Adelaide United’s Argentine star Marcos Flores freely admits his love for afternoon siestas, but when it comes to hitting the pitch, he’s living a dream.
Adelaide United’s Argentine star Marcos Flores freely admits his love for afternoon siestas, but when it comes to hitting the pitch, he’s living a dream that started when he touched down in Adelaide 10 months ago.
Flores revealed his dream includes plenty of success for United on the horizon as well as a burning desire to help the Reds become the greatest team in Australia.
The creative playmaker said he believes everyone can realise their dreams and for United, taking out the Hyundai A-League crown this season – just a year after winning the club’s first wooden spoon – is something Flores and his team-mates are ‘dying’ to achieve.
“My life here is great now, I’ve adapted very well and I’m very happy,” Flores said.
“I’m living the dream that I had when I arrived. First I wanted to adapt and then make sure this team is important for the league. Then, be the best team in Australia. I want to win every game. I always tell the boys, we have two options: to win or to win.”
“And we can win the league, nothing is impossible. Everyone in the world can fulfil their dreams and we have a dream and that is to win the league. Anything can happen and we will die trying.”
The Reds remain undefeated heading into week 11 of the campaign and are on the verge of a record 13 consecutive games without a loss – dating back to Flores’ debut game, a 2-0 win against Brisbane Roar at Hindmarsh Stadium in the penultimate round of last season.
While Flores is aware the Reds are yet to lose a domestic match with him in the side, he also knows the winning streak will come to an end eventually.
The Argentine boldly stated though, the team that wants to snap this record-breaking run will have to be willing to go farther than ‘ever before’ to claim United’s scalp.
“I know one day this record will end. I don’t have a problem with that,” he said.
“But this team that beats us are going to have to run more than us and play better than us. They will have to leave the field dead because we will do everything we can to win.”
“But we’re not going to lose just to lose. This team that comes to take the points from us and this record, will have to be some team and do more than ever before.”
The philosophical South American is always quick to pay tribute to every member of the squad, clearly displaying a team first attitude.
His confidence and belief in his team-mates is unrivalled and his love for the team cannot be denied.
“A team needs these things to finish as champions: heart, quality, skill and a little bit of luck,” he said.
“That luck helps you get the three points when you didn’t think could get it. As a team, we are focussing on the heart and the quality and skill. We don’t depend on luck, we depend on each other and our hearts and our ability.”
The midfield maestro admitted he is flattered by claims of his genius and calls that he is the Reds’ ‘saviour.’
But Flores humbly states he is just another player in a well oiled machine.
“I’m just another Red. I don’t believe when fans tell me I’m God or the best player. I don’t believe it either when they tell me I’m the worst player,” he quipped.
“I know what I can give to the team. I thank the people for their nice words and how they care for me, it makes me very happy and motivates me every day.”
“But, with the team I want to make people smile every time we hit the field. I know that I help the team and I want to continue to help the team.”
Flores has found the back of the net on two occasions this season, both contenders for goal of the year, but the No. 10 conceded the goals wouldn’t have appeared as special if United hadn’t won both games.
“The most important is scoring and winning. It doesn’t help the team if I beat five players and score and we lose 5-1. It doesn’t matter if I score from halfway or a metre out, what matters is winning.”
The 24 year-old, who will have his birthday later this month, is eagerly awaiting a visit from his family, with his mother and sister due to arrive in Adelaide in December.
Flores said he will have to explain some of the changes he has gone through – the differences in culture and the Australian lifestyle but admitted he still cannot live without his siesta.
“A man can change most things. He can change his car, he can change his girlfriend or his house. But you can’t change your passion and I unfortunately have a passion for the siesta,” he joked.
