Mascherano in depth, with Clarín: from the new chance after the frustration of the South American to the crossover with the DT of Guatemala

There is another face in Javier Mascherano. A more relaxed version of the former captain of the national team who now commands the fate of the Under 20 team who won two wins in their first two appearances at the World Cup and won a ticket to the round of 16.

He little boss He proclaims the fun of his youth teams in this competition and tries too. During his stay in Santiago del Estero, he was seen very close to people every time he left and entered the hotel. And until one day he decided not to get on the bus and came back from training running 8 km.

It’s the same Masche as always, with the same thoughts and concepts, even if qualifying for the next round with Friday’s match against New Zealand in San Juan breathed a sigh of relief. Which allowed him to forget the bad step for the South American from Colombia.

And he makes that clear as he takes the time to stop the ball for a few minutes with clarion round trip after the sensational victory against Guatemala.

-Before the World Cup started, you told the boys to have fun, do you think they started having fun in this last match?

– Hopefully. We have seen a version very similar to the one we have been used to throughout the process and which unfortunately we have not been able to see in the South American.

-Were the nerves of the debut played out in the first game, beyond the fact that it could have been won?

-Everything has to do. It’s not easy to bring the exposure these guys bring. In the end they are still 19 and 20 years old. But they are carrying it in a very noble way. We are very happy with it. We try to convey serenity about everything.

-Does qualifying for the round of 16 leave the frustration in the South American behind?

-Yes. This is a different group, we changed a lot of guys. Since we started training on May 8, we have been trying to move on. What happened to us perhaps served us more as a technical staff to learn some things, reflect and analyze. Nor can we repeat the same thing to the boys. It has already happened and we must look forward. Today he finds us in another position, totally different. We must try to continue in that dynamic.

-Some of the guys aren’t afraid to say that this team is ready to be champion, what do you think?

-If one does not trust himself, who will trust? That’s fine and I think it’s perfect that we aspire to this. But with the peace of mind of knowing that you have to go step by step. We have to keep improving and building. I always say the same thing, you always have to dream big.

-What do you see of this World Cup, do you have a candidate?

-There are teams that are very good. You have to understand that youth teams are not the same as a senior team. Performance tends to be erratic because the boys are still in the training phase. That is why we try to be certain of our sensations and from there we will see how the story continues.

-Are you going to rotate for the group’s last match and will you keep the base to give it more reshoots?

-The idea is first to see how the boys ended up and how they recover. In training, you also need to understand that 18, 19 or 20 year olds don’t recover in the same way as older ones. That’s why we try to care for them with that in mind. From there we see. We are happy with everyone’s level and it gives us peace of mind and the certainty of being able to count on a substitute. This is very important for a coach.

-Is this your happiest moment as DT of Sub 20?

-I had a good time with these guys. We’ve been here for a year and a half. The last stage wasn’t the best, but you always have to be positive and always wait for what arrives in the best way.

-People show you a lot of affection, what does it mean for you in this moment of your life?

-It’s something extraordinary. I am totally grateful to all the people of Santiago for coming to the hotel, giving us their energy, being so positive and showing us their love. Hopefully we’ve managed to give back something of everything they’ve given us in these two games.

What did you tell the Guatemala DT about espionage?

The dispute had been set up before the crossing with Guatemala. Coach Rafael Loredo publicly accused Argentina of sending a spy to photograph the Guatemalan dressing room after the first match and even filed a complaint with FIFA.

As both teams took to the Único Madre de Ciudades pitch, Javier Mascherano came over to greet the Mexican coach. Apologies came in the greeting, but the dialogue was broader. What did the Argentine say?

“I talked about what was rumored these days. We didn’t know what had happened. There was confusion. Obviously if there’s one thing I don’t do it’s spy on someone. Today with all the technology it’s not necessary to do it “We have all the matches from Guatemala. They played a game before us. We saw the four games they played in Argentina against Los Andes, Villa San Carlos, Gimnasia and Sacachispas” Masche explained to clarion.

“There was no point spying. There was a wardrobe error and they played something that wasn’t. I gave the mister peace of mind to tell him we don’t usually do those things. We would never do it because we don’t like it do to us.” He concluded and closed the subject.

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