The Big Mascherano interview

[JohnnyH]

Yet he doesn't ask the question we are all desperate to know.

 

Here

_______________________________

 

We last spoke in February when you first arrived on Merseyside. How pleased are you when you look back on the last six months?

 

I'm very happy. I got to play in a lot of games for Liverpool last season, and important games too. I played in a Champions League final - amazing. Also the semi-final against Chelsea, that was special. It all happened so quickly for me, so yes, I'm very pleased. Things couldn't have gone better.

 

Quite a turnaround from the way things were going at West Ham?

Yes. I think this is because the manager has confidence in me - very important. Rafa has helped me a lot. I was not playing at West Ham, but he came to London and he told me I could play for Liverpool, told me I could play in a good team. He said he needed me. When you are not getting a game for West Ham and the Liverpool manager is talking about you, you can't believe it. It is for this reason I am very happy here.

 

And you can talk with him in Spanish – that must help?

 

I arrived at West Ham and was in another country with another language and a different culture. It's a lot easier here because the manager is Spanish. I can talk with him, though not a lot because he likes to speak English. The lessons are going well, but I find that here in Liverpool the people are hard to understand. Scousers - it's very difficult.

 

Which players helped you settle in?

 

All my new teammates were great with me, helping me adapt to this new life here at another club. Up until a week or two ago I did everything with Gabby Paletta. I was with him all the time, but now I talk a lot with Sebastian Leto and also Alvaro Arbeloa. All the players at Liverpool are good, the atmosphere is great. You can talk to anyone.

 

So, you've been at the club a few months, your time in England hasn't been all that great, and all of a sudden you're playing in a Champions League final. Were you having to pinch yourself?

 

I couldn't believe what was happening. In six months at West Ham I'd played five or six games. It was very difficult for me to even go to training everyday, because I knew no matter what I would never play. The situation was very difficult. Then when I arrived here I still thought it was going to be very difficult for me to play, because Liverpool were one of the biggest clubs in the world and they already had Momo Sissoko, Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso in the midfield. When I got my opportunity, all I could do was try to do my best, but it was easier because I knew the people here rated me.

 

And you got the fans on side pretty much straight away. Now they sing that we've got the best midfield in the world. Can you sing it?

 

[Laughs] No, but I know the words – the one about Momo Sissoko, Xabi Alonso, Gerrard and Mascherano. I can hear them sing it and it makes me feel good. Like you said, I've been here just six months, so to have the fans sing my name already is just great. The Liverpool fans are fantastic – I have never seen anything like them at Anfield. No other fans sing like them, it's incredible.

 

Having the best midfield in the world means you sometimes have to sit out – how does it feel when you're sat on the bench?

 

Everybody wants to play football, but Liverpool have two players in every position. This is needed because we have four competitions to play in and we want to win them all. If this means I have to go to the bench sometimes, that's not important. What is important is that when I play, I have to play really good. The manager has to know I can do well when he needs me.

 

You mention there's two players in each position. Your direct rival as a sitting midfielder, if you like, is Xabi Alonso. Not an easy man to get out of the team, is he?

 

He is fantastic. I see that every day in training. I think he is one of the best midfielders in the world. The passes and the class – really good.

 

Then there's Lucas Leiva. He's arrived from Brazil but the Liverpool fans haven't seen a lot of him yet. How good can he be?

I played against him in Brazil when he was with Gremio and I was at Corinthians. He gave me a tough game, so I know he is a really good player. But when you arrive in another country you have new teammates and you have to learn a language. Maybe you have to play in a different way, so you need time.

 

One of your fellow midfielders, Momo Sissoko, got his first Liverpool goal a week ago. What were you thinking when that went in? How long are we going to have to wait for your first strike?

 

It was fantastic. He is a really good person, and a big man. As for me, maybe I haven't got a goal, but I've never scored many throughout my career. It would be fantastic to score for Liverpool but sometimes it's hard from my position. I will try but I don't know if I can do it.

 

You got a couple of goals this summer in the Copa America, but like the Champions League, that ended in defeat in the final. How has that affected you?

