Former coach: If Messi is a Brazilian, Neymar Argentine, we might say the latter is better

Former Argentina national team physical coach Fernando Signolini, who served as personal coach of Maradona and Messi, gave an exclusive interview to Flashscore, talking about his experiences working with Maradona and Messi and the changes in modern football.

Talk about working with Maradona at Barcelona

"That experience was great and the beginning of a long journey we had gone through together. I started working with him since Goycochea injured him against Athletic Bilbao on September 24, 1983. Some people say he did not succeed at Barcelona, ​​but in fact, during his time at Barcelona, ​​the team won three of four championships. The only championship that failed was because Diego missed 12 games during that time and Schuster missed 8 games. He was not lucky in health, suffered from hepatitis and had a fracture."

Talk about Maradona's pros and cons

"Diego was a very outstanding young man, funny and smart, and very good at getting along with people. When I knew him, he was only 22 years old, but he had already shouldered responsibilities that others would never bear in their entire lives."

Talking about Maradona's achievements in Naples are not only reflected in sports, but his actions have made him a myth and legend, a socio-political phenomenon or revolution. He has enhanced the self-esteem of the entire Naples and the Campania region, which were once ignored by the wealthy northern forces."

Are you one of the few who selflessly helped him?

"My help to him is what I should do, and our relationship is always based on respect and nobility. Some people are sincerely good to him, while others are to use him, but I have no right to judge these people."

If it is now, what do you say to him?

"Diego has passed away, although I really want to say something to him, and I can't say anything to him anymore. In my life, I have said everything I want to say to him. I always give my all, leaving no emotional regrets, because those unfinished emotions will turn into scars and bring endless pain."

Talking about cooperation with Messi

"How can I forget this genius... He was born to make people enjoy his football, not to be explained. If Messi is Brazilian and Neymar is The Germans, we might say Neymar is better. So we have to be cautious about comparisons. He just needs time, and his relationship with Diego is also very good, and Diego once said, ‘I can’t believe how this little guy plays.’ He was born for football, and it’s incredible that he has two brothers who were raised in the same way, but the other two can’t do what he can do with his left foot with four hands, he is a football artist. ”

Do you think Yamal has the shadow of Messi or Maradona?

"We don't have to put too much pressure on him. He shoulders expectations from the world, but I don't know how far he can go. I like watching him play football, it's a matter of personal preference, and comparing them together is a twisted approach. If a person doesn't give anything, why ask for rewards? He is an extraordinary player, and I want him to be happy when he does what he likes, and hope that the system won't destroy him like something that happened in the past."

Talking about the changes in modern football

"Cultural habits have changed. In the past, players played eight to ten hours of football every day. Now, due to the influence of technology, social habits have changed. Although the conditions of the court have improved, the players' level has not improved. Now there is no such free and easy game atmosphere, and players always come on the court with worry, money and fear. "

Do you think this Argentine team is the best in history?

"If Martin hadn't blocked that ball with his feet in the final, would people say that? A few months ago, the media criticized Messi for being a softie, not singing the national anthem, slandering Di Maria and his family, and Scaloni... This phenomenon is common in Argentina. Once the situation reverses, those who once criticized them immediately jumped onto the winner's chariot. Do you know why Argentina can produce so much caramel milk? Because there are so many people who 'flipped pancakes' there."