TRISTAN SAD ABOUT MISSING THE PERU MATCH

"I am very sad because I wasn't called up to the national team”.

These were the words spoken by Deportivo striker Diego Tristan as he

was left out of the Spanish squad to face Peru in a friendly in

preparation for the EURO 2004 tournament. Tristan, who was Pichichi

of the Liga two seasons ago, has scored just six competition goals

this season and his current lack of form and inspiration cost him

the place in Inaki Saez’ squad.


To be left out of the Spanish side to face Peru has been a blow to

the striker who just cannot regain the form that he showed in his

first season at Deportivo, the form that made him on of the most

beloved and spectacular players in Europe. Tristan's excellent

performance two seasons ago helped him to be a regular in the

Spanish national team, but his injury at the World Cup in Korea

cost him dearly. He lost his place at Deportivo to Roy Makaay and

the Dutchman became Europe's Golden Boot winner. This season could

have been his opportunity to make headlines again. But now the

excellent season start of Pandiani and the efficiency of Luque have

again occupied the spotlights.


"Everybody knows that it bothers me very much to be left out of the

Spanish side in the last matches", the Andalusian forward explains.

Still, he is confident that Inaki Saez will call him up again: "For

me it is a very unfortunate situation. But the coach has always

trusted me and I hope that he continues to do so". For that reason,

Tristan is working hard all the time, assuring that he will be in

excellent physical form when Saez needs him again.


Tristan knows that the way to Portugal is linked to his performance

at Deportivo. "Right now I am concerned to score more goals for

Deportivo and achieve some great results with the team. I hope to

reach a better form soon. The most important aspect for the national

coach is to play good at the club", the striker emphasized. Hinting

at the recent lack of goals on his behalf, Tristan admitted "it's

clear that I could have made more out of some opportunities. But I don't

consider it to be a big problem. I must be patient because the goals

will come."


About some of the fans disapproving his games and taunting during

the matches, Tristan said that he isn't bothered by them because they

are not representative and because most fans still like him. "The fans

have always loved me. I know that I haven't played very good lately.

But these phases are very normal in football. Everybody goes through

such phases", the forward concluded.