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发表于 2008-2-14 16:57:35
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Interview with Gabriel Heinze
STRONG PRINCIPLES
ALTHOUGH HE COULD NOT PLAY THE LATEST TWO MATCHES OF THE SOUTH AMERICANQUALIFIERS DUE TO AN INJURY, THE REAL MADRID'SDEFENDER IS ONE OF THE LEADERS OF THE NATIONAL TEAM. HE HAS ALWAYS FOLLOWED “THEROAD OF TRUTH AND HONESTY," AS HE EXPLAINS TO REFER TO THE CONTROVERSIALCONTRACT CANCELLATION WITH MANCHESTERUNITED. THIS IS JUST A MAN WHO HONESTLY EXPRESSES HIS FEELINGS.
“It's great to be back in Ezeiza Training Camp. I'm absolutely happy
to sport the National Team's stripes once again. It's a very special
feeling. I've known all these people for some years now. They work
hard all the year, sometimes without even being noticed. We have
always tried to be like a family, and we really are.”
These were the first words of Gabriel Iván Heinze in his interview with Fútbol
Argentino. His concepts clearly reflect what he feels every time
he is called up to sport the sky blue and white stripes. His words
and the look in his eyes also reflect the true simplicity learned in
Crespo, the town of Entre Ríosprovince where he was born. As a
result of this simplicity, he always feels grateful to football andtries
to acknowledge every little detail, as the hard work made by all
the employees in Ezeiza Training Camp. They always try to have
everything in perfect conditions for the Team.
Afterfour and a half years since your debut in the National
Team,how can you describe your role in the squad, considering
youwere almost unknown for most of the fans, and now you
area true leader?
I grew up day after day. I have made very short steps in my
evolution in the National Team, but always with determination. I've
always been aware of the huge responsibility of sporting these
colours. And I have always felt very happy about this. This is a
great privilege, since not many Argentine players can be part of
the National Team. So I try to give my best every time I'm called
up. I will focus on this until my last day in the squad.
Youare a leader now. Certainly, the relationship with other players,
especiallynewcomers, must be different from early times...
I don't want to call myself a leader. I leave that to others. Times havechanged. When I made my debut, there were great leaders in the National Team. Imay be one of them now, but these new players have amazing football skills.They play in the best teams of the world and have great quality. So, a leadercan give some piece of advice, but that's all. Young players are very good professionalsplaying at the highest level. Today, the National Team have
young players with wide experience.
Forsome time, there has been a demand on the National Team
forwinning a tournament. Do you think this adds some extra
pressureon players?
We have to live with this. Players are used to this, both in their local
squads and in the National Team. You must win because everybody wants youto win. You have to win, show a good performance and score as many goals aspossible. This is part of this game and it's also our choice, especiallyplaying in a squad with such a high level as the National Team. Pressure willalways be there. However, it can be a good influence, or a bad one. Personally,I feel ok with this. I like playing under pressure.
Inthe last two Preliminaries, Argentinamanaged to qualify before the end of the competition with almost nodifficulties. What do you think about these South American Qualifiers? Will itbe the same now?
Now, there are fewer differences among all representative
squads. However, Argentine players are true figures in the best
teams of the world, so this group has a special characteristic.
We have to look for a balance in every aspect. It would be great
to qualify before the end of the Preliminaries, but wehave to be
careful. We need to focus on one match at a time. We know that
each match will have its own difficulties, and we need to win.
Playing as visitors will certainly be hard.
Allrepresentative squads have an advantage when playing as hosts. Therefore,winning points as visitors will make the difference...
Exactly. Even players of lower level usually play better
at home, due to the support of fans, the fact of being
in their own country, and sometimes also because of
the weather conditions.
AlthoughSouth Africa 2010 is over two years away, what do you think about the future ofthe National Team in this next World Cup? Do you have great expectations?
(Heinze sighs and takes some seconds to answer, as if imagining the bestoutcome.)
I see a great future for us. Some of our players are less than 25
years old, and they have already played a World Cup and two Copa America. Also,80 percent of them are playing in the best teams of the world and have wideexperience...you cannot ask for anything else. We have to be confident, becausethe squad will reach the World Cup with these players in their best moment.That's why I see a great future for Argentina. We should also take intoaccount all the new players that can also be added to the squad.
One of those young new players with wide experience and stunning, unlimitedtalent is Lionel Messi, probably the ace of Alfio Basile's team. The player of Barcelona has quicklysparked off new hopes in fans. Many expectations are placed on this young boyregarding the future of the National Team.
[ 本帖最后由 野芙美 于 2008-2-14 17:15 编辑 ] |
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