Bixente Lizarazu is still talked about. The former French international, who became a consultant for TF1, distinguished himself by comments questioning his vision of modern football. An outing that does not go unnoticed and that reveals a certain condescension towards emerging championships. The tone was set, the controversy too.
Lizarazu persists and signs against Saudi football
It all started during the France-ISland match, when Grégoire Margotton evoked the impressive workforce of Al-Nassr, reinforced in particular by João Félix. Lizarazu's response slammed like a boost: “I don't know, I don't look at the Saudi championship. »»
A dry, brutal sentence that betrays a certain disdain. Admittedly, everyone is free from their television preferences, but the tone used reveals something other than a simple disinterest.
The 98 world champion reoffended a few days later by strongly criticizing Kingsley Coman's choice to join Al-Nassr. “No one can convince me that going to Saudi Arabia is a sporting choice”, he said on Telefoot. The former Bayern player considers this destination as “A kind of sports retreat” For a still young player.
The displayed contempt of Bixente Lizarazu
A contempt that questions
This posture raises questions. If Lizarazu can legitimately have his opinions, his way of expressing them reveals a somewhat closed vision of contemporary football. The Saudi championship attracts recognized talents, invests massively and participates in the globalization of football. Despise it publicly is also to deny this reality.
As a media consultant, the former defender carries a responsibility. His words have a weight, especially when they convey a form of condescension. We can salute his franchise, but regret the lack of nuance. In an increasingly globalized football world, this attitude seems offset and not very respectful.
