Madelón firm at Unión: «Stats say we'd be champions, but it must go in» | OneFootball

Saturday night’s draw left mixed feelings at the 15 de Abril stadium. Leonardo Madelón analyzed Unión’s 1-1 draw against Talleres on Matchday 9 of the Apertura (rescheduled due to the AFA strike) with a mix of pride in the team’s performance and frustration at not having secured qualification.

“Unión played a very good match, but couldn’t finish. It’s a matter of efficiency. Talleres had one chance and put the game away. We pinned them back in the second half,” the coach said, while also highlighting the team’s commitment: “Their character can’t be questioned. It’s a noble group and I believe in them. We stayed alive until the very end.”

Madelón optimistic at Unión

Madelón also said he spoke with the opposing coach after the match: “I spoke with Carlitos (Tevez) and he told me they got too much out of it. The overall assessment is good, but the hardest thing is getting the team into scoring positions and finishing, and that’s what we lacked.”

The coach went further in his analysis and even took an almost philosophical view: “Going by the stats, we’d be champions, but the ball has to go in. Maybe the supreme being decided it all had to be this way. Still, the players are doing well, and I congratulated them. We’ve earned respect, and there are things we can’t give up, like attacking.”

He also pointed to the context of the opposition: “Talleres has a stronger structure and a bigger budget, and they still weren’t better than us. Unión’s attitude can’t be questioned; maybe what was lacking was composure in front of goal.”

On the team’s current situation, he made it clear that the objective is still alive: “We have a big mentality and we’ve convinced ourselves that we can be more. We’re still in it and waiting for Monday’s results. I truly believe we’re going to get in.”

As for the process, Madelón valued the path taken: “Four days ago I completed one year on my contract and I’m very satisfied. A lot of things have improved and we’ve established the team in the division. Nothing to complain about; we’ve gone toe-to-toe with everyone.”

He even downplayed a possible negative outcome: “It wouldn’t be a failure if we don’t get in, just a bitter pill to swallow. The chances are there and I trust that other results can help us.” On the fitness front, he confirmed some updates: “Palavecino has a slight muscle tear and could be available if we qualify. Bruno Pittón may have a meniscus issue, but nothing serious.”

A possible opponent for Unión

In closing, he said: “Hopefully we get Independiente Rivadavia, who are playing fucking great (sic).

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