These days it is almost impossible to talk about PSV and not think about Mexico. Several Mexicans have played in Eindhoven succesfully, and the last one – Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano – has become so popular in under 10 matches only that it’s time to ask a Mexican fan about life at the other side of the ocean, his thoughts on PSV and more.
Hi Martin, thank you for taking time for this interview. Can you introduce yourself in short?
Hello, my name is Martin ‘Flavio’ Catalan, I am 34 years of age, born in Taxco de Alar con Guerrero in Mexico. I live in Santa Rosa with my beautiful wife Magda Patricia Osorio and our two children: Mía Ailen and Iker Zuriel.
So how did you get to know about PSV?
I got to know about PSV when Andrés Guardado came to this club. At the time, I did not know that Maza Rodríguez had played for PSV as well, I only knew that Carlos Salcido did.
How have you stayed up to date ever since?
I started watching PSV games since Andrés Guardado joined PSV. It is difficult to see PSV games here in Mexico, you have to pay to watch them and on the internet the quality is very bad. So I usually follow the club through YouTube, Facebook and by watching Mexican sports programs on weekends, such as Acción, La Jugada and Más Deporte. There is a section of the program where they talk about players in Europe, like ‘Chucky’ Lozano, ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, Andrés Guardado, Héctor Moreno, Héctor Herrera, ‘Tecatito Corona’ and more.
What are your thoughts on PSV as a club?
PSV is a very good club, I really like the fact that they love our Mexican players, and their style of football is very offensive and defensive at the same time. They do not have to change anything, the team is complete. ‘Chucky’ is already signed and I think that they will keep him at the club for as long as possible.
Family appeared to be very important for the Mexicans who played for PSV. Is that typical for other Mexicans as well?
Family is very important, you always have to be united. My family is not an exemplary family, but I try to always always be good with them. They deserve the best and I try to give them the best. I always try to be a good father and give the best example to my children, so that they grow up with a good concept of a father. Some families here in Mexico are not united. I’ve noticed that many have problems with each other and I think that shouldn’t be the case. We all must help each other.
Very well spoken. What is your favorite team in Mexico?
Well, there are many good teams here in Mexico. But my heart is definitely with Atlas Fútbol Club. It’s a small club, but when they play, they play with all their heart. Rafael Márquez is still my idol, and ofcourse Andrés Guardado these days. At Atlas, everybody works together in creating chances and to score goals. A cousin of mine also played for them, I supported him financially. Unfortunately there were some problems at the club, and he had to go home.
You know, life here in Mexico is tough. I had another cousin who played for Deportivo Toluca F.C. and Club América. He also had to go home because there wasn’t enough money to keep him at the club. To play football in Mexico, on a professional level, you need to invest a lot of money. I bought shoes and clothes for my cousins to support them, but it wasn’t enough. Now they are married and they work normal jobs to support their family. They only play football for a hobby now.
Who are Atlas’ main rivals?
Atlas tegen ‘Chivas’ Club Deportivo Guadalajara is thé classico of classicos. Chivas is a very big club with a lot of fans. I think that is because they play with only Mexican players. But the fans of both clubs have mutual respect.
What about the rivals of the national team of Mexico?
Argentina are the main rivals, always and forever. Argentina eliminated us several times in important games … and apart they make fun of the Mexican team. But why? the Argentinian team was almost didn’t make it to the World Championships of 2018 in Russia! There is a lot of rivalry because Argentina thinks that Mexico does not know how to play soccer. They feel proud to have Maradona, but why? He’s just a junkie and a cheater who doesn’t even play football anymore. They are proud that he scored a goal with his hand…that’s just embarrassing!
Is Mexico still angry for the penalty caused by Robben?
Yes, ofcourse we remain angry, because it was not a penal (‘no era penal!’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlKJ7bZmwqs). We’re never going to forget what Robben did; he simulated a foul and thereby kicked us out of the World Championships in Brazil.
One of the sensations in the Dutch competition today is Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano, again a Mexican playing in Eindhoven. What did Mexicans say when he moved to PSV, and not directly to a big club in Spain or England?
‘Chucky’ Lozano is a great player. When he had signed at PSV I looked for news about him on the internet, and I immediately knew that it was big thing for PSV. I really like visiting the PSV Eindhoven International Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/PSVEindhovenINTL) because I met a ‘cabrón’ named Joey there. All Mexicans think that Lozano chose the best club!
Do your own kids play football?
Yes, my daughter is a defender and plays very well. My son still plays in small competitions, but has a bright future. I don’t make a lot of money with my work, but believe me: I will do the impossible. Because my son is a big talent and will be a great football player; someday he will be the new attacker of PSV!
Thanks again for your time, Martin! Is there something you want to say to the readers?
First of all I want to thank you very much for taking the time to read this interview. I send my greetings to all PSV fans. Thanks for letting me be a part of this. Greetings from Taxco Guerrero and Viva Mexico, Cabrónes!!
For Eindhoven News: Joey
