Rafael Profini on facing Boca: "We all dream of playing in these matches" | OneFootball

The central midfielder from Boca spoke after the open practice and analyzed the team's current situation. 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 to fine-tune details at the red-and-white training grounds, and one of those who spoke after the open practice was Rafael Profini, who valued 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 pushed the team to its limits both physically and tactically. In that sense, he highlighted the collective effort made in a tough setting and against a high-caliber opponent.

“We put in 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, marking the squad's shift in mindset after securing 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 to observe aspects of the opponent, although the deeper tactical analysis will come in the upcoming training sessions.

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

Consistency, key to his growth

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

That growth is also reflected in the physical display he shows match after match, something the player himself directly links 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 having a good match, to withstand the run of games and feel good on the pitch,” he explained.

A midfield with attacking presence

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 request.

“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 break free to join 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 wasn't getting regular playing time with the first team. Instead of seeking a move elsewhere, he chose to stay at the club and compete for a spot. “I always had the idea of staying and playing at Unión. Today, thank God, I'm getting the chance, so I'm very happy to be able to take 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 them to come at a good moment for us is even better, so we're really looking forward to it and we'll prepare for the match in the best possible way,” 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 meaning. “We treat all matches 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 red-and-white midfielder.

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