Juan Sebastian VERON spoke about Marcelo BIELSA, Lionel MESSI, Mauro ICARDI and the Argentina National Team.
Former Argentina international Juan Sebastian VERON commented about Marcelo BIELSA’s influence on his generation. In an interview with AS, he also spoke about the current generation of players, the situation involving Mauro ICARDI and more. Here’s what he had to say:
Is BIELSA’s influence important on your generation?
“Yes. But it’s also true that most of us like POCHETTINO, BERIZO, SIMEONE had a lot of experience with great teams, strong clubs with proper management and great coaches. Every one of us chose our path. El Cholo (SIMEONE) will move vases to explain tactics. Me, I’ve always been interested in marketing and managing clubs. Today, ZANETTI works with Inter and FIFA. Hopefully one day we can all reuinite and contribute our knowledge to Argentine football.”
Are you afraid that Argentina with MESSI don’t qualify for the World Cup?
“Yes, it’s a delicate situation. This generation has less and less time to get a championship. And Argentine football isn’t taking advantage of this generation the way we should. We’re not taking advantage of MESSI, AGUERO, DYBALA and HIGUAIN. We can’t rely on a genius, we have to create something to support the genius. And today, that support doesn’t exist.”
What do you think of ICARDI’s situation?
“I have my thoughts. I know what happened. But it’s a sporting question and you have to analyze it. If he’s doing well at Inter and he’s in good form, I don’t see why they don’t call him up.”
Do you talk with MESSI?
“Yes. It’s sporadic but we still talk. He’s doing really well with Barcelona. He has team mates who are finishers like NEYMAR and SUAREZ, who significantly support a MESSI who’s a playmaker. Leo’s grown a lot, I see him participating more. But after the frustration and suspension, I haven’t called him. Same thing when he retired but it makes me happy that Leo is still wearing the Argentina National Team shirt.”
Why is MESSI not understood in Argentina?
“For his exit. Here, people are in their armchairs criticizing him. And unfortunately, some journalists don’t help. I think that fortunately, there are who, who although are late, have understood the magnitude of having a player like him with the National Team. They’ll always have it against him for not having played in Argentina.”
Do you think one day people will miss MESSI’s National Team?
“This generation is just missing the last step. They’ve reached three finals… It’s cost them to get there. I played three World Cup’s. It’s very difficult.”
