1BSPORTS 1B Sports June 15th Former Argentina international, former Riverbed & Monterrey coach Demi Kelis was interviewed by the Ass, focusing on the Riverbed rising star Mastantono who has been confirmed to join Real Madrid. While coaching the Riverbed, Demikelis allowed Mastantono, who was only 16 years and 5 months old, to make his debut at the Monument Stadium. He said he had told River Plate that Mastantono was a Real Madrid-level player.
What is your experience in working with Ramos?
Demikalis: “I called Ramos in person last year to bring him to the riverbed, and he was already a free agent. He listened to my proposal, thought about it for a while, and thanked me a few days later, but declined the offer. When he arrived at the riverbed, he was the first player I asked for. The club’s senior management made an attempt but failed. Ramos finally recognized Monterrey’s great efforts and accepted the challenge. It was a great honor to be able to coach him.”
Is Ramos still at the top level today?
Demikalis: “I have always said that Ramos is an extremely special case that deserves careful study. At the age of 39, he still maintains a rare physiological state. His muscle mass, strength, strength and speed are top-notch, but I especially want to emphasize his ambition and desire to win. Ramos is a perfect example of maintaining the strength of tactical literacy. His training style is admirable.”
What shocked you so much at Mastantono that he made his debut when he was so young?
Dimekelis: “Everything. In my first season in 2023, I heard the surname ‘Mastantono’ from time to time. I knew the kids from the U17 team at that time, but Mastantono was still playing in the lower age echelon. I had never seen him play or practiced. I sent someone I trusted, Eduardo Sbrisa to see him. After Sbrisa came back, he told me that people were not accurate about his excellence because he was actually better than those rumors. The next day, in October of that year, we called him to practice and he immediately surprised me.”
What is the most eye-catching thing about this young man?
Dimekelis: “His personality and maturity. He acts like an older player on and off the court. In my coaching philosophy, I respect the physiological functions and development laws of the body very much. In the preseason stage, we planned to gradually control his training load, but the reality is that he can not only fully withstand the physical requirements, but also is one of the most outstanding performers in this regard. ”
Did you hesitate at all?
Demikelis: “He is ready. After watching him train, I knew his time was here. The only thing that worries me so much is understanding the circumstances he is in, because I know what will follow when he takes the main stage. I asked Mastantono for his parents’ phone number. I spoke to them with the intention of reminding them and seeing if they were ready for what was coming because I revealed to them that I would have their son make their debut. I asked their help to work together to deal with the next events, and I felt that they were all very reasonable and humble. At this moment, I finally made up my mind. Only the last link is left to be dealt with. ”
What link?
Demikelis: “I talked to the management of River Plate, told them the news and gave them a suggestion. I met with club chairman Jorge Brito, vice chairman Patania and sports director Francescoli. I asked them how Mastantono was with the club and they told me everything was peaceful because he had a contract. At that time, the team had just sold Echeviri to Manchester City, and fans were angry that the club sold him too early. I don’t want the next diamond to slip through my fingers. ”
What was the penalty clause in Mastantono’s contract at that time?
Demikalis: “I don’t remember whether they told me five million or ten million euros at that time. That’s when I had to tell them the truth. I told them that Mastantono was going to make his debut that weekend and they had to urgently increase the termination fee. I told them that Mastantono will be more than a star player in the River Plate, he is also a Real Madrid-level player. I let them know that he will be much more valuable than the 25 million euros Manchester City paid for Echeviri. My words make it clear that Mastantono will play for Real Madrid in the future. So the management managed to raise the termination clause to €45 million, which is amazing because agents usually don’t accept such a high amount to avoid affecting the rapid sale of their players. ”
Why are you sure he is a Real Madrid-level player without playing in a minute of official games?
Demikalis: “What he shows in his training can predict his potential. Such talent is absolutely extraordinary. Please allow me to say something more exciting to me. On the last day before leaving the riverbed, when I hugged Mastantono, I said to him: ‘The next time I see you will be to see you playing in Real Madrid jerseysWaiting. ’”
What is your belief based on?
Dimekelis: “Based on his extraordinary qualities in the sport. He stuns you when you see Mastantono possessing the ball, dribbling over the opponent, facing the hand straight or taking a free kick, and he is so young but understands the game in an amazing way. However, the most striking thing is his intimidating personality. Pressure and responsibility cannot suppress him. He is not like a 17-year-old boy at all. This is absolutely incredible. ”
Where is his best position on the court?
Demikelis: “I put him on the right for most of his playing time. I like how he plays football there with his non-idiotically, but he can also be at the center position with ease, even on the left side. He is a very smart kid who knows how to understand the competition. ”
Are you worried about those comparisons starting to appear?
Demikalis: “Mastantono should not be compared to anyone, what needs to be done is to accompany his growth process and appreciate him. Maradona is Maradona, Messi is Messi, and Mastantono will become Mastantono. What he needs is care and companionship, not comparison. ”
Is he a player who can mark an era?
Demikalis: “He is doing this now as a minor. At the age of 16, he made his debut on behalf of River Plate and became the youngest player in the history of Argentina’s adult national team. As a teenager, he was sold for 45 million euros… Whether it is called the symbol of the times or any other title, he has shined in the football world now and has become a reality. ”