Ever wanted to ask a sports personality a question? Now’s your chance. They will answer readers’ questions in The Denver Post’s “Fan Mail” feature.

In this week’s installment, newly hired Rapids coach Oscar Pareja talks about building style with crafty players, bringing in a big name for more punch, and why he can do without his nickname.

Keep an eye out for next week’s installment. Send your suggestions and questions in an email to fanmail@denverpost.com.

Could you please describe your definition of a “creative” player? The term gets thrown around a lot. One could say that Jeff Larentowicz is a ‘creative’ player, because he starts offensive sequences from deep midfield, but most people don’t call him “creative.” What kinds of attributes make someone a creative player? Some people have loved the Rapids style, but more of them have hated it. From your experience, what style would you say the Rapids have played, and what style would you like to build on?

—Bulldog Ben, St. Paul, Burgundy Wave

I like to have players people enjoy coming to watch. Creative players are ones who develop their game with technique. Players who are smooth with the ball, players who are attack-minded, players who enjoy and respect the beauty of the game. We call them “special ones” and they are not easy to find.

The creative player is a natural. It’s a natural characteristic in a player. We have players on this team who base themselves on hard work. And they are still on the defending side, they are defensive-minded. But players are all the time trying to be creative. So it’s inside them.

We’re trying to put something different on the field. And that mentality, being creative, is natural with players. I don’t think you can go in and manufacture it. You can get them better, but this characteristic is natural, it comes with them.

Coach Papi, welcome to Colorado! You and the club have stated the Rapids will seek to play possession-oriented soccer. The team attempted this at many times the last two seasons and were often stymied by defenses playing high lines, compressing the midfield. What are your ideas to improve the team’s approach against such defenses?

—Mike, Longmont

MLs is a very physical league. It’s very demanding in the physicality of the game. MLS has developed players who are hard-workers, players who are disciplined and are used to being told what to do on the field. And they come and perform in that way, which is something I like as well — sometimes.

But if we can get players who can contribute in a creative way and be part of that physical style in the MLS, it will be fantastic. I think you do it first with getting the right chemistry with the team, getting the right players. And you put them in training. They need to absorb it and understand the idea. Then we’ll try to execute it on the field.

We’ll get there. It’s normal that there will be changes. They’ll have a different coach. And with a different coach, comes different habits, different training sessions, different mentality. And I’m not saying it’s good or bad compared to how it used to be, but it’s different. And then the right chemistry will be absorbed as long as we go forward. It doesn’t come overnight. But I will try to reduce the length of that process, that transition process.

Do we have the players? I think we have a great team that needs to be reinforced at certain positions.

How long do you think forging a new identity will take, considering the current squad and how soon you are able to usher in new players of your own choosing? I am very excited if this is the case, but I’m also worried about how much leeway and financial support Kroenke Sports will provide. Keeping my fingers crossed for you, welcome aboard.

—Michael, Denver

I would like to get the players ready by next week. But I’m not going to say things that people want to hear, just to say it. The one thing I’m sure of is that on Day 1, I will make the message clear so players can understand it. It’s going to develop depending on the attitudes of the players and how hard we work. Those things we can control.

I’m optimistic the message will get through quickly. And hopefully we can see results quick. But everybody understands it will take time and I’m not going to say things I shouldn’t. But we’ll work hard to make it happen.

Oscar, what formation do you plan on implementing? Also have you put together a coaching staff yet and if so can you announce any of them.

—Jon

I like to have 11 players on the field who I like, plus the ones who come in. That’s my perfect formation. I know people all time time ask the same thing. And I respect that. I know people are eager to learn some things and look for answers right away.

But I want them to understand that the roster, the players, the process that has been here before, they deserve a lot of respect from me.

There is some basics, let’s call them formations, that I like. And it comes with my philosophy anywhere I’m going. But at the same time, I have to adjust with the players I have at the moment, plus the players I can get. MLS is a league that is very complex in its regulations and the budget. So I cannot come now with an idea about these things, knowing that I have limitations.

