Alejandro Hohberg on Alianza Lima: "The discipline issue was fundamental"

By: Kenyi Peña Andrade

If we dust off the installments and review the history of Peruvian soccer, we would say that because of the drive he shows in every play, Alejandro Hohberg seems more like a player made for 'U' than for Alianza. If we press play on YouTube and watch the remarkable long-distance goals he scored with the blanquiazul team, we should have no doubts that his technique is compatible with the Alianza DNA. Alejandro is not Magno, but with his important goals, he contributed to the intimate title in the Opening and to being closer and closer to becoming national champions after 11 years.

— Last year you were fighting relegation, now you're fighting for the title. Did the sudden change affect you?

The change was violent but very good, as I always aspired to join a big team.

— How did you end up at Alianza?

I came because of Pablo Bengoechea. The most complicated part was terminating the contract with Vallejo, but the coach knew how to wait for me to solve the issue and had patience.

— Is it true that you were close to joining 'U'?

There was supposedly interest and inquiries from 'U', but no one directly contacted me.

— Would you play for Universitario in the future?

I'm happy at Alianza, today I can't talk about what will happen in the future.

— I noticed you were anxious in your first few matches with Alianza, what was it due to?

In the first five or six matches, everything went well except for scoring goals, and that caused me a slump and a lot of anxiety.

— You started as a starter, then as a substitute, and now you're starting again...

If at that time the coach thought I shouldn't start, then that's fine.

— Do you consider yourself the player of important goals?

The label doesn't bother me and I take it with tranquility. I scored decisive goals in matches that seemed lost, and that marks you with the people.

— The play for your goal to make it 1-0 against Cristal called for a cross, but you shot instead. How did you decide that?

When I received the ball, I saw myself quite far from the goal. Then I shot without looking at the goal. I also took into account that [the goalkeeper] Viana plays advanced.

— Was it the best goal of your career?

No. It was a good goal, but I stick with one I scored with Vallejo against Sao Paulo in the Libertadores and another one with Alianza against UTC.

— Was the match against Cristal the best game Alianza played this year?

I don't know if it was the best, but it was a good game from the team. I don't consider that by making 10 passes, you play well; and if you don't, you play poorly. They used to say that we won by chance, but those things didn't affect us.

— How difficult is it to adapt to the rotation system?

It's complicated because everyone wants to play all the time, but the coach is the one who makes the decisions and we have that clear, without any doubt.

— Is the experience of the squad the strong point?

Having teammates with experience is good. However, if we lose, they will claim that they are old and can't run. The result makes things look better.

— What was the key to not getting complacent?

We haven't achieved anything more than half of the main objective. We take it match by match, because if we don't win, the criticisms will come again.

— What is the great merit of Pablo Bengoechea?

The discipline he imposed was fundamental, and that was clear to us from the first day we got together. Each one knows what they have to do, and if we do it, we will do well.

— Were you excited to participate in the last double match of the World Cup Qualifiers?

Above all, I am Peruvian and I am happy for the great moment of the national team. Those who are called up are the best and the ones who deserve to be there.

— Why didn't Gareca call you back?

I don't question the fact of not being there. I see that it's not my turn to be there and surely something is missing. I just have to strive harder.

— How do you think Peru will do against Argentina?

Argentina is in an unusual position. They bring us to the Bombonera because they know very well that Peru plays well.