Claudio Pizarro: Right now, Peru is the 'ugly duckling' of South America

When he left Alianza Lima, with a head full of illusions, he knew he would discover a new world. But he never thought he would become "The Conqueror" of fans hearts in every team he played. He now finds himself at Werder Bremen, which opened the way for him in Europe in the late '90s. He has been  the ultimate symbol of Peruvian football for some time and is the benchmark of Sergio Markarian´s team for the Copa America, taking place in Argentina. Claudio Pizarro was the one who answered the phone in Germany and spoke exclusively to  www.ca2011.com.

How do you think Peru is arriving for the Copa America?
I believe that with each day that passes, we have greater conditions, but this certainly is not enough. I think having players playing in European football is something that influences and in this we are very much weaker than Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. Playing in Europe gives you greater skill to face South American opponents.

And how do you come to the tournament?
Very well. No doubt I will do a special preparation when finishing the season in Germany to get into the best possible form for the Copa America.

What are your expectations for the tournament?
Many, if not all. I am very excited and motivated, because  a new group of players will give me the opportunity to believe that we can do a good job.

What will Peru be in the Cup?
The surprise of the tournament, no doubt. Right now we're the ugly duckling of South America, because we're the worst team in this level, but we will try to recover the proper level that we have not had for many years. Let's play our game little by little to go forward and reach our goals.

Looking a bit at Group C,  is Uruguay the opponent to be defeated?
I believe that Uruguay will be the toughest opponent because they will maintain the base of the team that did a great World Cup campaign. But there is also Chile, that played a great World Cup, and Mexico, that always brings very strong teams.

Why do you think there are teams in South America that improved their level while Peru has stagnated?
It is very complicated. There are small details that did not go smoothly. It is difficult to determine the reason why Peruvian football has fallen so much, but I can say that the current team is doing very well, they're definitely going to stand up and do everything possible to get out of the hole we're in.

Uruguayan Sergio Markarian´s  arrival is a breath of fresh air for Peruvian football, which ended the final round at the bottom of the table, and Pizarro sees it as a great first step to recover his football. "I know he’s a coach with a lot of experience and ability. He organizes the group very well, knows how to analyze the opponents, but above all, he knows how to convey a winning mentality to his players and that, I think, it is very necessary. The Peruvian player must get used to winning and always go in that direction. "

Markarian said that  Peru lacks the patience to endure a long process and that there are players that do not work well with this. How do you see them?
I always say  that for me the most important thing is that the Peruvian player that migrates has only one chance. You find yourself in another world, facing another culture. Unfortunately, in some cases the situations are complicated by family, friends, etc. The important thing is to have clear ideas and beliefs in what can be done.

What is missing for Peruvian football to make this leap?
We are in a very complicated situation. In Peru they import a lot more players than they export. What is lacking is just the opposite.

Among the new faces in the national teams, which players have caught your attention?
There are many very talented players, especially André Carillo and Luis Advíncula who surprised me because they are very mature and have many chances of making a good career in the national team.

Do you think the strongest role of Peru is the offensive?
Yes. We have players with experience and ability to score goals and complicate the games of any adversary. We played a long  time with Paolo in the national team and this gives us an advantage. Besides this, we have Jefferson (Farfan), who has played in Germany for a long time and is in great condition.

How are you at this moment in Germany?
Well,  we are now a little complicated with Werder Bremen because we are in the relegation zone, but we are all striving to get out of this zone as soon as the going gets tough, and we hope we will. We have a squad that is strong enough to leave this zone.

Do you believe that the Cup being in Argentina will makes it brighter?
Yes, I have a special affection for Argentina, as I have some business there and many friends. I always try to spend some time there.

Who do you think is the best football player in your role?
Playing as a striker, it would be Ronaldo, but he is playing more as a midfielder. Benzema is doing well in Madrid. Didier is an important player, as are Rooney and Eto'o. And if I have to choose only one, I would choose Messi, who for me is on a different level than the rest.
For this admirer of Argentina, country which taught him how to love horses, the Copa America will have a special flavor. He hopes to give his national team the joy of achieving a place that they one day dreamed of.

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