I have to be honest and say that I’m going to work close with the players to see what they can give me. And based on that, then I will stamp it with my philosophy. I have ideas with how I visualise it. But the Rapids have players who have been around here, and there was a process that existed before. So I need to respect that.

Will you try to get Wilmer Cabrera to join you in the Rapids coaching staff?

—Mike, Longmont

We’re finalizing (the staff) now, but everything has been limited by time. I do really appreciate all the help I’ve received from the organization and from Paul (Bravo). Assistant coaches will be put in place within the week.

And I can tell you, Wilmer is a coach that is very close to us now.

Mr. Pareja, welcome to Colorado. I wish you much success as head coach of our Colorado Rapids. My family, friends and I would love to witness the Rapids win another MLS Cup. My question is: do you have any plans to take advantage of the connections with the EPL’s Arsenal?

—Jose

I think it’s a priceless opportunity we have in connection with one of the biggest clubs on the planet. For me, one of my firm objectives is to make that connection with them more real. And actually exercise it, where the coaches and players and the organizations actually get connected in a real way.

How can the Rapids compete against the large market teams who are able to attract and pay for Designated Players? What are you looking for when you evaluate current and potential future players?

—Troy, Denver

Designated players make a difference for MLS teams — when you choose well. Designated players need to bring you what you need not just on the field, but in the community. These guys carry a lot of responsibilties. The image of the franchise is tied in with them. So the responsibility to bring a designated player is a big responsibility.

I would like to have one, yes. But it has to be the right one. And it has to be at the right time. For us, it will for sure be player with an attacking mind, and a player who people can come and be excited to see. Maybe that crafty player that we’ve talked about, those natural ones, those special ones.

Coach, what changes would you like to implement to the development academy?

—Phil

I’m convinced that the MLS academies must set the tone, not just in the city or in the state, but in the country. The MLS academies have to be the development area for players in the United States. And I know it’s getting better.

My commitment with the staff and the players is to make that idea a reality. It has to be. Because I truly believe in that devlopment. I know the U.S. has tremendous talent, but we have to do it right. We have to make sure they’re working well. And we have to get them to know it needs to be better.

Will you widen the field back to the full 80 yards to make visiting teams cover more ground at altitude?

—Jason

No. I think it’s good the way it is. Now, I believe in the advantage we have with the altitude here. And I know that with a field that big, if you have the right players and the right formation and system in place, it can be an advantage. But the field is big enough. It’s a great pitch.

When did they first start calling you El Guapo and why? Do they still call you that?

—KD, Dallas

Well, no. When I go back to Colombia, yes. In Spanish, it means something totally different in Colombia than what it means here in the Hispanic community. In Colombia, it means that you are brave, that you are courageous. In the States, in Spanish, it means, like, handsome. And I don’t like it, because I’m not, first of all, and I don’t want to be.

It was a nickname back in my days in Colombia, but here it’s not. Here some people are calling me Papi, that was common in Dallas. It’s very short, quick and familiar with me.

Players can call me that anytime, anywhere. I think the respect goes beyond that. Beyond a name. The distance and the respect with players is not related to what they call you or how they say hello to you. I’m a very player-centric coach. For me, the relationship I have with the players is very close, with respect. They know who I am, I know who the players are all the time. But I want it to be wide-open and comfortable. That for me is key.

Oscar Pareja is a jetsetter. Or, he is now. In less than a week, Pareja flew around the hemisphere.

He was just a candidate for the Rapids’ coaching job before he traveled to Colorado from Colombia on Jan. 5 for his introduction as the club’s newest manager. Then he immediately flew to Florida for the MLS combine, then straight to Kansas City for the MLS SuperDraft last week. From there it was off to Texas, his former home, where he was an assistant with FC Dallas. He packed up his stuff, then hurried back to Denver.

He’s now in Colorado this week for the start of the Rapids preseason training camp, his first as an MLS skipper. Fans finally caught up to him Wednesday with a peppering of questions about his first season.