Ryan Babel: "Arsenal's year, but City won't give up" Interview
The former Dutch player spoke with Discoveryfootball.com in Belgium about various current football topics
Ryan Babel never speaks hastily about football. His words flow with the calmness of a man who has experienced the big stadiums, the pressure of the dressing rooms and the expectations that weigh on the shirts. In his conversation with Discoveryfootball.com editor-in-chief, Manos Staramopoulos, in Brussels, the Dutch former international winger, spoke about Arsenal's path, the European favorites and the national teams that can determine the next World Cup.
Ryan Gounod Babel was born on December 19, 1986, in Amsterdam. He is capped 69 times - 10 goals. He played as a winger. Played in order for the teams:
2004–2007 Ajax 73 (14 goals), 2007–2011 Liverpool 91 (12), 2011–2012 Hoffenheim 46 (5), 2012–2013 Ajax 16 (4), 2013–2015 Kasimpasa 58 (14), 2015–2016 Al Ain 8 (1), 2016 Deportivo La Coruña 11 (4), 2017–2019 Besiktas 62, (22), 2019 Fulham 16 (5), 2019–2022 Galatasaray 77 (15), 2020 → Ajax (loan) , 5 (0) and 2022–2023 Eyüpspor 28 (5) . Stopped playing football in 2023.
DF: Everything indicates that this season could be Arsenal's year…
“Yes, you feel it when you see the team. There is maturity in their game, faith, cohesion. Arsenal FC has built character. They are no longer a team that simply impresses — they are a team that knows why they are playing. But nothing will be given to them. From now on, the hardest part begins.”
DF: Are Manchester City still a threat?
“Always. Manchester City FC have raised the intensity of their game again. They are a team that has learned to survive in critical moments. They will fight to the end with all their might. In such battles, the champion is judged — not only on talent, but on endurance.”
DF: Liverpool seem to be going through a transitional period…
“There are issues, but these are natural in a cycle of renewal. Arne Slot is a coach with ideas and a clear plan. Liverpool FC will find its balance. The question is how quickly.”
DF: Who are the favorites for the UEFA Champions League?
“In this competition, history has weight. I see Arsenal, City, Liverpool, FC Bayern Munich, Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona and of course the holders Paris Saint-Germain FC ahead. They all have quality, experience and personalities that can change in one night.”
DF: Which national teams do you stand out at the World Cup?
“The England national football team has a wealth of talent. Under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel, they can surpass themselves. Players like Morgan Rogers and of course Jude Bellingham provide energy and imagination.
The Portugal national football team with Cristiano Ronaldo is always capable of anything — he has a winning mentality. The European champion Spain national football team has a generation of players who play football with joy and confidence.
The Argentina national football team with Lionel Messi never ceases to be dangerous. As long as he is on the pitch, anything is possible.
And of course the Brazil national football team with Carlo Ancelotti on the bench — a combination of tradition and wisdom.”
DF: What makes today’s football so exciting?
“The speed of development. Every year new players appear who change the balance. The game becomes faster, more demanding, but the essence remains the same: creativity, instinct, passion. That’s why we love it."
Manos Staramopoulos
Journalist and Analyst of International Football and Affairs
Chief Editor English Zone of Discoveryfootball.com
Athens (Greece)
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