Amid controversy in Chile, Pulgar opens up in social media post | OneFootball

Flamengo midfielder denied any rift with coach Nicolás Córdova and called for more space for young players in the Chilean team

Different versions have circulated in recent times about a possible rift between Erick Pulgar and the coaching staff of the Chile National Team. As a result, the Flamengo midfielder spoke out about his situation.

In the statement, released through social media, Pulgar denied having any personal issue with coach Nicolás Córdova. In addition, the player stressed his preference for answering on the pitch and called for greater appreciation of the young players getting opportunities with the national team.

WHAT DID ERICK PULGAR SAY ABOUT THE CHILEAN NATIONAL TEAM?

“Given the different versions that have circulated in recent days about my situation with the Chilean National Team, I want to make one thing very clear in a very simple way: everything is fine with Nicolás Córdova. He came to see me a few weeks ago and I welcomed him very well. There is respect on my part for him and his work.

Throughout my career, I have never been driven by praise or criticism. I have always tried to focus on my work, compete, and respond on the pitch, which is also why I do not usually comment on every piece of information or assumption that appears about me.

Yes, I would like all the space that is currently being used to try to explain, based on assumptions, why I am or am not in a call-up, to also be used to give visibility to the young players who are being called up to the national team: to know who they are, where they come from, their stories, and the path they took to get there. There is a new generation that deserves support, space, and confidence. That should be the focus today.”

WHY IS PULGAR OUT OF THE CHILEAN NATIONAL TEAM CALL-UPS?

Even while enjoying a good spell in a Flamengo shirt, Erick Pulgar has been left out of Chile National Team squads. It is worth remembering that ‘La Roja’ did not qualify for the World Cup and, during the tournament, played only friendlies. However, the Flamengo player turned down the call-up for those matches.

The information about the refusal was even disclosed by coach Nicolás Córdova himself. However, the reason was never actually revealed. Even so, the Chilean press points to Pulgar’s alleged lack of confidence in the country’s federation project as a possible factor.

WHAT HAS NICOLÁS CÓRDOVA ALREADY SAID ABOUT PULGAR’S SITUATION?

At a press conference a few months ago, Córdova said he wants to have the midfielder available. “We want him here, and he will decide when he will return to the team, if he ever returns. I do not have the answer to that, but he is undoubtedly an important player, and we would love to have him here”, he said.

It is worth remembering that the last time Pulgar took the field for the Chile National Team was in October 2024. On that occasion, ‘La Roja’ faced Colombia in the World Cup Qualifiers, and the midfielder played 84 minutes.

HOW IMPORTANT IS PULGAR IN FLAMENGO’S SQUAD?

While he is not playing for the Chile National Team, Pulgar remains available for Flamengo. As such, the midfielder continues to be one of the most important pieces in Leonardo Jardim’s squad. The number 5 is even expected to start in this Thursday’s match (17) against Independiente del Valle (ECU), with a place in the Libertadores semifinals at stake.

The ball starts rolling at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Maracanã. Flamengo hold a 2-0 advantage, built in the first leg in Ecuador. As a result, the Rio de Janeiro side can even lose by one goal and still advance to the next round.

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