Leandro Cabreradefense of Espanyol, was first booked for the Uruguayan National Team older in the first list of Diego Alonso. The defender spoke in “Ambassadors of the goal” (RadioSport 890) Y He said he felt «very proud and happy» for the chance. The Uruguayan defender referred to his arrival in the Uruguayan National Team. Spanish Press
At 30 years old, Cabrera was not considered by the coaching staff of Master Óscar Washington Tabárez, but he appeared on the reserve list of the «Tornado». “It’s not that I didn’t expect it anymore, but it was a bit difficult because of how the subject came about. Whenever the coach changes, one renews illusions. Luckily I was able to get on this list, ”he indicated.
Cabrera said that it was Darío Rodríguez, Alonso’s assistant, who called him to inform him that he would be among the 50 reserved for the double date of the South American Qualifiers where Uruguay will face Paraguay and Venezuela. “He called me the day before to tell me that they were looking at me, to know that I was under observation and the next day the list came out and my name was on it,” he commented.
He also indicated that he never had a talk with the previous coaching staff of the Uruguayan National Team, and confessed that at some point in his career he waited for the summons or, at least, a reservation like the one that touched him on this occasion. “I have felt at a very high level before, and being younger, and it did not happen. I don’t question it much either, they are national teams, it happens everywhere that coaches have their way of seeing football. One never summons players thinking that they are worse than others. Over the years, they will have quoted thinking that I was not up to the level or they would not like the way I play and it is totally respectable. I always stayed on my line, playing in very high-level leagues and personally I don’t blame myself for anything, I never lowered my arms or my guard. In the end they are decisions. I am very happy with the career I am doing, regardless of going to the National Team or not; I don’t think I’m a better or worse player for that. So now I am calm with what has happened and with the illusion of what may come to come, ”he expressed.
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In his 13th season in European football, Cabrera pointed out that he has learned a lot over the years playing in the Old Continent. For example, he indicated that he always stood out for his aerial game, his coverage and his aggressiveness. “It’s something that was difficult for me to demonstrate in the First Division, I was in the Second Division for a long time and I was lucky enough to meet José Bordalás and he made me enhance my aggressiveness, defensive actions and forcefulness. Without leaving all this aside, now I have Vicente Moreno as a coach at Espanyol, who demands much more of me with the ball than what they demanded of me before. And to the defensive tasks we must add handing the ‘half a round’ ball to those in front of me. In general, I have felt good, I have been feeling good, I try not to complicate my life too much, and concentrate on defending and neutralizing”, said “Lele”.
Regarding the possibility of sharing a squad with the stars of La Celeste and if that generated something special for him despite having been playing in European football, he said that he has been able to face many of them and that he felt it as a motivation. “It is obvious that it is a very competitive team, that over the years the group has proven to be at the highest level in the world. The opportunity or consideration that they put you next to those names is a satisfaction and pride. I respect all of them as rivals, and if tomorrow they can be teammates, I will have the same respect and admiration for everything they have achieved in the national team for so many years, ”he said.
📋 𝙍𝙀𝙎𝙀𝙍𝙑𝘼𝘿𝙊𝙎
reserve list of @AlonsoDT for the next double date of Qualifiers.
🆚🇵🇾 (1/27)
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– Uruguayan National Team (@Uruguay) January 7, 2022