March 25th, 99

By: Julio Chiappetta

HOENDERLOO, Holland (Clarin, 23-3-99) -- A new-era starts today with Batistuta, Redondo, Ortega as the top figures; National team gathered in Holland....

The first players to arrive were Ortega, Ayala, Zanetti & Guglielminpietro. Bielsa was already there. Before arriving in Holland, Bielsa went to Rome were he talked with Matias Almeyda about his injury and the time it will take for him to recover.

The next group to arrive were: C. Gonzalez, Gustavo & Claudio Lopez, Fernando Redondo, Bizzarri, Siviero, Pineda, Roa, Pellegrino, Vivas, and Pochettino. Fernando Redondo shook hands with teammates and reporters.

Crespo, Veron and Sensini's flight was delayed, they will arrive at night.

Batistuta arrived at 17:15. He's first question: The time for the training session. He was told that the first training session will take place in fifteen minutes. To what he says: "Ah.....llegue justito, entonces." 'Ah....just in time.' Then he went directly to his room to change.

Bati and Redondo greeted themselves warmly. They took over the leadership of the group. They were the first in line walking to the working areas, the others followed them. Bati gave an affectionate kiss to his teamamtes. Ortega hug his friend Vivas. Bielsa shook hands with all the late arrivals. The atmosphere was that of warms and friendship which helped to mitigate the coldness of the Holland climate.

English translation by Mari