Gerardo Salorio walk slow. Hands in pockets. The sturdy, suspicious look. The white hair and a prominent silver mustache give him away. He walks shyly and greets. While not always talk about football confesses that handles low profile. That was from when José Pekerman met nearly 30 years ago. It was one of his closest collaborators in Argentina and greater selection of youth, with which they won five world titles.
Saluda firmly. It is character, but also humorous. He was born in Buenos Aires. He is 55 years old. This is his third visit to Colombia, always football issues since years is dedicated to giving talks. It has much to tell, not only because Argentina was at the selection when Lionel Messi debuted, but she knows well to Pekerman, coach of Colombia. Salorio was his trainer in Argentina; today is his friend at a distance.
How did you meet José Pekerman?
Fortuitously form in the club Argentinos Juniors. He was coach of the book and I was teacher of the largest categories in the lower. They asked me to be his trainer and accepted. We started to get along. Well, to work 10 years together until he went to Colo Colo of Chile. He called me when he returned to the team in '94 I was with him from that time until 2002 there will again in 2004 and worked in the World Cup, then offered me to go to a couple of places, but I told no, not something personal but because I was rooted to the Argentina team.
What do you remember of your work with him in Argentina selections?
It worked quietly, smoothly, it is a very, very average boss. Technicians sometimes are not very normal; are complicated, have their anger, their fights. He did not. To see angry really have to do something ugly. It has a very important inner peace.
What worked then?
Team. Each had a gift that the other did not, that was the brilliance of the technical group. Pekerman knew bring out the gift of the other and put it to the team. "Not only will I use my brain but we borrow from others" is a phrase I use in my talks and serves to describe that. He could amalgamate that everyone played a role protruding above the rest. We did not win the World largest (Germany 2006) because we went to Colombia as: play with the local.
By the way, how did you find the performance of Colombia in the World?
Colombia came close with Brazil. He had 60 minutes in which Brazil had to give life to beat. After an hour calling desperately for Colombia put it in a bow and demonstrated that Colombia was much more, but hey, the place is always more to get aid; after seven goals for Germany ate. I think Colombia with Germany had not eaten seven goals ever. It would have been very even.
Did he expect Pekerman renewed as it did after World?
I noticed that had renovated. He's not staying in many places. But then studying, I see renewed because he saw the future. One analyzes the teams on the continent and see all repaired. He must analyze that Colombia has a great future players.
What has led you to Pekerman in Colombia?
Many things. For example headquarters. Bogotá has a height that does not make them many nick, is not determinative, not La Paz. Barranquilla yes perspire sitting there. The public is warmer, more fervent; the Bogota is cooler, quieter, shouts "Colombia, Colombia" and now. Not beyond that of the past shows of all the heat that hath flows through the pores.
In addition, José knows the country. I think not cataloged abroad. By knowing the country can make decisions that would not take another DT. It strengthens. He is respected by the media, by people, they feel more like a Colombian and that's a plus. Any technician who came abroad and lost four games, you had happened to the 'broad brush'. A José I think not.
Were you surprised to come and run here?
No, because I knew the place. He chooses well. It was not one economic issue that is important, but first he discussed which players had, what opportunities and what potential. When I saw all that he had, I think he made the decision to say yes, we will, and so to renew. He is very analytical, does not give the other because. Scan everything and has a very important around coaching.
How do you see today's selection Colombia?
The Colombian soccer has everything to be the best, the problem is that you realize. You see who can dominate the continent along with Brazil and Argentina. They have had litters and Whitewater have been wasted. It is very important the work of youth, youth build a structure not thinking about winning the South American, that's an accident, that comes alone. I think the basic forces need a more competitive rate. Argentina, for example, has a tournament of very, very strong lower, with almost 40 games a year. The federations have to make attractive championships, the boys are competitive from 12 years to achieve parts. Colombia should not lose something that Argentina is losing: you are playing well; Argentina is losing that quality. Now you have to give your football and dynamic strength. Colombia is a candidate to win the Copa America. And it will be in the next world.
Incidentally, Pekerman insisted that was not going to take the youth of the team, you thought this was going to be one of the requirements to renew ...
I thought so too. But I think he has all targeted and knows that this team can grow 40 to 50 percent or more and does not want to divide efforts. Take children requires much effort.
What anecdote reminds Pekerman?
Many, now I remember one day I gave an award in Cordoba (Argentina) and he is very distracted, was in a shoe of one color and one other, ha ha! It is a special type, very laburador, including angry you have to know well because you do not realize that you are angry.
And you get mad easy?
It is not easy. Or difficult. But has character, you would not believe. What happens is that you have to know. He is charismatic, you will not have problems with it, but like all angry. What happens is that demonstrates not like me, that if I get angry now throw away your recorder hehe. He ignores, not me. We are different. A trap him angry. The lack of true. What angers selfishness. I get angry that demonstrate their teams on the field.
Why are not you working today Pekerman?
I knew I was not going to call, it was logical, he and his coaching staff and knew I was deeply rooted in Argentina. Perhaps if he had reformed youth I had encouraged to collaborate with him but by eye, I'm not saying I want to come eh. When he came out of Colombia as he had the right to work with people that always accompanied it and I was not with him in Mexico or in Spain. Came professor URTASUN (Eduardo) who was the trainer who worked with me in Argentine selections. Pekerman at the time gave me every chance to stay with it and I decided that my world was Argentina. Today brings us mutual admiration and friendship that we have almost 30 years. We always wish him well as he should wish me the same to me.
How is the relationship today?
The paths have diverged, he by a path of good and the other good. I'm happy for him that has done well in Colombia. I have only appreciation of the time I worked with him, we never know if we will work, just wish she does well, except when he plays with Argentina he, he!
Tell us about Messi. You know him well because he debuts in the selection of Argentina you being
there ...
Yes, debuted in the Argentine court. It was June 10, 2004 Victoria 8-0 with Paraguay. Messi becomes the seventh goal and pulls the center of the fourth goal ... When we saw the video it was a different player, once a friendly plucked to make it signed with Argentina. We collaborate Player. We took it off to Spain. He was summoned to play in Spain. It was quick thinking Julio Grondona, Hugo Tocalli, bringing it to play fast. In Argentina won a different flair, a different character.
Finally, is liked his visit to Colombia?
Yes, it was very brief but. My previous experience was not good. I brought a Mr. Fidel (does not remember the name) who worked with the Colombian Football Federation. I brought to give talks in various cities, but he still owes me a lot of money. I still hope to meet.
Gerardo Salorio is responsible for the formation of different High Performance Centres in Argentina. As a fitness trainer for 20 years in the Argentina team, won five world titles:
Qatar 1995 World Under-20 Champion
Malaysia 1997 U-20 World Champion
Argentina 2001 World Under-20 Champion
Netherlands 2005 World Under-20 Champion
Canada 2007 World Under-20 Champion
Four South American:
Chile 1997 Sudamericano U20 Champion
Argentina 1999 South American U-20 Championship
Uruguay 2003 South American U-20 Championship
Bolivia 2003 Sudamericano U17 Champion
Gerardo Salorio is dedicated to talking about football. On its website www.gerardosalorio.com are daily on current football opinions.
