Claudio Ubeda Speaks After Boca Juniors Exit
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Claudio Ubeda spoke for the first time since being dismissed as Boca Juniors' coach.
- He stated his relationship with the players was extraordinary and that decisions were made internally.
- Ubeda defended his tenure, highlighting a 14-game unbeaten streak and qualification for the Copa Libertadores.
Claudio Ubeda has broken his silence following his dismissal as Boca Juniors coach, expressing his disappointment but understanding of the club's demands for results. Ubeda, who had a contract until the end of the year, was let go by the board led by Juan Romรกn Riquelme to allow time for a replacement before pre-season training begins on June 18.
With Chelo (Delgado) we had a very good chat, our relationship with the players was extraordinary.
Speaking to Radio La Red, Ubeda described his conversation with club official Marcelo Delgado, who informed him of the decision. "With Chelo (Delgado) we had a very good chat, our relationship with the players was extraordinary," Ubeda said. He acknowledged the board's gratitude for the process, noting the absence of internal conflicts during his time at the club. "We hurt because we knew we had many possibilities and conditions to keep advancing, but in the world of Boca, it's about results," he added.
We hurt because we knew we had many possibilities and conditions to keep advancing, but in the world of Boca, it's about results.
Ubeda also addressed his relationship with Riquelme, stating they spoke about the team's performance. He clarified that Riquelme never imposed player decisions, asserting that all choices were his own. "I have complete and absolute peace of mind that I made the decisions," he stated, expressing a desire to have had Miguel Russo, the previous coach, by his side to thank him.
I have complete and absolute peace of mind that I made the decisions.
Defending his tenure, Ubeda rejected the label of "failure." He pointed to a 14-game unbeaten streak, two victories against rivals, and qualification for the Copa Libertadores as successes. "I understand that in Boca, that is not enough; it demands winning permanently, but in the overall analysis, one must consider," he said, acknowledging the frustration over the Copa Libertadores exit. He also commented on media criticism, stating he understands when the press focuses on negative aspects.
I understand that in Boca, that is not enough; it demands winning permanently, but in the overall analysis, one must consider.
Originally published by La Naciรณn in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.