“Saying sorry isn't enough”: Saldivia speaks out after Vasco boos

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Papo na Colina

·30 July 2026

“Saying sorry isn't enough”: Saldivia speaks out after Vasco boos

Vasco punched their ticket to the Copa Sudamericana round of 16, but the scenes at São Januário after the final whistle were marked by a strong outburst from center-back Alan Saldivia. The Uruguayan defender came on in the second half of the 1-0 win over Independiente Medellín and ended up being heavily booed by the fans after making a string of mistakes on the pitch, highlighting the intense pressure he has been under due to his recent dip in form.

Vasco saw the player publicly admit the difficult moment he is going through in his career right after the end of Wednesday’s match (29). Saldivia appeared deeply shaken by the criticism, acknowledged that he made crucial mistakes in previous performances — including scoring own goals — but assured that he is working hard every day to turn things around and regain the trust of Vasco supporters.

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+ Vasco beat Independiente Medellín with a late goal and advance in the Sudamericana

Interest from Argentina and desire to stay

Vasco became aware in recent days of strong interest from Argentina’s Huracán, who made formal inquiries to understand the conditions for an immediate transfer of the defender. The board is not ruling out a deal if an official offer is made, especially since the football department is prioritizing the signing of a right-footed center-back with greater aerial presence and leadership to strengthen the area overseen by coach Pedro Emanuel.

“From my side, it’s sad, obviously it hurts. I’m suffering after the games. I think my present moment is not good, it’s bad. I know that. But I’m going to turn it around. I’m not leaving like this. I want to stay here, and I’m going to work very hard for that. My agent told me about the inquiry, but today I’m here, I only arrived a short time ago, just five months. As for leaving, I don’t think I can, I can’t leave like this, leaving the boat to sail on its own. I’m going to stay here, die here, whenever they count on me I’ll stay and work until the last day.”

Alan Saldivia challenges Jeison Medina for the ball during Vasco x Independiente Medellín – Photo: PABLO PORCIUNCULA/AFP

Focus on the derby in the Copa do Brasil

Vasco is now monitoring Saldivia’s psychological state while also searching for new signings in the transfer market. The coaching staff currently have Robert Renan, Carlos Cuesta and Lucas Freitas as their main options, but understand they will need the entire squad fully engaged to handle the demanding run of decisive matches in the coming weeks.

The team immediately shifts gears in training and turns its focus to the electrifying derby against Fluminense next Saturday, August 1, at the Maracanã. The clash will be the first leg of the Copa do Brasil round of 16, and the squad’s goal is to shield the environment in order to seek an important advantage in the national showdown.

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