March 27th, 99

A new stage: Batistuta confesses in a "mano a mano" interview....

The striker believes in Bielsa's way, because, Bielsa respects the Argentine way of playing and encourages an attacking type of play. Batistuta also told us that he is better known in Europe.

By: Julio Chiappetta

Hoenderloo, Holand (Clarin) -- He's with all his batteries charged, you can feel it. He even seems to anticipate some of our questions.

Gabriel, what do you expect from World Cup 2002?
"I hope to win it. Since today I'm preparing myself to win it. It'll be my big last challenge. Then one more year with Fiorentina."

Batistuta is the face of goal in the Argentine National team. He owns the record of more goals scored in the history of Argentina's National team. He also carries with him our hopes for big and important things in the future.

"I'm very enthusiastic, like every one else. With the desire of conquering big things. The way you feel when you're starting something new, also...."

Also what?
"Also because this will be my last cycle with the National team. I'm 30 years old you know."

But look at Sensini. He thought World Cup 98 to be his last, and he is here today.....
"Sensini is a special case, I don't think I'll be in another World Cup later than that of 2002."

Why is this friendly with Holland so important?
"Because Argentina needs to be back in the international stage. Needs to win over big teams, and Holland is one of the best. Today, Argentina is not looked at, the same way as it was ten years ago. This is a good chance to begin changing that."

You mean that Argentina has to be like the one when Maradona was playing?
"It's nice to be on top in the football world. Being a mediocre does not make any sense. Better to be in with the best."

But this that you say, is it not a contradicition seing the success you are having in Europe?
"Individually the Argentine player is seek by many. The problem is, that in the last two World Cups the results due to whatever reason were not good. So we have to recapture that winning image. It's a matter of results."

Are you the figure of this new team? Are you the leader here?
"We have here many important players. Players which had gain lots of experience in Europe. I don't think of this...... Humble? No, I'm just being realistic. But maybe.....I'm the most popular."

Do you think you have the same dimension in Europe than in Argentina?
"No, I'm more famous in Europe.

Why?
"I had an answer, but I can not tell you now. It's not complicated but I had to think how I answer this. I don't want to stir unnecessary polemics. But yes, its true, I'm more famous in Europe. I'm considered one of the best strikers in the world, this was not so in Argentina. This does not affect me. I'm not crying."

You'll be delighted if...winning the "scudetto" with Fiorentina?
"Now we are talking serious, (at this he laughs). It'll be a dream come true. But it won't be easy to win it with Fiorentina. I made a big wager, will see if we could do it."

Do you think you are to Fiorentina what Maradona was to Napoli?
"I'm not Maradona. He could win a match by himself, I can not. I will love to play in a winning team. A team that if I'm injured I could take the time to recover, or a team that can go on if I'm red carded at some point."

Is it good for you that Bielsa uses a centreforward and two laterals?
"Yes, it's an attacking game. I believe in this. It's a winning game, one that respect the Argentine way of playing. I've never heard Bielsa telling Ortega to change his way of playing. It's only that Ortega is playing in a more orderly way. This will be good for the team. Football is like life, it changes. If you stays the same, CHAU."

It's nine p.m.. Dinner awaits. Bati stands but before leaving he looks at us and says:

"Winning teams are those who always move forward...... ...........Like ME."

English translation by Mari