What is Alejandro Restrepo like as a coach?
As a coach I would fall short because he is a coach from whom one learns a lot. In my twelve years of career I have never learned as many things as this year. Anyone you ask about the club will always tell you that he is a coach who teaches a lot, understands football very easily. If what happens, Alianza Lima will be what Mundo Alianza is looking for: good play, clear structures, always going to the front.
Have you talked about Alianza Lima?
Yes, it was long before I knew I was going to Alianza. In May or June we had the opportunity to talk about the team and I’m sure it was clear to him. He asked me what Peru was like, not knowing that it would later be an option for him. He asked me what Alianza Lima was like, what team he was like in Colombia and I told him that it was more or less like Atlético Nacional, but that his people had more. I told him that anyone who arrives has to be prepared to assume, because the Alianza World consumes you.. His demand for a large team and that he always has to fight for important things. I told him that it was the most beautiful thing that could be experienced in terms of football, Like in my case, I have been through important clubs but Alianza was one of my best experiences. I showed him the Victory film and he was amazed at what he saw. I am sure that he will assume it with a lot of responsibility, he is a coach who loves football and understands what it is to be in a big team because he was already a champion with Atlético Nacional where the pressure is also similar.
What does Restrepo play?
As we saw in Libertadores, any team plays head to head and looks for results. In Pereira we gave the surprise, a good squad was put together, with many new players and, at first, that was difficult. We were in a difficult group with Colo Colo, who experienced it in Alianza and we couldn’t beat them, or like Boca Juniors who lost the result in La Bombonera with five or eight minutes left. He is a coach who, in a team like Alianza Lima with high-ranking players, knows what he has to do, has very good tactics, and does not close himself to a single game system. He is a coach that I know you will like if we support him and give him that confidence, he will surely give us a lot of joy in the future. Furthermore, as a person he is spectacular, a calm person who lives off football and always wants to learn. In a few months I think we will talk about his good game in Alianza Lima.
I used to play with a line of three
I never saw him defensive. An example of that was when we played against Boca in La Bombonera, but he also knows about balance and is flexible. He likes his line of three, yes, but we have also played 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 and, according to the rival, he studies the best with his coaching staff, which is also very good.
Alianza Lima has a lot of important people, what is your wardrobe management like?
His management is good, he always tried to talk things over. Sometimes it is difficult to make 30 players happy, I think no coach has achieved it because everyone always wants to be there, but it gives important management. I never saw a Pereira player making a bad face because he wasn’t playing or because he couldn’t be there. He gave opportunities to everyone and whoever knew how to take advantage of it, he played. During the week we all started from scratch and whoever was better played. That helps you prepare. He has had great players and role models, you know what that is like. He also coached ‘Rifle’ Andrade and Hernán Barcos, they are accomplished players.
Do you think he can adapt to the Peruvian tournament?
The topic of Peruvian geography is very important, but in Colombia we also have that. I lived it, when we went to play at altitude or in hot cities, there was always talk about it. But The teacher knows how to handle it, he knows how to plan and choose players for each type of match. When I heard the rumor, I thought that I hope it can happen because Alianza needs that, a high-ranking coach who likes good football and does the same on any field.
How did Restrepo empower you?
I learned a lot, I played second striker and winger. It taught me where you can receive with advantage, it teaches a lot about the control and speed of the pass that, in itself, you think you know. But when he shows it to you on the court and you do it, you realize that you knew it but you weren’t executing it in the best way. Any player you ask will tell you that he makes things easy for you and helps you grow as a person.
If he asks you to be part of his team, would you come back?
If I would like it, either with the Restrepo project or later with another, surely yes. I keep working and the day it happens, let it be natural. The teacher knows me well this whole year and knows that if he gives me the opportunity to come back, I will be there. And if not, I will continue supporting the club from wherever I am because I am a fan and the teacher more because I love him. If I return, it will be because I am in a good moment and I can contribute to the club, I still follow them from the outside. It is in the hands of him and the board.
Do you have anything planned for 2024?
I have nothing closed with any club, I have a contract until December 20 and then we will see what can happen.. I have a contract until December 20 and we will continue training until then. I will look at options with my family to continue my career, it was a great year making history with Deportivo Pereira.
What was your key to competing in the Copa Libertadores?
First, the man dedicated himself to making the team a family. He gave us the chip of having character, personality and looking anyone in the eyes, he put that into our heads. You have to always be there, that you have history in your hand and that you don’t know when that opportunity will be repeated. I am sure that it would not have been a surprise for us to reach other levels.
What would you advise him upon his arrival at Alianza Lima?
Let him not change anything he has been doing, let him remain the same, let him meet a nice group. He knows how to make people feel comfortable. When people realize good football, they will fall in love with it. What is never lacking in Matute is that support and you will always find the stands full.
As a fan, how did you experience the loss of the three-time championship?
I watched both games and it hurt like a fan hurts. He was lost but I am sure that the true fan is calmer now and he knows that the club is doing things well, I don’t know how many teams play in three finals in a row. Surely in 2024 they will bring people and fight for a new final, and also seek to do important things in the Copa Libertadores. If we talk about it, they are taking a man who was among the eight best in America.
Do you still talk to colleagues in Alianza Lima?
Yes, with the majority, with Ballón, Aldair, ‘Richy’, Jairo, Campos, with the majority that I was with. We have a group on WhatsApp, it’s the people I left and we are friends. We have a very great appreciation. I miss everything about Alianza, I had nice things. We arrived at a difficult time for the Alliance in 2021 and we put our heart forward.
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