Orange Talk - Coco Carrasquilla (English Transcript)
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
Yesterday we got a chance to speak to Houston Dynamo midfielder Coco Carrasquilla. If you would like to hear the interview, in Spanish, the audio is available on our podcast feed. Below is the interview, translated into English.
BCS: HOUSTON! Welcome to a new segment of Bayou City Soccer. My name is Rudy Segura and today we have a special episode for all of you as we are being accompanied by Adalberto "Coco" Carrasquilla.
Coco, thank you so much for being here with us.
Coco: Thank you for having me.
BCS: What a year have you Coco had and its only August. There's a lot to talk about. This season the team has looked very different from last year. More competitive. Fighting in all tournaments played. How would you describe the difference in the locker room when it comes to spirit and mentality in 2023?
Coco: I think that everything has been very positive. Because it has been a club in which things haven’t been going right for a good number of years now. But I think that there are players here that want to change that history, we want to compete like we have been doing and we believe that we can achieve important things.
BCS: We've seen you play different roles under coach Ben Olsen. But how has playing with Hector and Artur helped you this season in midfield?
Coco: Hector and Artur have helped me a lot, as they are players who provide a lot of confidence, in which we try to play soccer and control possession. I think that playing alongside Hector, he has given us a lot this season both inside and outside of the field. He is always accessible for anything that we might need off the pitch. And we hope that the chemistry continues and that we can finish off the season better than we are now.
BCS: Talking about different roles, we've seen you play winger sometimes. Iis that a position you've played before? And how do you think the coach thinks you can help the team in that position?
Coco: Well, this is the first time that I have played many games out wide. In all honesty, I had never played more than 2 games in a season as a winger. But I am here to help the team and I think that coach Ben Olsen provides me with the best information of what he needs from me in that role. It is a completely different position that I am used to, and I know that I am limited in some of the things that my style of play is, but I do my best to help the team in anyway I can. And I think that that has been my biggest change in mentality in 2023, as I have been asked to play that position. Since being given this new position, I have taken this opportunity as a personal challenge and motivation to be able to grow as a soccer player.
BCS: This weekend we will know who the winner of the Leagues Cup 2023 will be. Houston left the tournament in a difficult way, but what did you think of the tournament and having the opportunity to play against strong Mexican teams like Santos Laguna and Pachuca?
Coco: I feel that it was a great tournament and a very good experiment for both leagues, to see the levels between them. And I think this was a very competitive tournament, in which I hope from here on out, that it will gain more traction in the region.
BCS: There have been many rumors about teams seeking your service. I know your only goal is to help the team make the playoffs right now. But knowing that teams are interested, does that give you a boost knowing that your hard work is being noticed?
Coco: Yes, I think hearing rumors motivates me to work harder and see what the future holds. But all that work is driven to help the club now. Therefore, I know that right now I am staying in Houston, but if something arises, we will look at it and decide but no matter where it is, I must be fit and in form. Currently, I just need to be ready for what Houston needs and help the club meet the goals we set ourselves in the beginning of the year.
BCS: If I'm not mistaken, baseball is the biggest sport in Panama. In the Gold Cup you were a vital player to help Panama reach the final. I'm sure many kids in Panama and around the world now look up to you as the sport continues to grow globally. But who did you admire on the Panamanian national team as a kid?
Coco: Growing up I didn’t really watch soccer. However, as I became more passionate about soccer, I remember that it wasn’t until I was 13 or 14 years old, that I started to focus on Anibal Godoy. He was different because he was a very dynamic player, and it was the profile that I wanted to like. Since then and now, I admire him a lot and today I’ve gotten the opportunity to play next to him and he is my favorite player.
BCS: Panama was a couple of minutes away from extending the match against Mexico in the final. But what are your conclusions from Panama's big performance in the Gold Cup and being named the tournament's most valuable player?
Coco: As a nation, we need to continue to learn. We were very close to winning the tournament and this should motivate us and continue to grow, so that all of Panama can see that we have a lot to offer in soccer. I was happy to receive the individual award, but I would have loved to lift the trophy with my teammates. So that just means we must keep working so that one day, Panama can win finals and earn trophies in which I think is really needed so that the country can make changes towards becoming a soccer country in Panama.
BCS: Your role with Panama seems to be that of a central midfielder to create plays; similar to what Hector Herrera has played throughout his career. Does he give you any advice as you continue to sharpen your tools? Or does he ask you for advice, being the best midfielder in CONCACAF?
Coco: No, nothing like that. Me and Hector are always communicating in and out of the soccer field. Always looking for the best interest of the team. I just listen to Hector, because he is very knowledgeable in the role he plays. Seeing the game from a deeper position than me, he can guide me on how I should attack or defend as needed. However, if I see something that I can help him or something that we need to improve, I do give him my suggestions, not just to him but to Artur as well.
BCS: The 2026 World Cup is only a few years away, they will fly by, but does knowing that there are a good number of tickets at stake help Panama stay focused to work towards entering that tournament and I'm sure they would love to be a part of that competition?
Coco: Definitely, I think next year in 2024, things will start to go fast since we will begin the qualification process. And I know that many of us players who haven’t played in a world cup will be hungry to make that tournament. You are right, there are more spots available, so there is a bigger chance to make it, but because of that the rest of the nations will be greatly motivated to make it, especially the ones who haven’t qualified in a long time, therefore we can’t be overconfident, and we must continue working hard to earn qualification and to compete in the World Cup 2026.
BCS: Well, Coco, any words you have for Houston Dynamo fans as they enter the final stretch of the regular season?
Coco: I want to motivate the fan base to continue to support us. That we believe that this season will have a good ending, as we work hard to bring happiness to the faithful Dynamo fans that truly deserve it. And having their support will be fundamental as the season whines down, especially at home. So yeah, we hope to see you guys out there supporting us the rest of the season.
BCS: Thank you so much again Coco for being here today with Bayou City Soccer. We wish you all the best for the rest of the season and maybe we can talk later.
Coco: Thank you so much!
