Leto and Itandje interviews

[Boca]

In his first interview in English football, Sebastian Leto talks to Liverpoolfc.tv about why he chose Merseyside and how it felt to finally don a red shirt. Liverpoolfc.tv: How do you feel to finally be here at Liverpool Football Club?

 

Sebastian Leto: I feel very happy indeed. It was a very proud moment when I played my first game in the Rotterdam Tournament. I'd been waiting a month for that moment, because I'd been training with the club before I got clearance to play.

 

When did you first hear of Liverpool's interest in you and were you surprised?

 

It was in January, and yes, I was extremely surprised, though of course very happy. I knew there was interest from a few European clubs, but I never imagined for a minute that an offer might come in from Liverpool.

 

There was reportedly interest from big South American clubs like River Plate. Was it a difficult decision to make, leaving your homeland for Europe at such a young age?

 

There were a number of offers in from Argentinian and Spanish clubs, but as soon as Liverpool expressed an interest, it became a very easy decision. It is one of the biggest clubs, and they are always playing for so many trophies. Liverpool has such a good image in Argentina – I was always aware of them as a kid. So, it wasn't too difficult.

 

There are a lot of Argentinians here already – was that a factor in your decision?

 

Yes, of course. Paletta, Insua and Mascherano are here. To know you are going to a club where there are people from your own country, that makes you more relaxed about things. I already knew Paletta because I've played against him in youth teams.

 

You knew about your move in January – how hard was it to concentrate on playing for Club Atletico Lanus in the meantime?

 

At first, people were saying my heart or my head was not in it, and this was difficult to hear, but after a few weeks, I managed to get over this and I was able to concentrate on my football.

 

What are your first impressions of Liverpool Football Club?

 

It's wonderful. It's one thing seeing games on TV, but to be here in person is really special. I came over earlier in the year to watch a game against Chelsea, and what stood out was the way the fans got behind the team. They were incredible - it blew me away.

 

Who's been helping you to settle in?

 

In particular, Paletta and Mascherano. They've been a great help in training, helping me to understand what's going on and what the manager wants. They've helped me adapt myself to the group.

 

What has Rafa told you about your role here?

 

He's talked about physical things in training, like what I'm doing well and what I need to improve on, but in terms of my role in the team, we've not spoken about that.

 

There are a lot of good left wingers at the club. How much do you know about them and how confident are you of breaking into the first team?

 

I didn't know too much about Babel and Kewell before I came here, but having seen them in training I am aware they have great ability. But I am up for the challenge and I have faith in my own ability.

 

A lot of South Americans have struggled to adapt to English football. How confident are you you've got what it takes to succeed here?

 

I am quite a direct player. I like to isolate a defender and beat him, and I like to get a shot in whenever I can, so I'm hoping this style of play will stand me in good stead.

 

There's a young Argentinian left-back at the club in Emiliano Insua – have you spoken about the prospect of forming a partnership down that side sometime in the future?

 

We've not spoken about this yet! We began to chat when we were in Holland and got to know each other a bit, but we haven't had that particular conversation at this stage.

 

What are your immediate goals here?

 

First of all to settle down at the club and in the city, and of course to learn the language quickly. Then I'll look to play as much as possible, and hopefully go on to achieve great things at the club.

 

Who are your footballing idols?

 

Maradona. He's the one.

 

What about here at Liverpool, what have you made of your teammates in training?

 

It was an honour to play alongside Steven Gerrard in Holland, even though he only came on in the second half. Also Sami Hyypia, because he has been a great player for this club. To train with these players, as well as the likes of Xabi Alonso and Jamie Carragher, is really good for my development.

 

Moving on to life off the pitch, how are you settling into the city?

 

I'm over here on my own at the moment, but in two weeks my girlfriend is coming over, which will be nice. I really like England, and Liverpool seems like a great place. The people are very friendly and everything is quite relaxed.

 

Have you had a chance to check out the Argentinian restaurant in town yet?

 

Not yet, but I've heard about it and am definitely going to check it out soon.

 

French goalkeeper Charles Itandje talks to Liverpoolfc.tv in his first interview since signing from Lens.

 

How do you feel to have signed for Liverpool Football Club?

 

I'm very happy to be at a great club like Liverpool.

 

Was it a difficult decision to leave France?

