Rafael Profini on the Boca clash: "We all dream of playing these matches" | OneFootball

The central midfielder from Boca spoke after the open practice and analyzed the current state of the team. He assured that the squad is already focused on the clash against Boca.

Three days before the match against Boca Juniors, the Unión squad continues fine-tuning details at the red-and-white training ground, and one of those who spoke after the open practice was Rafael Profini, who appreciated the team's performance in their last outing and emphasized that the focus is already on the next challenge in the championship.

The central midfielder began by referring to the draw achieved against Independiente in Avellaneda, a match that demanded the team’s maximum effort both physically and tactically. In that sense, he highlighted the collective effort made in a tough setting against a high-quality opponent.

“We just made a great effort over there in Buenos Aires, at Independiente’s stadium, against a tough opponent, but now we’re already focused on Boca, thinking about what Sunday’s match will be like,” Profini explained, noting the squad’s shift in mindset after earning a point away from home.

Studying the opponent and confidence in their own game

Ahead of the clash with the Xeneize side, the midfielder explained that the coaching staff and the squad have already started observing aspects of the opponent, although the deeper tactical analysis will come in the next training sessions.

“We’ve been following them, we’re watching their matches. We haven’t been able to analyze them in detail yet, we’ll surely do that tomorrow, but we’re calm because we know the game we have and what we want to do on the field,” commented the midfielder, making it clear that Unión will look to maintain their footballing identity.

Consistency, key to his growth

Profini is going through a period of consolidation in Unión’s midfield and acknowledged that continuity was crucial for boosting his performance within the team. “Consistency always helps you gain more confidence and allows you to grow, and that helped me loosen up more on the field,” said the central midfielder, who has earned a steady spot in the coach’s lineup.

That growth is also reflected in the physical display he shows match after match, something the player himself links directly to the work the squad does during the week. “The physical work we’ve been doing in training is very good and that’s the foundation for playing a good match, to withstand the run of games and feel good on the field,” he explained.

A midfield with presence in the box

Within Unión’s playing system, the central midfielders not only fulfill recovery and balance roles, but also actively participate in the offensive phase. In that sense, Profini explained the coach’s specific instructions.

“The coach asks us to stay well grouped and that when we attack, one of the midfielders gets close to the goal, that’s why we often push forward to support the play,” commented the midfielder, who has even become one of the team’s top assist providers in the tournament.

Another aspect the midfielder addressed was the personal decision he made some time ago when he didn’t have regular playing time in the first team. Instead of seeking another destination, he chose to stay at the club and compete for a spot. “I always wanted to stay and play for Unión. Today, thank God, I’m getting the chance, so I’m very happy to be able to take advantage of it and I try to give my best every time I get to play,” he assured.

A motivating challenge

Finally, Profini acknowledged that the match against Boca represents an important opportunity for the squad, both in sporting terms and in the exposure that comes with facing one of the country’s biggest clubs. “These are the matches you always dream of playing, and for us to be in a good moment makes it even better, so we’re really eager and we’re going to prepare for the match in the best way possible,” he stated.

Even so, he made it clear that the team approaches every match with the same seriousness, although he admitted that a win against the Xeneize side would have special value. “We treat every match with the same importance, but beating Boca always has a special flavor, especially if it’s here at home and with our fans,” concluded the Unión midfielder.

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