Boca Juniors achieved a 3-1 victory over Central Córdoba from Santiago del Estero on matchday 9 of the Clausura Tournament, solidifying their playoff positions as they prepare for a decisive match in São Paulo for the quarter-finals of the Copa Sudamericana.
Coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena provided a detailed analysis of the match in his regular press conference, starting with recognition of his players. “The three points are very important for the Annual Table and for what it means to win at La Bombonera. There were players who performed well and show me they want to be here. The team, in general, was serious; we took the lead in the first minutes and maintained the level against a team that plays well and can complicate you if you let them,” declared Arruabarrena.
Arruabarrena also commented on the importance of having alternatives in the team, emphasizing that all players have a role in the team’s success. “They know from the beginning that I need everyone. I’m happy because they work hard even if they don’t get the minutes they want. Today they seized the opportunity and showed me they want to be here,” he stated.
The coach expressed his desire to have finished the game with a score of 3-0. “I would have liked to end 3-0. We played a serious match, with many minutes of good play, and especially the players had a good performance which bodes well for the future,” he added. Commenting on Enner Valencia’s first goal for the club, he said: “He played 60, 70 minutes at a good level and scored. You can see him improving physically, and he will be a help for us.”
Regarding the upcoming challenge against São Paulo, Arruabarrena anticipated that it will be a tough match. “The idea is, as always, to go out and win because we are Boca. We have to play our football and take advantage of their mistakes,” he indicated. He also stressed the need to maintain concentration, especially after a challenging semester for the team.
September is crucial for Boca, with a tight schedule that includes the match against São Paulo on Tuesday the 15th, followed by a game against San Lorenzo and then the quarter-finals of the Copa Argentina, while they await a decision from the AFA Disciplinary Tribunal regarding a complaint related to improper alignment.
Source: www.infobae.com
