Often football clubs have considered the international break to be a bane as the clubs fear that the long distance traveling may make their players tired or in worse case injured, hence providing the clubs with a major headache to deal with.
However, in Radamel Falcao’s case, Manchester United will be pleased with his international involvement as the Colombian seems to have re discovered his touch in front of goals.
Falcao scored a penalty for Colombia in Monday’s 3-1 victory over Kuwait, adding to his two goals in last week’s 6-0 win over Bahrain.
The striker, who has just scored just the four goals for United in 19 games during his season-long loan from Monaco, will feel more confident after scoring three in the space of a week. With his 24th goal for the country, Falcao has equalised Colombia’s national scoring record.
He also hopes his confidence-boosting displays for his country will help him to prove his worth during the coming weeks. Falcao told Sport 360: “I have faith about that and when the season finish I am going to sit and think about my future and what is the best for my career.
“I think when I score it’s always important and that gives me confidence. I said before I need minutes, I need to play games in a row and here in the national team I have had the opportunity. I gave my best and I scored and I now return to Manchester with more confidence.”
When asked about his targets for the remainder of the season, he said: “We have the last eight games and I will give my best to have the chance to play as many minutes as possible. I have said before I need to play. I need minutes and I am confident about me, about my fitness. I am confident.”
Later speaking about his international involvement, Falcao told Caracol Radio: “The important thing for me is to play, to get 160 minutes on the pitch. Then to score, for me as a forward, brings confidence. It’s been positive to meet up again after so much time, and get some fresh ideas. There were situations we will surely face in other games to come. It was a good learning experience.”
After missing the show-piece event at Brazil last year, Falcao is determined to make an impact in this years Copa America. However, he added that he has to work extra-minutes to make up for his lack of playing time at the club level.
“The Copa America is very important tournament for me, even more after missing the World Cup. [My physical condition] also depends on the preparation done at the club. I know I must work extra hours to make up for the lack of minutes I am getting,” Falcao said.
Colombia boss Jose Pekerman also backed the 29-year-old by saying the he feels right at home. He said: “He (Falcao) feels at home. Physically he looks good and there is no reason he cannot display his best form.”