SOLANO REAFFIRMS DESIRE TO STAY by Adam Marshall

NOLBERTO SOLANO has insisted he is happy at Newcastle United, and played down the supposed rift with manager Bobby Robson. Magpies boss Robson has criticised the Peruvian for putting his country above his club commitments, and matters have come to a head after the midfielder declared his determination to continue participating at international level.

Barcelona and Deportivo La Coruna have been credited with an interest in the wide man, although these reports have only emerged in England and not Spain, and the 26-year-old is quick to dismiss talk that his St James' Park career is drawing to a close.

Indeed, Solano has been busy learning English as he bids to complete his acclimatisation to life on Tyneside.

"After four years in England, I am already much more adapted," he stated. "The experience is very important in an important league like this and, in addition, after a long time, there was good weather in Newcastle for the first time! That is what was needed!

"It is spoken of a possibility of going to Deportivo La Coruna and of an interest from Barcelona. I am in one of the best leagues in Europe, and therefore the world, so I am not hoping to go to Spain or Italy.

"It was also spoken of the possibility of going to Real Madrid or Parma, but I am calm, I renewed my contract and, until there is anything official, I want to remain and win something with Newcastle."

When asked if this was the truth, Solano replied: "Yes, I am very thankful to this club and I want to repay them with my effort, for that reason I do not want to hurry things.

"When an offer arrives that is beneficial for the club and me, we will think about it. But this is one of the most solid clubs in Europe and, in a normal game, we have 50,000 people in the stadium, and yet we have not been champions for 30 years.

"It would be great to win something and enter history.

"There are no problems with Bobby Robson. It was all a novel that he fed the press because he likes to joke.

"He is naturally annoyed but I said to him that it is my country and I have ambitions with them, like going to the World Cup, although we are far off, but while there are possibilities I will continue coming.

"My dream now is to go to the World Cup."

As for his desire to learn the language, English rather than Geordie, the South American is still keen to further his education.

"The first year I had to learn some English by necessity and I did listen simply," he stressed. "Later, I realised only an idiot would be there three years and not know the language, so I committed myself to learning it.

"You are working in a country that is not yours and you must know the language so, for that reason, I have classes for two hours daily with a teacher, and now that I return I will retake these.

"Still I do not speak it perfectly but I am understanding more."

Solano, speaking to the Peruvian press, also clarified the situation regarding his passport, amidst claims in the British press that he has acted improperly in acquiring the correct documentation.

"I have always played as a Peruvian and the Greek passport I only use for comfort to be able to transfer between all the countries, without having to request special permission," he reiterated.

"There was much scandal in the sensationalist press in England but Uefa clarified everything and I never had a problem."

-- Anonymous, September 04, 2001

Answers

Only 30 years ?

So his English is okay, just his maths needs working on now

-- Anonymous, September 04, 2001

Ancient history might be more appropriate...and an interest in science fiction if he stays with us ;-)

-- Anonymous, September 04, 2001

I think the 30 years is a result of the Tact and Diplomacy unit in the English course he's doing. :-)

-- Anonymous, September 04, 2001

I suspect he's in for a rude awakening.

-- Anonymous, September 04, 2001

If BR decides to sell Solano over this club v country row, I think it could be the begining of the end for the manager. Nobby has the right to represent his country, Robson dosen't have the right to deny him this right.

-- Anonymous, September 04, 2001

AND ... As manager of the club Robson has the right to pick the team he wishes, buy the players he sees fit (or injured), and sell the players he sees fit. No player has the right to expect to be picked or retained just because he's good enough to play for his country.

It hasn't happened yet (and I can't belive I'm tempting fate !) but say Solano gets an injury while playing for Peru, keeps him out till Xmas, now then I think we'd see an angry Bobby Robson.

-- Anonymous, September 04, 2001

So who should we buy when Bobby completes his 'practical joke' against Nobby?

I can't actually think of anyone I would want, who would be within our reach for £10mm. I can see Bassedas playing on the right wing before long - ie. the lop-sided left formation!

-- Anonymous, September 04, 2001

The simple fact is that Nobby is way out of order in what he has said.

On Sky Sports he said "Bobby Robson cannot stop me going out to play for Peru. If Peru want me then I will play." (Or words to that effect)

If he made an agreement not to go out to play for Peru in exchange for an increased wage, then surely he has to stand by it?

Is this lack of respect for the manager reciprocated throughout the entire squad?

-- Anonymous, September 04, 2001

Also, who said there is anything wrong with a lop sided squad?

Remember 5-0 against Man Utd? Our midfield was comprised of Ginola, Beardsley, Lee and Batty, we only used the left wing - Shearer knocked in a few crosses from the right but we didn't have an out and out right winger. Put Dyer in the Beardsley role - or even on right wing - and it will be fine IMO.

-- Anonymous, September 04, 2001

Only two problems there Paul:

- Dyer is injured, and some way off playing again.
- BR has said he intends playing Dyer exclusively in central m/f when he's fit.

-- Anonymous, September 04, 2001

Bobby is entitled to make his own selections - he is the manager.

However, IMO, Dyer is not a central midfielder.

If he plays in the middle, it can only be behind a PAIR of strikers, not just one.

This leaves the midfield very narrow and means the wingers have to come inside more often than they'd like, meaning the full backs have more ground to cover as they're left open.

Sorry if I've went on a bit there, but I just think Dyer is a winger or maybe a wing back if we were going for 3-5-2.

If he was in centre mid, who would your choice to partner him be?

-- Anonymous, September 05, 2001

Don't get me wrong Paul - I actually agree with you. Can't see him playing central m/f because he just isn't strong enough. I'd play him on the right wing, as you have suggested.

-- Anonymous, September 05, 2001