny remain as first-choice goalkeeper even when Marc-Andre Ter Stegan returns to fitness. What are your thoughts on this?
I’m not sure if that’s true. I feel we can agree that Barca’s goal has good stewards, and whoever is in top form will be on the main squad.
What kind of relationship should Trent Alexander-Arnold expect to have with the Real Madrid supporters?
That’s the kind of thing you can’t plan for, you build it as you go. Arnold has got the stuff to play for Madrid, he’ll have to adapt to La Liga but if he does his part, I’m sure the fans will soon warm up to him.
Can Dean Huijsen become the best defender in the world following his move to Real Madrid?
He has the qualities but we can say that Dean is going to an elite team with higher demands for him. That said, he’s young and has a lot of potential, I could see him solidify a spot for him among the main squad.
Can you see Luka Modric playing for Swansea after he joined the club’s ownership group?
As I’ve said before, players with Luka’s trajectory have earned their right to make the moves that they see best. The man was playing top-flight football at 39 years of age. You got to take your hat off to the quality of his game and his sportsmanship through his career, everyone should recognise that. He’s the consummate pro football player.
Do you think Xabi Alonso will succeed at Real Madrid or could the job be too much too soon?
Xavi gets Madrid, he gets its people. I think his task will start off by analysing the roster and making the necessary modifications. But I do think he’ll do just fine.
Who would you like to see him sign? Could he reunite with Florian Wirtz?
I don’t feel it’s my position to push for specific signings. Wirtz is certainly a good possibility because Xavi and he go way back, they’ve produced good things together. But I wouldn’t be qualified to tell you what the future augurs for Florian.
International/CWC
Is Carlo Ancelotti the man to win Brazil’s sixth World Cup?
Ancelotti has a great challenge ahead. I don’t need to explain that Carlo has singular qualities as a manager, but Brazil is coming from a long period that has seen them struggle to find an identity. If Ancelotti is able to do that, with enough time, he’ll have good results. However, when we talk about national squads, one doesn’t have the amount of time a club manager has to work with players. And there’s great differences in the nature of a European club versus a South American national squad. Carlo’s got exposure to Brazilian players and a lot of experience, so I’d say he’s got a good head start.
Should Brazilians be concerned about his performance with Real Madrid this season?
I don’t see why that should be the case.
Who is a better manager, Lionel Scaloni or Carlo Ancelotti?
Comparisons like these feel unfair to me. It’s really impossible to do one. Ancelotti has an amazing track record, sure, but a national squad is a different beast. Scaloni doesn’t have the club trophies to his name, but he’s the reigning world champ manager, and two-times Copa America champion.
What are your thoughts on the Club World Cup? Is it unfair on players to have less rest time?
Seasons have been longer than usual, and this will be an additional burden for sure. We’ll have to see how every team adapts and their overall condition by that point. But reducing the down time for players this much is certainly not ideal.
Can Lionel Messi prove he is still the best player in the World at the Club World Cup?
Leo is past having to prove anything. He’s the best there is, that should be evident.
What can we expect from River Plate and Boca Juniors?
They won’t go down easy, I’ll tell you that much. Argie football is competitive, combative, and takes no quarters. Brackets will tell us a lot. It’ll be interesting to see them face off against top European teams.
Are there any players we should be keeping an eye on to break through at the CWC?
There’ll be plenty of luminaries for sure. On the European side, Lamine and Mbappe; as for Argentineans, Mastantuono, I’d say.http://Consultation Visit:
