HEREDIA, Costa Rica – Legendary players have come and gone at Herediano and ranking high on that list is former MF Mauricio Solis.
Solis appeared in 306 matches with the Florenses, so it is only logical that the 45-year-old holds a tender spot in his heart for the club. Solis says that he is earnestly looking forward to the start of the club’s first ever Concacaf final, beginning in this Thursday’s final first leg of the 2018 Scotiabank Concacaf League against Motagua of Honduras.
“It is a moment of pride, of great hope,” said Solis in an exclusive interview with Concacaf.com.
“When one holds a team in one’s heart, there is the hope that it always emerges as the champion,” added Solis.
Solis regularly follows the club and believes the experience of the current crop of players can rise above the issues the team has been facing on the domestic front, with its four straight Apertura losses.
“The team has been going through some rough weeks, losing big matches, but they must use that experience when they play. Their personality must come through and that is especially important when playing at home,” said Solis.
As for the two matches against Motagua, Solis expects an intense 180 minutes of football between the two teams.
“It’s going to be a tight match. Herediano comes off a bad spell while Motagua is playing well and in first place in their league. They arrive into the match in different circumstances, but this is a final. You don’t play finals, you win them, and Herediano knows that,” said Solis.
Solis also enjoyed an excellent career at the international level with the Costa Rica national team, playing in 101 matches, including the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups with the Ticos.
Solis is optimistic over the arrival of new Head Coach Gustavo Matosas and believes a third straight World Cup qualification at Qatar 2022 is attainable.
“I have a lot of hope for the national team. I think it’s important that Matosas is left to do his job, develop his own style and put his stamp on this team. There is a lot of talent and potential so I am wishing them all the best,” concluded Solis.