The Atlético Nacional striker did not mince his words and came to his coach’s defense.
A huge controversy has erupted in recent hours around Atlético Nacional manager Efraín Juárez. The tactician, who faced criticism for several provocations towards opposing teams, found himself once again at the heart of the storm in the match against Santa Fe, where his team triumphed with a score of 5- 0.
After the first goal, Juárez celebrated enthusiastically alongside his coaching staff, but his exuberance was not well received by the Santa Fe bench, who reacted. Following a brief altercation, the match referee decided to send Juárez off, sparking a new controversy.
The first reactions to this controversial incident were numerous. Veteran player Elvis Perlaza shared his thoughts on the situation: “He is disrespectful. Celebrating a goal in front of the bench, in front of coach Peirano. We can’t tolerate someone like that. Besides, he didn’t win anything,” he said after the match.
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As Santa Fe reacted, the Antioquian team also spoke up. Several key players, including Alfredo Morelos, stood up to defend their coach, issuing strong statements.
In the mixed zone, the striker, who had spells in Europe and Brazil, was clear and sent a message to their rivals: “If you score, you celebrate, and it should not affect the other team . So why let a goal happen? Just don’t concede it, it’s the truth if you don’t want to be celebrated,” he said.
“I am 100% with the coach. It’s a very big family,” he added, showing his support for his manager.
Two other players, David Ospina and Jorman Campuzano, also defended the Mexican coach. “He is an excellent person; we know the values he possesses,” said the goalkeeper.
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“We have confidence in the coach. He’s a manager who really feels football, and that’s rare. He demands, he runs, he jumps, and I live like that; I prefer that,” concluded the midfielder.
Meanwhile, Dimayor is expected to announce Juárez’s respective sanction in the coming days via his traditional bulletin.
It is worth remembering that Nacional will face Deportivo Pasto next, a team who suffered a defeat in their opening match against Millonarios.