 

Yes, of course. Especially for my family, but we are here now.

 

Is it right you nearly signed for Liverpool six years ago?

 

Yes, and I thought about this when I signed on the dotted line last week. What happened? I came to training with the team. On the second day the coach asked me to sign. He wanted to see me in Dortmund when Liverpool were playing in the final of the UEFA Cup, but I didn't go because I'd already signed for Lens. It was a difficult decision.

 

How are you settling in to life at Liverpool?

 

It's early days but it's going well so far.

 

What has Rafa told you about your role here at Liverpool?

 

He's told me I have to be ready.

 

What do you know about Pepe Reina. He's a tough man to displace, isn't he?

 

He's a good goalkeeper, top class - I know that. It is a big challenge but my view is that anything is possible.

 

You had to fight for the number one jersey at Lens, but you did it. How confident are you that you can do the same here at Liverpool?

 

When I was supposed to come here six years ago, I preferred to stay in France because I wanted to get first-team experience. Now, I don't come to Liverpool with the same disposition. I've come here to try to get in the first team. I'm not the coach so I can't talk about when that will be, but that is my aim.

 

You've been here a week or so, what are your first impressions of the club?

 

It's a massive club, one of the biggest in the world. I knew that but being here has just emphasised that. What did I know about the club when I was back in France? Well, I knew they were always fighting for many cups, and I also knew they hadn't won the league for 17 years. Now is the time to change that.

 

Which players have helped you to settle in?

 

Momo Sissoko has been great, helping me settle in by telling me about the club, and as well about the city of Liverpool. I knew him beforehand because I met him one day in Paris.

 

I understand you are famous for dancing during penalty shoot-outs?

 

[Laughs] I did it maybe two or three years ago. I did it twice, and I saved the penalties.

 

Can we expect to see some of that at Liverpool?

 

I don't know, we'll have to wait and see, but you never know!

 

Liverpool has a great history for that kind of thing – are you aware?

 

Grobbelaar, of course. I've seen the shoot out against Roma in 1984. The kick went over the crossbar, didn't it? That was something great to try and it worked. Now everyone remembers it.

 

Did you see Jerzy Dudek in the 2005 Champions League final?

 

What impressed me was not what Dudek did, it was the team and the mentality. I saw 16 players playing with their hearts.

 

Do you dream of emulating those goalkeepers and one day playing in a Champions League final?

 

I'm not dreaming. I am here at Liverpool, a massive club, so why shouldn't I play in such a final.

 

Who are your role models in the game?

 

If I had to choose one goalkeeper it would be Bernard Lama, who played for PSG.

[The Hitman]

Bernard Lama?

Bloody hell,get rid.

[Stevie H]

lama was a massively popular figure in french football. mainly for being able to be a good 'keeper while stoned off his thrups.

[Guest PaulMcC]

Lama was terrible.

[The Hitman]

Llama always got the hump.

[Hieronymus Bosch]

Is it right you nearly signed for Liverpool six years ago?

 

Yes, and I thought about this when I signed on the dotted line last week. What happened? I came to training with the team. On the second day the coach asked me to sign. He wanted to see me in Dortmund when Liverpool were playing in the final of the UEFA Cup, but I didn't go because I'd already signed for Lens. It was a difficult decision.

 

You've been here a week or so, what are your first impressions of the club?

 

It's a massive club, one of the biggest in the world. I knew that but being here has just emphasised that. What did I know about the club when I was back in France? Well, I knew they were always fighting for many cups, and I also knew they hadn't won the league for 17 years. Now is the time to change that.

 

 

I want nothing more than for him to have actually said that...

[Guest RedIsMyColour]

I really hope Leto does well. From the brief game I saw him play in, he seemed very graceful on the ball and had fantastic technique.

[Leo No.8]

I really hope Leto does well. From the brief game I saw him play in, he seemed very graceful on the ball and had fantastic technique.

 

I know he was playing against pretty modest opposition, but I really liked the look of Leto in that game.

 

He was more than a little Berger-esque...

[Guest Linton]

Lama? I can understand he was popular but he wasn't that great. But who cares? He will never take Reinas place anyway. No chance.

[DazzlaJ]

Lama? I can understand he was popular but he wasn't that great. But who cares? He will never take Reinas place anyway. No chance.

 

Injuries might have a say in that though