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—What would you say was your main contribution to Gareca’s technical command?
Saying it myself is very difficult, I feel that from my side I cannot say it. Ricardo could tell you if you ask him. But I think I had an impact on the footballers in the run-up to the matches and then I contributed in the field exercises for the same reason that I am still active.
—It was a large technical command, which grew over time. At some point your work overlapped with that of other members, like Santín, for example?
No, the best thing that could happen to us is that each one respected their spaces. Like me, Professor Santín, Professor Bonillo, we were all subject to what Ricardo said.
—What did you learn from Ricardo Gareca?
He is very wise for the approach, but above all for group management. That is the success of great coaches. I’ll give you an example: Callens came to the national team for so many years and had no space. Ricardo never promised him anything and it was his perseverance that gave him a place.
—Get me out of a doubt: in the days before the playoffs, did they practice penalties?
Yes, of course, they worked.
“And what was your influence there?” If anyone from the entire technical command could lend a hand with penalties, it was you.
I’ll tell you one thing: in the preview, everyone puts her in the corner. But at the moment it is difficult for everyone. I had to go through stages of definitions and being a specialist one gets nervous. Let’s not look for blame.
—But you reaffirm that they practiced? So far I haven’t heard anyone say it firmly.
Yes of course. That cannot be escaped. At that level for details they beat you.
—How prepared do you feel to direct in First Division again?
From the coach I was when I barely retired from football, I am totally another coach. One is not the same architect after a hundred works. Now I really feel ready.
—Do you feel that as a coach you have received the opportunities you deserved?
Well, I just got back up again. It’s been a couple of months that I’ve been out of the selection.
—I’m telling you this because you’ve managed a U-23 team and a University team.
That was at the beginning of everything. There was a Pre-Olympic tournament. Juan Carlos (Oblitas) gave me the responsibility of the Sub-23. It was a half tournament in a hurry, there was not even time to train. Well, I don’t want to make excuses. Now, calmly waiting for a good project.
—Recently you emphasized that the Peruvian coach is not valued. He spoke for the others, I guess, because he can’t say they didn’t give him a chance.
One looks at the stage. That’s the bad thing about talking to the journalist who grabs you with the microphone and you don’t hear the questions they ask you. They asked me: and now what will become of your future, professor? And I said: I have to wait and hopefully in my country… I always say it: there is foreignitis. Realize, how many foreigners run here? I have no problem with the good ones. But I have several trained friends like Paul Cominges, Pajuelo, Jayo Legario, Pablo Zegarra.
—I insist: then it was for the others.
Yes, I speak for others, for my generation. At the beginning I did receive opportunities. I raise my voice for my colleagues.
—As a result of those statements they branded him as someone without codes…
Why no codes?
—Because the ‘foreigner’ thing was directly related to Gareca.
But who relates that?
—The public, the people, the press. Or did it not sound like that?
Did you hear what I told you? When the journalist wants controversy, he does it. The one who knows how I am would not hesitate. We all know each other in this environment. How am I going to complain about Ricardo after having worked with him? There is always bad intention. That’s how we are.
“Reynoso is your compadre, isn’t he?”
Yes, I am the godfather of his second daughter, María Fernanda.
“That clearly speaks to the great relationship they have.
Look, with Juan we don’t talk very often, but normally, everything is fine. We are glad that he is in the selection.
—Were you surprised that it was not considered by him in his technical command?
No, he has his technical command from Mexico. He has brought a good group and his decision is respected. I too am looking forward to directing.
—Have you been able to congratulate Reynoso?
No, I couldn’t. We haven’t talked in a long time. You have to pass me your contact again to say hello.
“But things are good between you, right?”
Yes, why would they be wrong?
“It was said that he was going to stay in the Federation. What happened?
No, that was mentioned by you. You (the journalists) assumed it.
“So they never suggested it?”
Nerd. My directing contact has always been Juan Carlos (Oblitas) and I am glad that he has stayed in the national team.
—Were you surprised that Oblitas stayed after having resigned?
Surprise, no. Because he had been talking to Agustín (Lozano). He always had the predisposition for Juan Carlos to stay. Then, well, he surprised us when we read the statement that he wasn’t following up. But, I repeat: the good thing that has happened on this stage is that Juan Carlos is still there.
—A very political decision for Oblitas, don’t you think?
Look, everyone owns their decisions. In this case, Juan Carlos is a smart guy. Besides, Agustín was talking to him.
—And also with Roberto Silva. He offered her his position.
And, well, I don’t know. I don’t know. I’m not going to go into that. But I always say it: Juan Carlos is a very valuable person for Peruvian football.
—If Ricardo Gareca calls you tomorrow, will you go or not?
Yes of course. With Ricardo there is a spectacular relationship. How not to work with someone who showed me all his respect, all his affection and has valued me. As Juan Carlos (Oblitas) says: never say never.