Igor Lichnovsky: “Leadership there is a mess of ideas in the U”

Igor Lichnovsky (28) does not forget the University of Chile. The defense formed within the student club is following with concern the serious crisis of the establishment which welcomed him when he was little. He also does not forget the Chilean team which he would like to be part of again. However, his gift is Tigres de México, a team with which he is fifth in the opening tournament, a campaign which excites him greatly. Despite his busy schedule, the national defender takes the time to chat with The third.

How was your season at Tigres?

At the last tournament, we came out in the semi-finals, but this year, we are aiming for the championship. So far we are doing well. We draw the conclusions at the end of the championship, but for the moment we are in the first places and I have played practically every possible minute.

Is Mexican football above Chilean football?

Apart from the big world leagues, I believe that each league has something that identifies it and, sometimes, distinguishes it more than the others. Here I see footballers who sometimes just broke it in Argentina, Europe or other countries, but here in Mexico they don’t do the same, because it’s different. For this reason, I think that the Chilean championship is neither better nor worse, but also has its level, but other things differentiate it which, from time to time, make it more attractive.

How is life in Mexico? Are you worried about insecurity? Was this a problem for you?

I really like. It is very similar to the Chilean culture, although they still have their differences. Safety depends on many factors. In my case, thanks to God and the care we have, nothing has happened to us that we have to regret. I think Monterrey, Nuevo León is pretty safe if you take care of yourself.

Are you friends with the other Chileans in the Mexican league?

With all there is affection and we have contacts. From time to time, we greet each other. For example, for my birthday I was able to see some in Mexico City. The Mexican tournament is very quick and short due to the World Cup in Qatar, so it is difficult to travel, but a call with someone is never too much. With whom I have the most friendship is with Víctor Dávila, who is in León.

How did you experience Al Shabab and Arab football? Is it competitive or is it a market that attracts more economically?

Good. It has attractive things that at the same time make it quite competitive. I think they can improve a lot in terms of tactics and educate football from an early age. Regarding the economic power they have, this usually allows them to have great midfield players, as they can field seven or eight foreigners. And that, without a doubt, makes it competitive, entertaining, attractive and with many goals.

Did you watch the Qatar 2022 Qualifiers? What do you think of the level of Chile? Do you think this is the end of the Golden Generation?

Of course we follow the matches of the national team. Personally, I love my country. Culturally, it’s something strong what I feel. So not just in football, but in everything I want him to do well or talk well about Chile. When it comes to the Playoffs, football is unpredictable. I think they did well, because they gave their best.

Have you spoken with Eduardo Berizzo?

I haven’t spoken with Berizzo, and of course we are always ready and we want to represent the country.

Is there a replacement for the Chilean team?

I think in the time that I have lived, there has always been a change. And I think it’s natural that now it also exists. The important thing is someone who knows how to do it and dares to lead the transition in the necessary time.

Is Chilean football in training debt?

When I spoke with young football coaches, I saw good intentions, a desire to grow and take young people to the next level. Today I don’t have those conversations, but I think at least it’s better than when I was supposed to be a cadet.

At 28, what goals do you still have to achieve? Are you satisfied with your career?

I am someone who lets himself be guided, lives, and along the way I give the best of myself. I have thus achieved several goals and achievements, so I will continue on the same path, because I believe that if I give the best of myself to this race, I will never be dissatisfied.

How do you view the sporting, economic and institutional crisis of the U, the club that trained you? He has been fighting relegation for four years and can’t get up, why?

I always respect footballers because being where they are hasn’t been easy, so I don’t think it’s happening to them. I think, leadership, there is a mess of ideas, little agreement and little money available. It’s something the U have usually had, but today these issues have caused our club to lose a lot. On the ground, you suffer, but the problems come from above.

Is the U badly managed? How does it feel to see her so far from the fight for titles and complicated with relegation?

There are a lot of feelings. I have always said that part of my values ​​were planted in the club. I was in cadets at U since I was 10 years old. I lived in the player’s house, in the midst of many needs and also beautiful moments. You are marked. And when we see from afar that he is having a bad time, it’s like family, we wonder on a whim how he can help. I can’t wait for our paths to cross again. And if it’s not on the pitch, maybe outside I can contribute.

Do you have contact with U players or officials? If so, what do they tell you about what is going on in the club?

Yes, of course, I have contacts with people from the club. The same thing happens to me… Everybody wants to help, nobody wants the U to be wrong, but it’s not easy. It takes time and the people who are there have to feel something for us.

You recently uploaded a video helping the poor in Mexico, what motivates you to do so?

More than motivating, I am inspired by the life of Jesus. It is complex to live against all the prejudices that exist. This is why I say that I am Jesus and that I do not belong to any kind of religion, but rather that I have a relationship with God. His way of life inspires me, his unconditional love, without respect for people. Also the amount of historical evidence that exists of his life. Therefore, I discovered a passion in learning and studying ancient books, not just the Bible, but that’s where I found the most consistent foundations and rational evidence to believe what she says.

Do you go to church?

Uh, it depends on what each one means by Church. The word Church, which comes from the Greek Eklessia, refers to a group of people who separate themselves from their daily tasks to meet and talk about God. So under this description the answer is yes. I gather in squares, halls, houses, on the street, in temples, etc., to share and talk about God, but personally I like to do it in a more creative and organic way, let it be. And otherwise, I have no intention of convincing or persuading anyone.

How do you organize yourself so that your other personal activities do not conflict with your obligations as a professional footballer?

I organize myself like any normal person. It’s been many years now, and over time you learn to organize yourself and, above all, from my job, to take care of rest, food and additional training.