Oct 9th, 99

By Jose Maron
Diario Ole

English translation by Mari

They arrived and the 'party' started. Bielsa's team which will play against Colombia on Wednesday is taking form.

Yesterday arrived at Ezeiza: Gabriel Batistuta, Diego Simeone, Ortega, Guglielminpietro, Vivas, Roberto Sensini, Javier Zanetti & Roberto Ayala. Eight names to add to what has result in a very complicated list. A list in where the ones from Spain will be absent. A list in which Almeyda's name has been crossed out due to injury. A list which will be completed on Sunday.

Batistuta's arrival cause a 'stir-up' at the airport. There were screams, runs, all the things that happen with the arrival of a 'star' happened with Batistuta's arrival. Bati left in a hurry after answering two or three questions. The others stayed a little longer. From the things that were said, we could pick out some interesting phrases:

"Brazil's National Team is the best in the world but Colombia has improve a lot. For us is a good test, it will help us as preparation for the qualifiers", (Simeone).

"Colombia is a young team, last time we face each other they did a good job. But I think they need to improve in some areas", (Ayala).

"The way the National Team play is not like Milan but it has its similarities. But you know if you play with the National Team you have to adapt to that to what the coach wants in a very short period of time", (Guglielminpietro).

"It was nice to hear that Esnaider said that he would love to say that he played alongside me, that means that my fellow colleagues know how I'm working, that's enough for me", (Gabriel Batistuta).

"I hope it will be a good match and that we'll do better than with Brazil at Puerto Alegre. I don't have any ill-feelings due to our lost to Colombia in "Copa America". I just want to play as soon as possible", (Ortega).

"This matches are not tests, they are opportunities we have to show our coach that he can count on us", (Sensini).

After this words and some signing of autograph, they went to their cars to go to Bielsa....have some "mate"...and go training.