La Challenge Cup est offerte à tout le monde. Une opportunité incroyable pour obtenir un titre en un mois quand il se gagne sur une saison. Vero Boquete, internationale espagnole passée avec bonheur par le PSG, le sait. Son background de joueuses internationales est une carte pour Utah qui aurait dû recevoir Bouhaddi et Marozsan, pour le prendre, même si sa capitaine Christen Press, comme la plupart des internationales américaines, n’y sera pas. 

La joueuse, première espagnole à gagner la Women’s Champions League en 2015, a voyagé de par le Monde pour pratiquer au plus haut niveau, sa passion et son talent. Suède avec Tyresö et une finale de la WCL, USA, Russie, Allemagne et le gain du trophée européen avec Frankfurt contre le PSG (2015), France avec le PSG, Chine, leader de l’Equipe nationale espagnole, voilà ses réalités professionnelles.

Joueuse offensive, elle mord à pleine dents dans ce Monde qui se construit. Positive, déterminée à utiliser le détail qui peut faire gagner ; c’est sur son coup franc direct que Utah revient en fin de match (82′, 2-3) face au Houston Dash qui avait scoré trois fois sur un doublé de l’internationale anglaise Rachel Daly en deux minutes (45’+1, 47′).

Les joueuses du coach anglais Harrington, autodidacte diplômé en cinéma, proche d’être celui des deux lyonnaises, Sarah Bouhaddi et Dzsenifer Marozsan, sont à l’image du football féminin : « ne jamais rien lâcher ! ».

Interview de Véro Boquete (ex-PSG de 2016-2018) qui avec ses 33 ans, sait précisément ce qu’est la réussite dans ce sport.

Lesfeminines.fr What’s your feeling to play the tournament during this period Covid-19? It gives a good chance to everyone, win the trophy.

Vero Boquete : First of all, it’s just great to be able to be on the field and playing again. This 2020 is a crazy and weird year but at least we have this tournament and we can compete.

We just had 3-4 weeks to train together as a team and prepare for this tournament so is unclear who will be more well prepare. Probably, the teams that have the same coach and same players for the last years they have a advance, but this is a tournament with a World Cup format so any team can win.

Preparation, fitness, injuries, details in the games… everything can make differences.

What a first match ! When you score the second goal, it seems you’re sure to score this free kick ! Can you tell us your feeling at this moment? 

Vero Boquete : It’s been an importante goal for the team because the 3-2 made us to be back on the game and believe. It’s always great to score and help the team so well obviously I was so happy.

You are 33. A long international experience (Spain, Thorns, Tyreso, Frankfurt, Bayern, PSG, China, and now Utah). What kinds of skills are needed to be successful for a team? 

Vero Boquete : It’s not easy to play in different countries and leagues and be successful. For me, some of the keys are adaptability and resilience; to adapt to different cultures, languages, style of playing, methodology… My passion for this sport and the ambition to get better everyday helps me in everywhere.

At the end of the tournament during one month, will you still be paid by the club ? Are you free after ?

Vero Boquete : In theory our season will be over in November but with this COVID-19 situation we don’t know. We know we will get our full salaries and soon we will know if we are free to go after the tournament.

Sarah Bouhaddi and Dzsenifer Marozsan should sign to Utah. Now, they extend their contracts with Lyon. Could you say to us the feeling to play in the USA. 

Vero Boquete : USA give you the chance to play in a very competitive league because every team is good and every game is difficult and tough. Also, the league and the conditions are very professional so players are treated really well. And you have the life experience that is always a interesting part.

Last question. You win a Women’s Champions League in 2015 against PSG. The WCL 2020 plays in Spain. Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Olympique Lyonnais, Paris Saint Germain, Arsenal, Wolfsburg, Bayern, Glasgow. What’s your favorite ? 

Vero Boquete : Well, I think Lyon and Wolfsburg are always favorites but this is a special champions, nock out games and in a short time so everything can happen.

If I have to pick a team… I will go with PSG.

You have a free and smart open mind. What do you want to do after soccer ? And what do you dream for soccer in the future.

Vero Boquete : I want to be a professional coach. Women’s soccer is growing and It has a great future. We need more women involve and do all that we can to accelerate the process.

Vero Boquete, professional football player.

William Commegrain Lesfeminines.fr