Almada denies problems with Veiga, seeks player's best form for América

América's head coach Guillermo Almada has dismissed speculation of a rift with Brazilian midfielder Raphael Veiga, clarifying that a widely circulated image of them exchanging words during the Leagues Cup was merely a correction.

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Images are taken out of context. [...] I made a correction, which I felt was timely. He responded loudly so I could hear. Raphael is a very talented player.

"Images are taken out of context," Almada stated in a press conference. "I made a correction, which I felt was timely. He responded loudly so I could hear. Raphael is a very talented player." Despite the clarification, Almada acknowledged that Veiga needs to elevate his performance to meet the expectations at the club.

"He scored the opening goal. It gave us some peace of mind. We have to find his best version," Almada added. "We have hopes in him, that he will be one of the footballing solutions we need." Veiga's goal was instrumental in América's 3-0 victory over Atlético de San Luis, extending their unbeaten run.

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He scored the opening goal. It gave us some peace of mind. We have to find his best version. [...] We have hopes in him, that he will be one of the footballing solutions we need.

Almada also commended the development of the team's younger players, highlighting their contribution to the recent win. "We are satisfied with the players we have. The young players have stepped up, bringing freshness when we need them," said the Uruguayan coach. América will next face FC Juárez in the local league before heading to the United States for the Leagues Cup quarterfinals against Columbus Crew.

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We are satisfied with the players we have. [...] The young players have stepped up, bringing freshness when we need them.