Blanco Speaks Out

Cuauhtémoc Blanco has made it clear that he wants to go to Germany this summer. He has also made contingency plans to watch the world cup on TV in case he doesn’t go. Blanco has been at odds with Mexican coach Ricardo Lavolpe since he asked to be excused from the Confederations Cup last summer. Since that time, the two have waged a classic war of words in the press, which really has not amounted to anything.

Lavolpe did call up Cuauh for the first friendly of 2006, curiously enough, when he was nursing an injured ankle. He played decently, but has continued to struggle to return to form with his local club, America. Cuauh admits that he is not full strength yet, but “There is still a lot of time left before the mundial; almost 3 months.

“I won’t let it affect me either way. If (Lavolpe) names me to the team, I will have to prepare to the best of my abilities because the mundial is the most competitive tournament. If not, I’ll be watching it on TV. It’s his decision, and I respect that. I want to go the mundial, but if I’m not on the list, what can I do?”

Blanco is clearly one of Mexico’s most talented players, but this is what concerns Lavolpe: “No one doubts that he has talent. Players like him have a hard time understanding that today’s football is more of a team game than one that relies on individual brilliance. No one lets you pause to think what you want to do. Nowadays you can only have the ball at your feet for a few seconds.”

I have mixed feelings about Blanco making the squad. On one hand, you have a player that can tip the field. And on the other hand, you have a person who can become a cancer in the locker room. My gut says he goes to Germany.