Lisandro Martínez pushes back on “pointless” question about Mauricio Pochettino comments, “a difficult position”

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez pushed back on a “pointless” question about recent comments from Mauricio Pochettino during the international break.

Martínez, 26, returned to full fitness at the back-end of last season and started the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City for the Reds.

The defender would go on to win in the summer with Argentina during the 2024 Copa America tournament, adding to his success at the 2022 World Cup.

After solid game time for his country, Martínez returned to United refreshed but has been part of a struggling side. Erik ten Hag’s team won just one of their opening three games.

Despite that, Martínez has quickly become loved at Old Trafford since his transfer from Ajax in 2022, and he was asked about the difference between the fan-player relationship in England and Argentina during the international break.

While speaking to Lanacion, the 26-year-old was asked about comments from Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino, who said that footballers are “admired and respected” in England, while in Argentina, they are sometimes the recipient of fans’ frustrations.

“You’re putting me in a difficult position,” replied Martínez. “They are different cultures, so the comparison is almost pointless. I don’t want to judge anyone. We are very different.

“Like everywhere, Argentines have positive and negative things. We are very passionate, we always give 200%, we already saw the unconditional party that the fans offered in Qatar and now again in the Copa America.

“The country is not doing well economically, and yet, they go and give their lives for us and take care of that connection that we have.

“Just because there are disrespectful fans, they shouldn’t all be put in the same bag.”

Martínez played 79 minutes during Argentina’s 3-0 win over Chile on Friday, while fellow United star Alejandro Garnacho came off the bench and assisted Paulo Dybala.

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