Today is a busy day for Team PokerStars Pro Nacho Barbero. Not just is he playing a $1,000 No Limit Hold'em side event (and, way to winning a tremendous pot with pocket aces moments ago, he's playing it pretty darn well), but Barbero's also the coach of this year's Team Argentina within the Americas Cup.

About 20 paces behind him, the team are duking it out with other hopefuls from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru for a share of $100,000. He's desperate to hear how they're getting on, but he's definitely not worried about their chances.

"They know what they're doing," says Barbero "I DO NOT find out about the remainder but I'm pretty sure we now have the most productive team by far."

So while the players in today's $1,000 tournament took a break to stretch their legs, Barbero and his snazzy blue and white Argentina top made their far more than to look at the team in action. We grabbed a handy guide a rough word to peer how he and they're getting on.

Barbero sharing his wisdom before play started today

What's it like being a coach today?

"I'm enjoying it actually. I'm sitting out of my tournament always to return and forth and notice how they're getting on. I'm very happy with course. Any time you get to symbolize Argentina you have to be proud."

Can you let us know anything about your team?

"I coached the Argentinian team like two years ago and a pair of the players didn't quite know what they were doing. It's kind of hard to show a man how you can play poker in a single night. But these guys all know."

What makes you assert that?

"Ivan Raich got heads up at the last LAPT final table, and they've all been winning a large number of tournaments in Argentina. We've got a very good chance."

Team Argentina: this year's hot favorites (in step with Barbero)

Not that it seems like they want it, but did you give out any tips before play started?

"I just told that during the beginning, please, I DO NOT need to see you guys busting. In the event that they get aces or kings I told them to not fall in love with their hand and opt for pots they shouldn't."

Has the recommendation worked?

"I went over to look at one hand and the flop came like A-4-5 and he got check-raised at the flop. He had kings and he just called. Turn was a two, his opponent checked, and he checked back. That is what you would like to see. There is no wish to put yourself in a messy spot, especially whilst you get more points the longer you last on this format. You would like to protect your hand to start with and play small ball. But these guys do not want my help too much."

There's $32,500 up for grabs for the winning team. Are they nervous?

"They were super calm. They're all experienced live players and grinders. They looked confident."

What's more important to you: winning the $1,000 or seeing Argentina claim the highest prize?

"Seeing Argentina win, obviously."

LAPT Grand Final runner-up, Ivan Raich

To discover if that happens, stay tuned to the PokerStars Blog and do not forget to click through to live updates, features and interviews from the $10,000,000 guaranteed PCA Main Event.

Keir Mackay is a copywriter for PokerStars.

Read More... [Source: PokerStarsBlog.com :: Americas Cup]