Christian Fuchs says difference between MLS and Europe is not at 'talent' level | OneFootball

Christian Fuchs believes 'intensity' is the only major difference between European soccer and the United States right now.

The 36-year-old Austrian is captain of expansion side Charlotte FC, joining the club following a successful spell with Leicester City that yielded a Premier League title and an FA Cup winner's medal.

Prior to his stay with Leicester, Fuchs also represented the likes of Schalke, Mainz, and Bochum in Germany, while he picked up 78 caps for Austria between 2006 and 2016. The veteran defender has come up against all sorts of players across that lengthy career but based on his time in the US so far, the only real difference he's seen is the 'willingness' to push hard.

Yael Averbuch West hosted none other than Christian Fuchs for the latest episode of Football Americana. The Charlotte FC captain provided insight into the creation of Major League Soccer’s newest expansion team, and bringing European culture into the American side. The Premier League winner also revealed his future aspirations, hinting at a potential career at coaching once he hangs up his boots. Tune in to hear it all from Christian Fuchs.

"It's not about talent, it has nothing to do with talent. Because you see how [Christian] Pulisic is playing at big clubs in Europe. It's not the talent. I think the main difference is the intensity and willingness, eventually. Willingness," Fuchs told 90min's Football Americana podcast.

"Because if you can produce a team that is willing to run, willing to put a lot of intensity onto the field, trying to press hard and not giving the opponent time to build the game and play this relaxed style, which I see many times, I think you can have really a big impact onto the league."

Fuchs reiterated that the differences between US soccer and MLS compared to Europe were nothing to do with 'talent', backing many players he's come across to traverse the Atlantic and forge successful careers.

"For me, when I compare the intensity of trainings and the intensity in games with the Premier League or Champions League or whatever it is, I think there is the biggest difference," Fuchs continued.

"Players are talented. I put my hands down for that. There are really good players in this league, and a lot of them will make their way and become great players, but I think that's the main difference."