 

To big involved in two great finals and not win one, it's very disappointing. The Champions League final is the dream for any player, and the Copa America is very important for my country. I was very disappointed - I am very disappointed.

 

Do these disappointments make you more determined to win things with Liverpool this year?

 

I don't know if it makes me more determined. When you lose in football, you can't turn back time and change anything. All I can look at is the four trophies Liverpool can win. I think this season we can win any trophy we are in, because we have a very good squad and have made a good start.

 

I want to talk to you about life at Melwood. In any squad you get vocal players and those who are quiet. Where do you fit in?

 

I'm quiet, very much so. Everyone is like that here really. I like it in this city because it's relaxed and quiet. Life is good in Liverpool. I don't go out too much. My life is at home playing with my daughter.

 

Who are the more vocal members of the squad?

 

Carra is talking and Jermaine Pennant is always happy. He is very funny.

 

Do your teammates have a nickname for you?

 

I don't have one. Arbeloa has one: we call him 'Vareta Fly'. I don't know why, I think that's just what they call him in Spain. We call John Riise 'Ginger' [Laughs].

 

Does he not mind?

 

[still laughing] No, no. Everyone shouts 'Ginger, Ginger', I don't know what he thinks!

 

Which of your teammates do you have in your mobile phone?

 

Arbeloa, Leto and Yossi Benayoun. Yossi is my friend because we were at West Ham together for six months, and he helped me a lot there. I think that's it.

 

Is there anyone in training you don't look forward to tackling?

 

Sometimes, but training isn't really like that. You don't want to injure anyone. You work so hard running and doing weights, but when you play football 11 against 11, or seven on seven, you are not tackling hard.

 

Okay, finally, pick your LFC five-a-side team?

 

Stevie Gerrard, Pepe, Carra, Xabi and Dirk Kuyt. Dirk is fantastic, I like him. He works very hard in every game and every training session. He has class and is technically good – a fantastic player, for me.

 

You're not including yourself?

 

[Laughs] No, no way.

[DazzlaJ]

We call John Riise 'Ginger' [Laughs].

 

Does he not mind?

 

[still laughing] No, no. Everyone shouts 'Ginger, Ginger', I don't know what he thinks!

 

[Benitez]

so that's Alvaro and Mascher who say that Jermaine Pennant is the joker in the team

 

Anyway, as for Mascher, what's not to like. Great player, great attitude, I hope he stays here for a long time.

Edited September 6, 2007 by Benitez

[Guy_Incognito]

Liverpool were one of the biggest clubs in the world and they already had Momo Sissoko, Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso in the midfield.

 

I choose to think he actually answered that "...and Xabi Alonsooooo-whoooa-whooa..."

 

Do your teammates have a nickname for you?

 

I don't have one. Arbeloa has one: we call him 'Vareta Fly'. I don't know why, I think that's just what they call him in Spain. We call John Riise 'Ginger' [Laughs].

 

Does he not mind?

 

[still laughing] No, no. Everyone shouts 'Ginger, Ginger', I don't know what he thinks!

 

That is fecking brilliant

[jimmylibel]

so that's Alvaro and Mascher who say that Jermaine Pennant is the joker in the team

 

Anyway, as for Mascher, what's not to like. Great player, great attitude, I hope he stays here for a long time.

 

Has Alvaro done the big interview on the offish then? Must have a read of that.

[M4TTA]

Ah i really enjoyed reading that, i really did! Something interesting was the way Rafa likes to talk in english at all times. I read an interview with Arbeloa and he said exactly the same thing. Interesting for two players to mention it in two interviews.

 

at Risse nickname, brilliant

[Jarg Armani]

that's another one who thinks pennant is a joker. he always looks dead angry to me...

[Hassony]

Ah i really enjoyed reading that, i really did! Something interesting was the way Rafa likes to talk in english at all times. I read an interview with Arbeloa and he said exactly the same thing. Interesting for two players to mention it in two interviews.

 

at Risse nickname, brilliant

 

Riise

[Magic8Ball]

is "Vareta Fly" similar to "Hoover" ie he's one of those players the ball sticks too ??

