ABU DHABI // Jose Pekerman, the Colombia coach, said his struggling Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao is in his “comfort zone” when he plays for the national team.
"He feels like it is his home when he's playing for the national team," he said ahead of the friendly against Kuwait on Monday at the Zayed Sports City stadium.
“He has more confidence, easiness, and accomplished his tasks as per the plans of the coaches and the requirements of the team.”
Tickets for the match are Dh70 and can be purchased at the Zayed Sports City stadium box office.
Falcao, who is on loan at the Premier League club from Monaco, has failed to impress this season and has not started a game since the 2-0 win against Sunderland on February 28.
“For us, he’s a very valuable player and he does his job well,” Pekerman said. “As long as he keeps playing for us, he is going to get better.
“We are happy to see him well and all these matches will help him to come out stronger. As the season progresses, he will emerge in the best of shape.
“He was not that precise and he was also feeling the lack of games. He has been a bit isolated from the collective game, but he always imposes his energy, his speed, and his skill when he plays for the national team.”
Falcao was on target twice in the 6-0 thrashing of Bahrain on Thursday in the first of Colombia’s two friendly matches.
Falcao has scored twice for United in 2015, with strikes against Stoke City and Leicester City, a mark he matched in one game for the national team.
“This will be his second game (against Kuwait) and we will keep improving and he will return to his best,” Pekerman said.
The coach also said he was not taking Kuwait lightly.
“We respect all teams, and most times the rankings don’t matter and we have to respect all teams,” he said.
“Our focus is not only to play against big teams but also to play against a team with lot of experience. The possibilities of competing are what we should look forward to.”
Kuwait coach Nabil Maaloul said his side will make use of the experience of facing Colombia.
“We are happy to play against them, one of the best national teams in the world,” he said. “We will try to put up a good show, and I want to know the level of my team now. It is important because we are looking ahead to the World Cup qualifiers.”
apassela@thenational.ae
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