Leonardo Madelón: "We’ve got what it takes, fans just need to be patient" | OneFootball

Leonardo Madelón, Unión’s coach, analyzed his team’s 0-0 draw against Platense at the 15 de Abril stadium, a match corresponding to the first round of the 2026 Torneo Apertura. The Head Coach highlighted the point earned, the team’s performance, and expectations for the future, in addition to talking about the transfer market.

Match and Opponent Analysis

Madelón valued the point gained, even though the team had clear chances they couldn’t convert. “The feeling, first, is to add up; today the opponent and the match were extremely tough,” he said. The coach was surprised by the visiting team’s approach: “It’s a team that surprised me with a very good game plan.”

Unión felt the physical strain at the start, but then settled in. “At first it was hard for us to get into the game. And it’s a team that reinforced well because they have Libertadores cups,” Madelón commented. Despite this, the team “ran, covered the kilometers almost every match” and “we defended very well.”

Scoring Chances and Fans’ Impatience

The team had opportunities, such as those from Fragapane, Palavecino, and Colazo, though they weren’t very clear. Madelón referred to a specific play by Palavecino that angered the fans: “I told Palavecino, if I were in the stands, I’d get mad at you too.” However, he defended the player and asked him to keep trying: “Keep missing, my friend, because when it finally goes in, everyone will come to hug you.”

Transfer Market and Reinforcements

The transfer window is closing soon, and although the coach doesn’t handle the numbers, he confirmed that Brian Cuello’s arrival is finalized. “Cuello is an explosive player who can play on the left or right,” he explained, and “he’ll adapt quickly, he’s a good person.”

Regarding the possible arrival of Mauri Martínez, the situation is complicated. “Mauri Martínez finished his contract as a center back, he said until January 31 we’re not negotiating.” Madelón clarified: “Now it’s an issue between clubs and the owner of his rights. So it’s not easy.”

They tried for other players like Saravia and Iván Gómez, but those didn’t materialize. Madelón admitted that the market is “extremely tough.”

Youth Players and Objectives

Madelón emphasized the importance of strengthening the club with youth academy players and the debut of Misael Aguirre. “I really liked what Mansilla did, he brought composure.”

The goal for this short tournament is clear: “To grow, to keep improving.” The coach believes these types of tournaments are to be taken advantage of, though he knows it’s not easy. “The goal is to improve ourselves and if we make it into the playoffs, well, to get into the top 8, the best of the 16,” he concluded.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.