Paco Vallejo has been the number 1 Spanish in chess for 20 years and he is only 40. A confessed Madridista, he is a transparent and direct person. His philosophy is to apply tenacity to everything he does but also to think long term. He thus reflects and deepens better in front of a board. He idolizes Zidane and Modric, but in this World Cup he wants Argentina to win. He attends La Vanguardia from Istanbul, where he rests for a few days before continuing his exploits in sports-science.
Are you a soccer fan?
I am from Madrid. I don't follow everything, but if there is a good Champions League or League match, I do try to watch it.
What did you think of Spain in the World Cup?
Very disappointing. They played the same game as in Russia, when they were eliminated. I don't understand anything. Two billion passes for nothing. I am not an expert in soccer, but if you have lost in a very sad way in Russia and now you lose the same...
Do you understand the dismissal of Luis Enrique?
He seems like a great coach and I like him, but the undeniable failure.
Was there equipment for more?
Spain has a team to be between fourth and eighth, but it is not higher. Going one more round would have been normal. Reaching the semis would have been a great success.
His favorite?
I like Modric very much and I wouldn't mind Croatia, also Argentina. And that a non-European win is graceful of him, it would give life to football.
Wouldn't you like a European to win?
In Europe there is the money and the best players and it is difficult for other countries to get there. If I had to choose, I would say Argentina.
What football character do you think would play chess well?
Well in chess it is very relative. It is a very powerful combination.
How hard is it to play chess well?
It is very difficult. I know many people who want to play well, have the means and are not capable. It's a bit like music. For example, Ronald Reagan, the former president of the United States, loved chess, he was very intelligent and tried very hard, but there came a point where he said: “there is no way”.
Is talent spoken of as fundamental in football, is it in chess?
All the players are talented and all have worked. The players who were good at 10 years old were good as adults. I, for example, came second in the world in under-12 and under-10, but those who played against me at that time were also very good at 30 years old. Look at Nadal or Messi. They were exceptional and continued to be as adults.
Who is the best chess player in history?
Those comparisons are unfair. The best in history is usually the last. Because sports have become very professionalized. For example, I am better than some world champions that have been in history. Does it mean I'm more talented? No not at all. But I have grown up with more means.
And in soccer?
Messi and Ronaldo, who are the last two best. They have had a brilliant and very long career. Nobody had been the best from 17 to 35, it's beastly. Now, the greatest talent… perhaps Maradona. I can't measure Pele and Di Stéfano. Of which I have seen enough, Maradona. But he did not have such a long career.
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And my favorite players are Zidane, because of his plasticity and the way he plays. Although Messi and Ronaldo are objectively better. I also love Modric, it's a delight to watch him play. He reminds me of Zidane in handling the ball.
You have been number 1 in Spain for 20 years, how do you get there?
I take life with philosophy. I have always thought that chess was like a marathon. Apart from some intervals in the last 20 years I have always been number 1 in Spain. And I hope they surpass me because they are very good and improve but not because I surpass them going down. Although it is clear that everything comes.
In soccer there are usually many surprises, is that possible in chess?
To some extent it is possible. What happens is that nowadays if you give a surprise they will accuse you of cheating. There is a big panic.
Because of the Hans Niemann case?
Yes, this sport has become a bit paranoid in that regard. In addition, we must bear in mind that they want to put chips in all of us. When we all have chips we will do the traps without wanting to!
