Gallese: Fossati is getting Peru to gel

Published: 17 Apr 2024

Pedro Gallese discusses Peru's struggles in FIFA World Cup qualifying, his belief they can still make it and his role in the squad.

MAINZ, GERMANY - MARCH 25: Pedro Gallese of Peru gestures during an international friendly match between Germany and Peru at MEWA Arena on March 25, 2023 in Mainz, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Pedro Gallese helped Peru secure World Cup berth in 2018
La Blanquirroja currently last in CONMEBOL qualifying
Orlando City SC man hopes to experience a World Cup in the USA

After a 36-year absence from the FIFA World Cup™, Peru qualified for Russia 2018 under the guidance of Ricardo Gareca. They then came agonisingly close to repeating that feat at Qatar 2022, only to lose an inter-continental play-off to Australia on penalties.

Peru’s upward trajectory did not continue once that cycle ended. The appointment of Juan Reynoso failed to bring the desired results, leaving the team in a precarious situation with new coach Jorge Fossati in the CONMEBOL qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 26™.

Through it all, Pedro Gallese has been a staple of the squad, bringing experience and seniority. Speaking to FIFA from Florida, where he has represented Major League Soccer’s Orlando City SC since 2020, the 34-year-old discussed his evolution as a goalkeeper, the growth of football in the USA and the current state of the Peru national team.

FIFA: How does the passage of time affect a goalkeeper? On one hand the physical aspect gets harder, but on the other you have a better understanding of the game...FIFA: How does the passage of time affect a goalkeeper? On one hand the physical aspect gets harder, but on the other you have a better understanding of the game...

Pedro Gallese: As the years go by, the ball seems to go a little faster. I think over the years, I've adapted to things. I know where to position myself and I read the game better. Now, with the detailed information that the coaching staff gives us, we can see where our opponents like to attack and how they work their set-pieces. All that information is useful.

Are you a better goalkeeper now than you were 10 years ago?Are you a better goalkeeper now than you were 10 years ago?

Yes, I'm more of a goalkeeper than a shot-stopper. At the beginning of my career, my sole focus would be on trying to stop the ball from going into goal. Now I've opened myself up more and identify as part of the team. I'm aware of a lot of things now. I'm not only a goalkeeper, but someone who tries to be a leader in the group.

As a shot-stopper, you might make two or three impressive saves, but your team could still lose and that’s all you have to show for it. The most complete goalkeeper is always aware of everything, how your team-mates are, the rhythm of the game, when to slow it down or speed it up, when to raise your voice and organise your defence. I've grown as a goalkeeper over the years

How is football perceived in the USA today, given that the country will host the Copa America in 2024, the Mundial de Clubes FIFA 25™ and the World Cup in 2026?How is football perceived in the USA today, given that the country will host the Copa America in 2024, the Mundial de Clubes FIFA 25™ and the World Cup in 2026?

It has grown a lot. In previous years, you might have seen more of the NBA and baseball, but today, with the influx of big-name players, it’s growing and gaining more visibility. Let's hope it stays that way. With Mexican and Canadian teams, it is getting closer to being on an international level, and I think it's going to continue to grow. The USA is getting stronger. In the USA they need people to get even more involved, and not just go to the games, but also to get excited when they are there – to cheer, to be caught up in the heat of the moment. They’re on that path and, bit by bit, they are achieving that.

Are Peru struggling more than usual in the post-Gareca era?Are Peru struggling more than usual in the post-Gareca era?

We were all shocked by the departure of Ricardo. We believed we could continue on the path he’d taken us, but it’s proved difficult, and we haven't started well in World Cup qualifying. Since the arrival of Fossati, we've had two friendlies [against Nicaragua and Dominican Republic], though our opponents were not countries used to competing in major finals. That said, we’ll get together again and the Copa America should help us a lot.

How important is it to find a style of play that defines the team?How important is it to find a style of play that defines the team?

We’re still searching for a style to follow from the one that Ricardo gave us. It’s down to us, and if we believe in ourselves, then I'm sure we'll get out of this rut. In previous years, we showed that we were organised and capable of hitting teams when we had to, or defending with the ball. We have to try to get back to that

Do you think the gap between Peru and the likes of Argentina or Brazil is greater than it was a few years ago?Do you think the gap between Peru and the likes of Argentina or Brazil is greater than it was a few years ago?

Argentina are at a high level and are maintaining it. Now, suddenly, you have Uruguay doing interesting things and they are right up there. I think we can compete with other national teams and be the side we were before – that is to say well-organised, staying compact, defending with the ball and always trying to keep a clean sheet.

With Peru currently last in South American qualifying, what impact does that have on the squad?With Peru currently last in South American qualifying, what impact does that have on the squad?

We know we're in a difficult position, but we’re not trying to address that at the moment. The World Cup qualifiers are a marathon and we still have time. The Copa America will help bring the squad together.

Has Fossati shared a plan to get results and earn points, or do you have something in mind to reverse the situation?Has Fossati shared a plan to get results and earn points, or do you have something in mind to reverse the situation?

He has great technical expertise and is giving us loads of information. He’s getting the group to gel and giving us concepts to implement on the pitch. I think it's going to be good and we’re taking it all in.

Have you spoken to Paolo Guerrero about Peru’s predicament?Have you spoken to Paolo Guerrero about Peru’s predicament?

We're constantly talking, and it’s clear to us that we need to be united again. That’s not to say we’re broken, but we must be strong again and regain the confidence we had a few years ago.

What’s your current role in the squad, and what do you represent for Peru?What’s your current role in the squad, and what do you represent for Peru?

The coaching team weren’t keen on the idea of the goalkeeper as captain. They thought it was a problem for me to be so far away from the referee. And while I respect that, I'm not going to stop doing what I do for the group, which is to be with them, to know how they feel, and to see what's good for them or not. As a leader, I like to pay attention to everything.