Boca President Riquelme Criticizes Goal Conceded from Throw-in After Advancing in Copa Sudamericana

Juan Román Riquelme, president of Boca Juniors, voiced his discontent following the team's narrow 1-0 loss to O'Higgins in the Copa Sudamericana, even though Boca ultimately advanced to the round of 16 via a penalty shootout. Riquelme emphasized that the team must address specific errors, particularly highlighting the goal conceded from a simple throw-in.

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The players have a lot to talk about, because you cannot concede a goal from a throw-in. If you concede a goal from a throw-in, it's because you haven't done it well, because you haven't marked well. That has nothing to do with morale or confidence.

"It was a complicated match. Perhaps in Buenos Aires, we should have established a slightly larger difference, but it was a Copa match. You always have to be attentive the entire game. They tied us with a throw-in," Riquelme stated, reflecting on the match played in Chile. He elaborated on the defensive lapse, asserting, "The players have a lot to discuss because they cannot concede a goal from a throw-in. If you concede a goal from a throw-in, it's because you haven't done it well, because you haven't marked properly. That has nothing to do with morale or confidence."

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It was a complicated match. Perhaps in Buenos Aires, we should have established a slightly larger difference, but it was a Copa match. You always have to be attentive the entire game. They tied us with a throw-in.

Riquelme distinguished this goal from other dangerous O'Higgins chances, noting that a headed goal could be attributed to the opponent's skill, but a goal from a throw-in indicated a clear marking failure. Despite his criticism, Riquelme valued the team's qualification, acknowledging the short rest period and the new coach's integration. "It's important to advance. We have very little rest time, we continue playing every two or three days, and we have a new coach who is getting to know the guys. It was important to qualify because it's a way to build confidence," he said.

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Penalties are a matter of luck. Luck was on our side. For our goalkeeper, it's good, because it's also a way to gain security.

Regarding the penalty shootout, Riquelme attributed the win to luck, stating, "Penalties are a matter of luck. Luck was on our side." He also mentioned the impact of player injuries on transfer plans, noting that absences had altered their market strategy. Riquelme did not rule out signing another striker before the transfer window closes, contingent on player departures. "We were very happy with the squad, but these issues appeared. Now, with the remaining time, if there's a possibility to loan someone abroad and we can bring someone in, we will always be available," he concluded.

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We were very happy with the squad, but these issues appeared. Now, with the remaining time, if there's a possibility to loan someone abroad and we can bring someone in, we will always be available.