Riquelme Interview

In today's La Nacion an interview with Juan Roman Riquelme.

"If Riquelme plays or not, very little will change"

The midfielder says that the national team has a football identity that will not be modified whether he is in the lineup or not.

Q - In the practice session you were seen laughing with your teammates, making jokes....

R - It's not the first time I say this: for anyone it is a pleasure to be here. We have a good time, we have a really good group, the truth is we all get along well, we have alot of fun. Just as much in the locker room as on the field, everything is enjoyed to the maximum. Now lets hope that on Sunday we are capable of doing things well against Ecuador and give some joy to the people.

Q - During the USA tour, Basile changed the system, the team functioned well and did so without a playmaker....

R - Argentina can play in any way that it wants. It has players of a very high level. Technically they make things very easy, like Lionel, el Kun, Cruz, who is in incredible form. Now we are lucky to have La Bruja (Veron) and Maxi Rodriguez. We have a way of playing, if Riquelme plays or not, very little will change. We always attempt to handle the ball well, look to beat the opponent, for the people to be happy and for them to like the way the team plays.

The game against Mexico, which I couldn't see because I was with Boca in the Copa Libertadores, it was said that at moments the team controlled the ball really well and that makes me happy because no matter who plays, there is a football identity defined.

Q- The presence of Aguero makes the team stronger and gives it more explosion?

R - We are fortunate that every time there's a game the manager has alot of problems, in the sense that we are never satisfied because there's always someone who's out of the lineup. There are many players that are in incredible form. We have el Kun, in a very high level. Carlitos Tevez), who is not with us right now. But this all very good for the national team.

Q - When you are all on the field, is it easier to play good football?

R - Yes, because one enjoys it. Not only during the games, but also in the training sessions we have alot of fun. For example yesterday, I think that the reporters, just like we did , had fun watching the game that we played in tight spaces.

Q - Alot has been talked about lately about your physical condition, especially the gastroenteritis that kept you out of Boca's semifinal game against Fluminense. Are you in condition to play against Ecuador and Brasil?

R - I am fine, with a little less weight but the gastroenteritis is gone. Now I have to eat alot, regain the weight I lost and be happy playing football. I'm thinking of both games. In a few days I will be alright, I'm not going to have any problems to play.

Q - In these two games that you want to be a part of, alot is being said about the derby against Brasil, but shouldn't there be more attention given to Ecuador?

R - Of course. To us it represents 3 points. We know that beating Brasil is really beautiful, for the people it would be a great joy but first comes Ecuador, who we know is going to be very complicated. What we want is to qualify to the World Cup as quickly as possible and our next step is Sunday against Ecuador and we'll have Brasil after that. We know that these 6 points that are at play will be crucial in what we are trying to achieve. Besides, if we win both games, we'll be real close to being in first place. I always say that it is nice to be at the top and we will try to do that so that the people will be happy with the team.

Q - First is Ecuador but what do you do to not think about the derby against Brasil?

R - Of course we are thinking about Brasil, its the most important game of the WC Qualifiers. It's always good to beat them because they have a history and players of the highest level. Besides, we know that the games against Brasil, especially away, is special to our people.

Q - Do you feel that the people are already identified with this team?

R - The feeling that the people have for the national team never changes. They could agree or disagree with the way it plays but the feeling is always the same. I'm sure that on Sunday, El Monumental will be full and they will cheer us on like always.