Kendall Waston is one of the most experienced and important voices of the Costa Rican national team.. With his more than 1.90 meters tall, he not only imposes security in defense, but also respect against rivals. Now, La Sele will have to clash against three difficult opponents to achieve an epic qualification for the 2022 World Cup. The Saprissa leader is confident of achieving a new sporting feat. “We still have possibilities and the good thing is that we depend on ourselves”he said in an exclusive interview with the newspaper AS.
Do you see yourself as a starter in the final stretch of CONCACAF Qualifying?
Yes, one always stays positive. You practice and work hard for it. Here the main thing is that we are all 100% to contribute to the selection.
Why did Costa Rica take too long to react?
I do not know. It is a pity that we are in these instances in this way, knowing that perhaps we could have taken advantage of some points at home, but we still have possibilities and the good thing is that we depend on ourselves.
What is your assessment of Canada, El Salvador and the United States, the last rivals to attend the 2022 World Cup?
Canada has raised their level a lot and they are also very motivated. It has players in very good leagues, it’s not like 10 years ago where many were soccer players from local leagues. He has evolved a lot in his football and is in a great moment. El Salvador is a seasoned team and much has been speculated about calling up the same players. That is not important because any footballer who is going to represent his country will do it in the best way. We know the United States and we know everything that it represents. It is a team that wants to qualify for the World Cup, since in the past they were left out. We cannot trust any of them.
Is it an advantage to close stores in San José?
Advantage only if we take advantage of it. In this first game against Canada we have to win it no matter what and go to El Salvador to fight because we know that it is a very complicated field and even more so that the game will be in the afternoon. Finally we close with the United States, which we know is a classic in the region.
Should Luis Fernando Suárez continue as Tico helmsman beyond what happens in March?
The truth is that we as players remember him, we feel very comfortable with him. Since they arrived (the coaching staff) they have involved very positive things in the group: certain freedoms and responsibilities on the field, which all players must assume. I don’t see why you have to go. Nor is it something that is talked about right now. I think the only way for that to happen (continuity) is for us to back it up with good results.
What has Suárez given to the team?
Attitude. Obviously, each coach has his game scheme, his way of working and seeing the game. However, he has brought different things to his coaching staff, which we see in the warm-ups with the coach, who tries to train us mentally. Those are the bonuses that we have acquired.
Can you dream of the 2022 World Cup?
Of course. I dream it, I dream it every day.
You also have a World Cup experience like Russia 2018. What memories do you have?
Very good and bitter. Because one always wants to play everything. At first I didn’t have to start, but in the last game, despite the fact that we didn’t have the chance to qualify for the next phase, I was able to achieve my childhood dream of playing in a World Cup and also scoring a goal.
However, I imagine it would have been very hard not to attend Brazil 2014, an event where Costa Rica made history by being among the 8 best in the world…
Yes, it was very hard not being able to attend, but it was a great lesson. That helped me mature, to see certain shortcomings on which I had to continue working and to know that things were not going to come to me for free, but that I had to fight for them.
Did coach Jorge Luis Pinto explain to you why he didn’t take you to the 2014 World Cup?
No never. It was just her decision. He made the determination to choose the most suitable for that moment. I will always respect the decision of any coach.
“I was able to achieve my childhood dream of playing in a World Cup and also scoring a goal.”
Kendall Watson
Speaking of respecting decisions, What is your opinion of the resignation of the young Manfred Ugalde?
The truth is that I don’t like to refer to personal situations, because everyone has their own way of seeing things and thinking. I would simply tell him that I would not give up the selection.
Do you think that Ugalde buried his international career with Costa Rica?
No. He has a lot ahead of him and one has to know that football is about moments and anything can happen. Only time will tell.
What is it like to share a dressing room with Keylor Navas, Bryan Ruíz and Celso Borges?
They are great leaders who always try to train at the highest level and to a degree of excellence. Since I joined the national team I have always admired them; although I have played with Celso since I was 17 years old. As for Keylor and Bryan, I admire them as teammates and I admire what they accomplished in their careers. They have managed to mark history where they have passed.
Do you think that Joel Campbell can still contribute more to La Sele?
I think we can all contribute more, not just Joel. I am clear about his level, he has helped us a lot. When Joel has the ball he does unmatched things, in which he brings out the magic in him. He makes us enjoy and enjoy football. When Joel is on, we benefit.
And what else can you contribute to Costa Rica?
I can continue to provide leadership, security and above all defend well, that is my job. And if I’m on offense, I’ll try to score goals.