Riquelme meets Boca squad after defeat at Vélez | OneFootball

After the defeat to Vélez in Liniers, Juan Román Riquelme met Boca’s squad and staff to discuss the team’s form.

What was due to be a day off became a reflective Monday as Claudio Úbeda scheduled training, then a post session meeting at Ezeiza. According to LaNumer12.com.ar, it was behind closed doors and Riquelme’s presence surprised the group.

Players carried out recovery work with Sunday’s match against Platense in mind, before sitting down with the president to talk through the current situation.

There was clear dissatisfaction with the display at the José Amalfitani, which followed defeat to Estudiantes in La Plata, a stark contrast to home form at La Bombonera.

Riquelme gathered players and coaches, and all sides offered views on an irregular start to the Torneo Apertura, with the Copa Argentina debut and then the Libertadores approaching.

The message is that Boca cannot relax and must collect as many points as possible in the regular phase to reach the play-offs, with two wins and two defeats so far.

In his most recent interview, Riquelme said the team have often been close and need to take that extra step, adding that with a settled squad they must be pushed to deliver joy to supporters.

He also said the players know they need to win and keep Boca fans happy at home and away, and that ultimately footballers play for the supporters.

Source: LaNumer12.com.ar