Sebastián Battaglia’s tough message to players after Boca’s defeat against Banfield: “You must be prepared to perform”

With a lineup full of regular substitutes, thinking of the rematch against Corinthians for the Copa Libertadores round of 16, Boca Juniors suffered a tough 3-0 against Banfield at the Bombonera. After the defeat, technical director Sebastián Battaglia spoke at the press conference and sent his managers a message in a vindictive tone: “They must be ready to surrender“.

The question specifically pointed to the poor performance of youth forward Luis Vázquez. The coach, however, avoided identifying the criticisms and took the opportunity to refer to all those players who are not used to being the owner.

“You have to prepare and feel good when it’s your turn or when the team needs it. Not just Luis (Vázquez) but all those who have fewer minutes and maybe have to get in a little. Everyone has to be at their best and prepared to perform”, He expressed.

Meanwhile, he was very self-critical about the result and the collective level of the team: “Today it’s hard to find positive things for what was for us the evening, we hope that everyone can feel good and make good performances, but today we have not found them, especially in the first half “.

Banfield has good players and a good performance, they did their credit so that the first half went as it went. We we have not been coordinated and firm in defense they took advantage of it and were able to score three goals, “he added.

On the other hand, he revealed why he decided at the last moment to leave Colombian midfielder Jorman Campuzano on the bench: “He told me that his head was not there to stay with the game, due to the inconvenience he has. it would be good for him to clarify them too in case you decide to speak “.

Regarding Tuesday’s match in La Bombonera, where Xeneize will receive Corinthians for the rematch of the Copa Libertadores round of 16, after the goalless draw in Brazil, he said: “I hope not that they benefit us, but that they don’t harm us either“.

“I think VAR is a great tool that has been incorporated, but the problem is that we continue to depend on the human being and his interpretation. I still think it was criminal to me. It would be good to unify the criteria “, he complained, about the controversial hand in the first leg.

What Battaglia said about the possible arrival of Arturo Vidal at Boca Juniors

As for the possibility of Arturo Vidal joining Xeneize in this transfer market, Battaglia admitted there is a negotiation for the Chilean midfielder and was thrilled that the signing would happen.

“I was informed that there were negotiations but I didn’t have a chance to talk to him. We know what kind of player he is and what a player with such a hierarchy would mean for Argentine football, “said the coach.

And he closed: “If this continues, I will certainly have the opportunity to speak with him and from there we will be thrilled with his arrival because he will classify not only the squad but all Argentine football.”