When Argentine legend Guillermo Barros Schelotto joined the Columbus Crew in April, he promised to pass on 10 years of experience at Boca Juniors to his new teammates. He has not only managed to do that, he’s also become one of the best players in MLS and is much of the reason why his team is fighting for its first playoff berth in three seasons.
Schelotto’s arrival had an immediate impact on the Crew, and the 34-year-old winger leads the side in both goals and assists, and has been a sparkplug for the team. He’s clearly enjoying his first MLS season, and his sensational form has made him an MVP contender.
But that really depends on whether Columbus can keep up the momentum in a tight race to the postseason. The Crew had lost only once in their last eight matches before last Saturday’s narrow 3-2 defeat to FC Dallas, and they’ll need the inspiration of their main man to get back on track as they look to move up from fifth place in the Eastern Conference.
“Guille” recently took time to discuss what has so far been a remarkable season for him. He also touched on several other important issues, including his views on the league, the rise of its Latin American players and Columbus’ playoff chances. In addition, he gave an insight into Boca’s plans to establish an MLS franchise.
SI.com: How are you finding the level of soccer played in MLS?
Schelotto: Good — it’s at a pretty high level. Hopefully it can continue to improve.
SI.com: What did you expect when you signed for Columbus?
Schelotto: I expected to be playing here on a regular basis, and that’s exactly what I’m doing. I looked forward to having an opportunity to keep on playing, and to live in the U.S. It is a very nice experience.
SI.com: You’re having a great season, and lead your team in both goals and assists. Are you happy with your current situation?
Schelotto: Yes, I’m happy with the way things are going, but I’m happier with how the team is playing. We are doing well and have a good chance of making the playoffs. That’s the main objective.
SI.com: Was it difficult to adapt to the style of soccer played in the league?
Schelotto: It took me time, but that is normal. I’ve adapted well to the different style of soccer played here, when compared to the style played back home in Argentina.
SI.com: How are you coping with the language? Do the Latin American players in the team help you?
Schelotto: Yes, they help me. I’m slowly improving with the language. Hopefully I can continue to improve.
SI.com: Do you think MLS’ Latin players are leaving a good impression on the league, and from all of them, which player has impressed you most?
Schelotto: I think their influence on the league is growing. Hopefully more South American players can keep on coming to play here — the best soccer in the world comes from there because of the high-quality players they produce. They can do a lot of good for this league. Juan Pablo Ángel has played well; he has scored lots of goals. Now Cuauhtémoc Blanco is here, and he is already doing very well.
SI.com: What is the biggest difference between American and Argentine soccer?
Schelotto: Here they play with personal man-marking and in Argentina they play in zones. I think this is the biggest difference.
SI.com: Do you feel you have much less pressure, compared to when you played at Boca Juniors?
Schelotto: No, because it’s a different type of pressure. In Argentina, the pressure comes from the people from the outside [the supporters]. But I always try to put pressure on myself to perform, and feel the same pressure to keep on winning.
SI.com: You left Boca as a club idol. Do your teammates at Columbus understand what this means?
Schelotto: My teammates respect me a lot. They’ve treated me very well, but I’m not too sure about that [laughs].
SI.com: Boca is contemplating establishing an MLS franchise — much like Chivas of Guadalajara did with Chivas USA. Do you support that idea?
Schelotto: It’s a good idea, but we first have to find the best area in which to locate the team. But I think it’s a very interesting idea.
SI.com: What does that mean for the growth in popularity of MLS in Argentina?
Schelotto: It will without doubt make a huge difference. But first I think soccer over here has to affirm itself, and then perhaps it will become more popular around the world.
SI.com: Do you think the Argentine community in the U.S. will support a Boca USA if it happens?
Schelotto: I think the Boca fans will follow the team, but I’m not sure about the Argentina fans. Because they are so passionate about the rivalries between their soccer teams — I don’t think they will support Boca.
SI.com: Assuming it happens, do you see yourself becoming part of it and playing for that team?
Schelotto: If this project becomes a reality, definitely. But first there’s a lot of work to be done.
SI.com: There’s a big possibility that Juan Sebastián Verón and Martín Palermo could play in MLS soon — would you recommend it to them?
Schelotto: They are two very high-profile soccer players and they’ve done a lot of good for their teams. And yes, I would recommend them to play here because they are reaching the end of their careers, and it’s very difficult to enjoy playing soccer in Argentina like you can over here.
SI.com: Columbus is having a very good run, losing only once in its last eight matches. Does the team have what it takes to reach the playoffs?
Schelotto: If we continue to play like this, yes, it’s possible that we’ll qualify. I think our chances are 50-50, but it only depends on us.
SI.com: Rather surprisingly, you didn’t make the MLS All-Star team. Do you think you deserved to be there?
Schelotto: I’m not too sure what the selection criteria were for this. But I’m OK with the fact that I wasn’t chosen.
SI.com: MLS is definitely increasing in popularity, but what needs to be done for it to be considered one of the best leagues in the world in the future?
Schelotto: I think they have to administer the league better, and should try to further develop the ideas that they already have. They should carefully select the players that play in the league, both those they bring in from overseas, and the ones they select from their universities. Everyone has to work harder.
Gregory Sica
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