Paredes backs Úbeda to stay at Boca: "We always hoped he could carry on" | OneFootball

The emblem and captain of the “xeneize” spoke after the draw in the first match of the year against Millonarios, looked ahead to the World Cup, and backed the “Sifón”: “Having him here is very good for all of us.”

Boca couldn’t get past a draw against Millonarios in their first match of the year, and the criticism towards Claudio Úbeda continued at La Bombonera. The one who turned a deaf ear and strongly supported the coach was Leandro Paredes.

The emblem and captain of the “Xeneize” supported and endorsed the continuity of the “Sifón” on the bench: “We always hoped he could stay with us because the way we finished the tournament with him was, I think, much better than how we started, and we found what he had instilled in us.”

“Continuing with him is important, and having him here is very good for all of us,” clarified the world champion, doubling down on his support.

The captain sent a clear message of support both internally and externally for the coach, who ended up being targeted after the elimination from the Clausura Tournament and for substituting Zeballos at his best moment.

What did Úbeda say after drawing with Millonarios?

On a special day, the coach highlighted the significance of the tribute to the historic manager and reaffirmed the responsibility that comes with leading the club. First, Úbeda spoke about Ander Herrera, the experienced midfielder who started in the first half, and explained that his participation was already planned.

“It was scheduled for him to play 45 minutes. He’s perfect and we’re bringing him along progressively,” he said. He also highlighted his contribution on the field: “He gives us clarity, link-up play with Leandro, distribution, and passes between the lines. He’s a very intelligent player, not just physically but also verbally, because he’s constantly organizing the team,” he explained.

Beyond the result, the coach was satisfied with what the team showed in their season debut. “It’s logical since it’s the first match after an intense preseason with many double sessions,” he explained. He added: “I saw a team with intent to play, looking to keep possession and progress to get people into the opponent’s half. We didn’t finish our chances, but we never suffered at any point.”

Along those lines, Úbeda emphasized his confidence in the group he leads, stressed that he has a competitive squad, and that the previous work was “very good.” He also addressed the situation of Marino Hinestroza, whose arrival is still not finalized: “We’re at a stage of unlocking the negotiation. We remain focused on the start of the tournament. The players know what they’ll be facing this semester, with many matches, and they’re preparing for that.”

One of the most heartfelt moments of the press conference came when he spoke about his continuity in the role after the passing of Miguel Ángel Russo. “For me, it’s a huge honor to occupy this position,” he stated. He detailed: “We discussed it with Román and Delgado at the end of the year. They analyzed the process we had been going through with Miguel and the last stage that I was in charge of. That’s why they made the decision. It’s a great responsibility, but we feel prepared to compete as Boca deserves.”

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