In his first interview since his move to Atlanta United was announced last week, Argentine centerhalf Leandro Gonzalez Pirez discussed on Monday why he joined the MLS expansion club, how he's like Lionel Messi (he was joking) and compared and contrasted soccer in Argentina with soccer in the United States.
(I’m doing a lot of these interviews with the players from South America as Q&A’s instead of stories because for most this is the first time they have been interviewed since joining the squad and I haven’t had a chance to speak to Gerardo Martino about them, which would add another voice to the story. I figured you would rather hear from the players sooner rather than later.).
Q: How are you enjoying Atlanta United and training camp so far?
A: I’m really happy with the team and the players. The facility is amazing. I’m really enjoying the time during the preseason and looking forward to the season.
Q: Why did you agree to move to Atlanta United, an expansion team?
A: Because the coach called me and he’s well known for the way that he works, the results he has and accomplishments in his career. He told me about the project and everything the club was doing. I was really happy and motivated and part of that challenge.
Q: So Martino is highly respected, highly, highly respected in Argentina?
A: He’s well known and highly rated by everyone in the soccer business in Argentina. As a player, it’s an honor to get a call from a coach at that level to be part of his plan on a new team.
Q: In your opinion, why are more and more players from Argentina and Argentina’s first division coming to Major League Soccer?
A: It’s a league that is growing to a high place. The reputation that the league is getting overseas is growing more and more. Respect from players, from fans, from those in soccer, and when you see the quality of the country and how you can live with your family, you take those things into consideration when you need to move.
Q: How does the quality of Major League Soccer compare to the first division in Argentina, from what she’s seen?
A: From what I see and before even playing a game, it is a really physical league. At the same time, you have time and space to play and create offensive moves. In Argentina, it’s more destructive. Teams are more worried about that and they need to create those chances.
Q: Speaking of physical play, can you give a scouting report on you? What are you good at? What do you need to work on in training camp? Do you like physical play?
A: Like Messi. (everyone laughs). I’m a strong player. I uses my physicality to battle those forwards. At the same time, I love to get engaged when we have the ball and try to build from the back.
Q: Did you know Yamil (Asad) and Hector (Villalba) before joining Atlanta United?
A: Yes. Not a relationship, but we played against each other several times. It was really good when I moved here and I saw here.
Q: You shut them down when you played?
A: (They discuss the answer in Spanish but don’t share it. They do laugh.)
Q: I know your playing time at Estudiantes decreased in the past season. In your opinion, why did that happen?
A: There were two central defenders, historic central defenders who were well-respected and doing really well, and I was an alternative. I tried to do my best when I went there.
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