Pumas coach Solari praises MLS growth: 'Admirable what it has achieved'

Ahead of Pumas' debut in the Leagues Cup, head coach Esteban Solari expressed admiration for the significant growth of Major League Soccer (MLS) in recent years. Solari recognized that Liga MX clubs will face "great" opponents in the tournament.

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It is a league that has grown a lot in recent years. Obviously, I know it very well, I have analyzed it many times, I have had job interviews with MLS teams, and it is admirable what it has achieved.

"It is a league that has grown a lot in recent years. Obviously, I know it very well, I have analyzed it many times, I have had job interviews with MLS teams, and it is admirable what it has achieved," Solari stated. He attributed the U.S. league's success to a "very clear plan to develop its league, attract a lot of people, and the signing of certain players and technical directors. I know it is a league that aims to continue growing."

Solari views the Leagues Cup as a crucial tournament for MLS's continued development, serving as a benchmark for its quality and a platform for international competition. "For MLS, measuring itself internationally gives it a measure of where it stands and seeks a perspective to know how far it has to continue growing. These tournaments are organized for this, to take teams to compete at a better level; competition always makes teams and leagues better," he explained.

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For MLS, measuring itself internationally gives it a measure of where it stands and seeks a perspective to know how far it has to continue growing. These tournaments are organized for this, to take teams to compete at a better level; competition always makes teams and leagues better.

Echoing the coach's sentiments, Pumas midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla shared his perspective on the neighboring league. Having played in MLS for three and a half years, Carrasquilla described it as "very competitive." He added, "I have the advantage of having played in MLS and I know how they play; I know what we are going to face. Most of the teams are competitive, they have a physical style of play, a lot of running."

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I have the advantage of having played in MLS and I know how they play; I know what we are going to face. Most of the teams are competitive, they have a physical style of play, a lot of running.