A few days ago, in an interview with Mark González, Alexis Sánchez criticized the younger players, stating they should already be mature at 21 years old, using his own career as an example. He also mentioned Lucas Assadi, a player from the University of Chile, whom he advises whenever possible.
“Nowadays, I try to help both in the National Team and my club. For instance, there are many young players in the National Team, like Darío Osorio, Marcelino Núñez, or Lucas Assadi. Sometimes I am demanding, but always constructively. For example, I compare them to Lautaro Martínez, who quickly learns what I ask, whereas Chilean players struggle a bit more to understand,” said Sánchez. This Wednesday, the University of Chile footballer addressed the national team’s historic scorer’s criticism and praise.
“I take it positively that he considers me. He always talks to me, advises me, and tells me what I can improve. I don’t have much experience with young Argentines; here, they are all experienced.
I couldn’t compare,” Assadi said at a press conference. “Every career is different. Lamine Yamal is extraordinary and scored a great goal, but all careers are different. Darío Osorio left and is excelling. Each process is unique,” he added. Regarding the expectations from the blue fans about his performance, he said, “It’s more of a motivation than a burden.
I like feeling that people want to see me on the field. Whether I perform well or poorly, I will always strive to do my best.” Assadi also looked ahead to the rematch against Everton in the semifinals of the North Central Zone of the Chile Cup. In the first leg, the team lost 2-1. “We are taking Sunday’s game very seriously, training hard to achieve a victory at the Nacional,” he said. “It’s a do-or-die match for us; we want to advance and do it in the best way. We aim to win, regardless of how they play,” he added.
