Arsenal legend Robert Pires has given an interview to Chilean newspaper El Mercurio this week. In a two-page story, the former midfielder talked about Manuel Pellegrini, Arsenal Wenger and the French national team.
But it’s not a big surprise that the chat became a little one directional since all the interviewers wanted to know was the Frenchman’s opinion on Alexis Sanchez, which takes up most of the story.
They started asking Pires his opinion on Sanchez’ time at Arsenal.
“Alexis was very good, he’s an excellent footballer, but I also got to know him as a person and I can say that I loved knowing him, he is a friend. He stands out for his professionalism and that helped Arsenal to win several titles,” Pires told El Mercurio.
On Alexis’ move to Manchester United, Pires said: “Honestly, it surprised me. For me, Sanchez had to stay at Arsenal, where he was one of our stars. I don’t know if he could say no to United, but I think the style of play of the London club suits his performances better. But you have to respect his decision.”
Asked about Sanchez’s bad form at Manchester United and the way he could fix it, Pires said: “Yes, he’s going through a complex moment. The relationship with the manager is always important, but it’s notable that there are complications between José Mourinho and him. When you’re a United manager and you have players like Paul Pogba and Sanchez, you have to take care of them, because in the end the only important thing is for the team to win.
“When there are problems, the most important and complicated thing, at the same time, is to sit down to talk and say things face to face. Sanchez doesn’t deserve to be on the bench or stay at home. We’ll see if he finds a solution in January, because he is not playing and he has to do it, since he is a wonderful footballer.”
El Mercurio recalled that Manchester City also tried to take Sanchez from Arsenal, and Pires reckons that maybe things would have worked out better if the Chilean was trained by Pep Guardiola.
“Mourinho and Josep Guardiola are two coaches who know how to win and conquer titles, but now, City’s way of playing is higher than United’s and it could be that if Alexis went to Pep’s team his situation would be different.”
