Even walking in Centennial Olympic Park or eating at a nearby restaurant, hours from home and years removed from his career, Luis Hernandez is asked for an autograph.
Hernandez, known as "El Matador," is a Mexican soccer legend. With his blond hair and electric smile, Hernandez scored 35 goals for the national team, including four at the 1998 World Cup. He had a storied career playing for several different clubs in Mexico, as well as Boca Juniors in Argentina and the Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer.
Hernandez, who hopes to one day coach legendary Mexican club America, was visiting Atlanta to promote the upcoming friendly match between Mexico and Bosnia and Herzegovina on Feb. 9 at the Georgia Dome.
An interpreter was on hand for the questions and answers, which have been paraphrased.
Q: As someone who has played and has an interest in coaching, what advice would you give to parents whose children are starting to play soccer, in terms of developing their skills?
A: The most important thing is that the kids enjoy what they are doing and that they have a good time. Another important thing is the support of the family, especially the parents. The coaches' job is to give them the basics, the foundation for the sport, but the love should come from the family. When the mother or father go to see your child, don't be a coach. Be there for support. If he misses a shot, clap and support.
Q: What's the best piece of advice you received in your storied career?
A: More than telling me what to do, it's more that they were able to convince me of my qualities as a player. It gave me confidence. Because that way, the coach makes sure you know your limitations and strengths. It took until now for me to get it [laughs]. Some players mature earlier than others. It took me two to three years to mature. This happened at Necaxa, when I exploded as a player and got called up to the national team. This is where I matured as a player. I was 25 to 28. I was a late to mature. Now players mature and debut at 17.
Q: What is your opinion of the younger players, like Mexico's Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez or the United States' Jozy Altidore, who get big contracts and are signed by big clubs at such a young age. Is it good for the players and the game?
A: It's OK as long as the player is responsible, level-headed, stays on course and has a good foundation. He needs to go through the process, under-15, under-17. He needs a path. Now, they call up players because they have one, two, three good games. In the past you needed to work your way up to make the national team. You needed to pay your dues.
Q: Did the U.S. need to receive the 2022 World Cup to continue to develop interest in Major League Soccer and the sport?
A: No. They are in a good position for the league to be solid. Now, it has a better chance to continue growing because it has the designated-player rule, which allows the league to go out and get higher-profile players.
Q: How would you compare the skill level of players today to when you were starting out?
A: There are differences. Today there's more preparation. There's more work on techniques, more tools to help them develop. And also, the multi-media has opened up the game to a lot more kids who can watch it. Because of the media, you could be a little kid on a mountain and watch Cristiano Ronaldo play for Real Madrid. They can see that, and that's who they want to be.
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Mexico vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
When: Feb. 9
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Georgia Dome
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com
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