Miguel ‘Chueco’ Robledo on taking over Colón reserves: aims and plan | OneFootball

The veteran youth coach (he has spent more than 15 years scouting and training youngsters at the club) took charge of the Reserve team through December, replacing Alejandro Russo, who will now focus fully on the overall coordination of the youth system. In a conversation with ADN Gol, the coach made it clear that his main objective is to help the youngsters develop so they can make the jump to the professional squad.

“Diego Colotto told me he would like four or five of the boys I’ll be in charge of to be in contention for the First Team in December. We train 20 meters from the professional squad, and I always tell them that it’s up to them to cover that distance”, Robledo said. He also stressed that the Reserve team is still a developmental category: “They have the qualities, otherwise they wouldn’t be here. Our job is to give them the tools to grow and be ready to become professional footballers.”

“Chueco,” who has worked at Colón since 1994 in different spells and roles, said he feels comfortable in any position he is asked to fill within the club. “I’m happy to be at Colón. Right now I’m helping from this role, without neglecting the scouting area, which for me is one of the most important in any institution”, he explained.

He also backed the decision to make the Reserve squad younger. As he explained, the idea is not only to lower the average age, but also to make it easier for older players who currently have no place in the First Team to go out on loan and gain competitive experience. “The important thing is for the boys to have the chance to grow. If they can do it in Colón’s First Team, even better; if not, then let football open other doors for them”.

“Chueco” Robledo, one of the many unsung heroes of Colón’s title.

Beyond the results, Robledo made it clear that his greatest satisfaction comes from shaping them as people. “What gratifies me most is leaving them something for life. Advice, support, a lesson. If they then make it into professional football, all the better. But if not, then at least let them be good people”, he said.

This Wednesday, the Reserve team will play a friendly against Central, and next Tuesday, July 14, it will make its official debut in the Proyección Tournament when it visits Estudiantes de La Plata.

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