[Tones]

Good interview that. He seems very happy with us. Hopefully he will sign for a long time (if he hasnt already) as he is also a fantastic player. Still really shocking he couldnt get a game at West Ham. Better than any player they have even after spending all those millions.

[Stevie H]

still find it incredible that he didn't get a game at west ham.

[MarkD]

still find it incredible that he didn't get a game at west ham.

 

He's no Haydn Mullins.

[Cobs]

"Everybody wants to play football, but Liverpool have two players in every position. This is needed because we have four competitions to play in and we want to win them all. If this means I have to go to the bench sometimes, that's not important. What is important is that when I play, I have to play really good. The manager has to know I can do well when he needs me. "

 

 

Are you listening, Crouchy?

 

That's what you tell the press after each game.

[M4TTA]

Riise

 

yer thats him

[Swipe]

"Everybody wants to play football, but Liverpool have two players in every position. This is needed because we have four competitions to play in and we want to win them all. If this means I have to go to the bench sometimes, that's not important. What is important is that when I play, I have to play really good. The manager has to know I can do well when he needs me. "

 

Wisdom from a 22 year old that cretins like Charlie Nicholcas, Paul Walsh at the rest of the like just can't get their heads around.

[Hassony]

"Everybody wants to play football, but Liverpool have two players in every position. This is needed because we have four competitions to play in and we want to win them all. If this means I have to go to the bench sometimes, that's not important. What is important is that when I play, I have to play really good. The manager has to know I can do well when he needs me. "

 

 

Are you listening, Crouchy?

 

That's what you tell the press after each game.

its really strange that crouch can't understand this, considering only 3 years ago he was on loan to f***ing norwich!!!

[Hassony]

Wisdom from a 22 year old that cretins like Charlie Nicholcas, Paul Walsh at the rest of the like just can't get their heads around.

 

its scary that he is only 22

[Swipe]

its scary that he is only 22

 

I know.

 

For me, players like Masch prove that the constant carping by xenophobic idiots like Barry Fry and Trevor Brooking about the "foreginers" runing the England national team is utter b****x.

 

Look at the technique and understanding Masch has an he's only 22! Natural ability yes, but also due to the way he was coached.

 

England team will always be crap until they coach youngsters better.

 

Sorry a bit of topic, but it's true!

[bazz]

Are you listening, Crouchy?

 

That's what you tell the press after each game.

 

Exactly!

 

Crouch - take note!

[fred milne]

Look at the technique and understanding Masch has an he's only 22!

He's 23 actually. Nice interview, though.

[owenthomas]

so that's Alvaro and Mascher who say that Jermaine Pennant is the joker in the team

 

Anyway, as for Mascher, what's not to like. Great player, great attitude, I hope he stays here for a long time.

re Pennant - it's a strange one for me to think that for no other reason than when my mate went with the team to Hong Kong pre-season he said Pennant was a bit of a wide boy, when he was on the coach and he used to see girls or something he'd give it loads to them and was always the one talking (even though the rest were trying to chill on the coach).. my mate didn't say he was a t** or anything by the way, just that he was the loudest out of them..

 

As for Mascherano, i couldn't agree more.. great little player..

[G Richards]

England team will always be crap until they coach youngsters better.

 

England also need a top manager who can organise them and motivate them. For as long as I can remember the team has somehow always managed to be something less than the sum of its parts.

 

Someone like Scolari would have sorted them out, but the media madness wasn't for him.

[Boca]

I must have missed the interview with Crouch where he was moaning at not being involved.

[Swipe]

England also need a top manager who can organise them and motivate them. For as long as I can remember the team has somehow always managed to be something less than the sum of its parts.

 

Someone like Scolari would have sorted them out, but the media madness wasn't for him.

 

Agree.

 

McClaren was a disatrous appointment for them. Once Scholari rejected them they should have went for another top manager (i.e foreign) and not just pick one of the English also-rans.

[RP]

I must have missed the interview with Crouch where he was moaning at not being involved.

 

 

He is clearly unhappy - stories on Sky at the weekend that he left the ground when he wasn't named in the starting line-up.