Montiel’s firm reply to Boca over refereeing criticism: «More respect» | OneFootball

Amid a buildup clouded by Boca fans’ criticism of Darío Herrera and by images showing River’s pitch in poor condition, Gonzalo Montiel and Leandro Paredes shared a press conference to preview the Superclásico. “As for the referee, I think there needs to be a little more respect,” said Cachete. And the Boca captain toned down the controversy, saying: “I don’t believe anyone has bad intentions.”

As often happens in Argentine football, both teams tried to set the tone ahead of the most important match of the tournament. Both let it be known they were unhappy with the appointment of the refereeing crew and, at the same time, neither avoided the issue of the grass at Núñez. “It’s not in good condition. It doesn’t favor either of the two teams,” admitted River’s No. 4, and his Argentina teammate added: “It’s going to be the same for both. We’re two teams that try to play football, the condition affects things, but we don’t attach that much importance to it.”

The tense atmosphere was limited only to that first question about the refereeing and the Monumental pitch. Beyond that, both emphasized the importance of the match and made it clear that it was practically a tournament in itself. “There’s nothing better than playing in a Superclásico. It’s going to be difficult; they’re tight matches because that’s what derbies are like. We’ll try to impose our game and, most importantly, win,” Montiel said.

And Paredes added: “The desire is always to achieve important things, to compete for important things. That’s also why I came back to the club. I was driven by getting that feeling again. The Superclásico is one of the most important matches we get to play in our career.”

Among other topics, both confirmed that if they are on the field, they will be the ones taking any possible penalties for their respective teams. World champions in Qatar, both scored in the penalty shootout in the quarterfinal against the Netherlands and in the final against France, in which, of course, Montiel converted the decisive one. “If I play, obviously I’m the one who’ll take it,” said Cachete. And Paredes didn’t hesitate: “It’ll surely be me taking it.”

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