“A team like the ‘U’ can’t go for so long without winning”

— How did you see the ‘U’ led by Jorge Fossati?

I had the opportunity to watch Universitario de Deportes twice. The first match against Gimnasia y Esgrima in Argentina, for the South American, and I think the team performed very well, mainly defensively, in a system with three players behind that Jorge Fossati is implementing. I think the boys are understanding it well and this victory was important and has given us important confidence for what is to come at an international level.

Then, two Sundays ago, I was able to watch the game against Atlético Grau at the Monumental Stadium, where the first half, perhaps due to fatigue, the team did not perform very well. Already in the final part with the changes that took place, the ‘U’ was able to play a better game. I really liked the entry of Barco, a left-handed player who has a correct pass. I think that with those two victories Universitario has excited the people a lot, their players have gained confidence and the coach’s hand shows.

— Do you see Lima changed after your last arrival?

I was here about eight years ago, Peru is my second nation, especially Miraflores, where I have always stayed, I find it very beautiful. I was also there in Callao, then on the Costa Verde and everything is very nice. I missed a lot, the affection of the people, sharing with the family and Dr. Clementina Carrasco, that is the most important thing. Even after feeling that affection there at the Monumental, with the whole bar and that made one feel proud of everything he has done on the pitch. Truly, Peru is very beautiful.

— What did you feel when you stepped on the grass of the Monumental?

Really when I went down to the field, I could feel a great emotion, since it seemed that I had been there yesterday and to step on that grass again that gave me great joy. I was able to have the honor of scoring the first goal in the opening match of Monumental against Sporting Cristal, that movie came to mind, where I scored many goals, had victories, there was a lot of struggle and above all encouragement, that makes one feel very proud to be there.

— Do you think that the ‘U’ fan loves you?

I’m sure if. I never wanted to leave university. The leaders did not like me anymore. Wherever I go, I have to say this: I am a fan of the club.

— Do you see Peruvian soccer has evolved better or has it stagnated?

Surely football has grown, the provincial teams have strengthened a lot, so the level, I see as quite competitive, everything grew and improved. Likewise, there are more teams that complicate life for the greats and that is good for football.

— Did you speak with any director of the ‘U’? Is there any way for you to work at the club in the medium or long term?

No, I was there on the field and I was able to say hello to Jean Ferrari, who is the general manager of the ‘U’. We didn’t talk about the issue of working one day as part of the club. I just went to say hello and there I went to the dressing room to congratulate the boys on their victory. Solo with Jean Ferrari it was a joy to see him again and I am grateful for that.

— But would you like to work in the ‘U’?

That could happen at some point, I believe very much in God and I know that if the opportunity arises I will be delighted, but if it does not happen, we will still continue to encourage the club, after seeing the support from outside and seeing how it transmits. I who was on the court could feel that breath. If the possibility of working in the ‘U’ would be a nice opportunity, if we don’t continue to encourage our club.

— Of the players you saw on the ‘U’ field, did you see a leader like ‘Puma’ Carranza?

Of this group that is there playing right now, I have not seen any like the ‘Puma’. Therefore, there is no need to compare, these are new times. I think that we had a time, where each one could contribute, what corresponded best to him, but I see the current group of the ‘U’ that is preparing well and that each player has his characteristics. It is not necessary to compare each player is different and they will surely continue to do things well so that Universitario de Deportes continues to rise, which is the most important thing.

— The ‘U’ has not been a champion since 2013. If I ask you for an explanation, what do you think it would be?

A team like Universitario de Deportes cannot go for so long without winning, the fans will demand it at the time and above all the players will go through the institution and will not be remembered for anything. So the titles are the ones that mark and Universitario needs a title, its cream fans deserve it, this shirt has a weight and surely the coach has already discussed it with his players. I hope that title will arrive soon.

— What did you think of what you saw of Emanuel Herrera’s game, who in 2018 broke your record for the top scorer in Peruvian soccer in one season?

Surely Herrera was better when he played for Sporting Cristal, it was the feeling that he left me during the time I was there watching him, but with the cream shirt little by little he is understanding himself with his teammates, he is understanding better and I only wish that he can do many goals to help with the title and that way he will enter the history of the club, because what he scores are the titles, the conquests and that, I wish for the whole group.

—There was a player from the ‘U’ whose game caught your attention, do you remember the name?

Individually, I have not seen yet, because I only watched two matches. So, individually I have not seen a player like we had in the three-time championship, but it has been seen that he has a group, that he is improving every day and they are looking for that improvement.

—?What do you think has been the key to this rise of the ‘U’ with Jorge Fossati?

Fossati is an experienced coach and knows very well how to get positive things out of his players at hand. This is worked on on a day-to-day basis, since he gets to know and sees the characteristics of each one. He surely has a great ability to pass his ideas to his players. I have no doubt that with each game, training session, he improves and with the time they give him, the results will come. He is a coach with a lot of experience and he will surely continue contributing things to Universitario.