Sports

Red Bulls’ Marquez: Comments taken to fuel attacks on me

While Red Bull star Rafa Marquez declined an interview request from the Post yesterday regarding his comments last week and the resulting suspension Saturday, he did grant an interview with República Deportiva (“Sports Republic”) a weekly two-hour sports show on Univision.

While hosts Fernando Fiore (the principal anchor for Univision’s coverage of the last four World Cups) and ex-Primera Division keeper Felix Fernandez offered that the media misinterpreted Marquez’ comments, the 32-year-old wouldn’t say that.

At first he admitted that his comments “went in the wrong direction and it was not my intention.’’ But then Marquez went on to say his words were “taken by some to fuel other attacks to me as an individual.’’

Marquez implied much of his frustration was not just about the 3-1 loss to Real Salt Lake, but about the crowd booing his every touch. Red Bull captain Thierry Henry had said he “felt sorry” for Marquez, whom he played alongside at Barcelona. And coach Hans Backe blamed the media for the booing.

Here is a video of the interview, followed by a translated transcription.

Felix: Let’s talk about the comments that you made this week. If you don’t mind, we are gong to put them on the screen. You said “unfortunately there is not the same level of play between my teammates and myself.” as published by the NY Post.

Fiore: These comments came after the Salt Lake game where NY lost with three quick goals in the first minutes of the game.

Felix: And with really unique mistakes on the back line.

Felix: Rafa what happened, was it the heat of the moment? Did the media misinterpret your comments?

Rafa: First of all I want to thank you for the invitation to your show to talk about these comments that developed into something that was not my intention.

The problem began with the game where we were down 3-0 and the crowd started to get on me every time I touched the ball.

The question in the locker room was regarding my thoughts when the crowd was booing me. To that question I responded with frustration that I did not understand why the crowd was getting on me when I had not made any mistakes and that on the contrary, I thought I was trying to perform at my best level. I was trying my best effort to help the team. And that unfortunately because of individual mistakes of others in the team the crowd was taking it personal with me and that I was perhaps at a different level then the one from some of the other players.

These comments went in the wrong direction and it was not my intention.

I have spoken to my teammates and apologized because these comments were not my intention.

Sadly, the comments were taken by some (media) to fuel other attacks to me as an individual. I’m not like this. I’m not a person that hides or points fingers at others for the low performance of the team. We are a team and we all win and lose together.

Fiore: It is good that you get to say your point of view, as no one had heard from you since it happened.

Fiore: As a joke, if you want better teammates at Red Bull, you should ask to become part of the F-1 team with Vettel and Webber. Would you ever consider driving a F1 car?

Rafa: (Laughing) Woow, not sure about driving, but perhaps changing the tires for those guys would be a good experience.

Fiore: Rafa, will the Red Bulls go to playoffs this season?

Rafa: Yes. The first goal is to get into the playoffs. We have 4 finals ahead of us including at home vs. LA and on the road against Kansas. We will try to continue the good performance of this weekend and get the points to go directly into the playoffs.

Felix: Thanks you Rafa!