Gustavo Alfaro to Chilavert: 'Instead of Being a Sniper, You Would Have Called Me'

Paraguay's national football team coach, Gustavo Alfaro, has publicly addressed his strained relationship with legendary former goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert, criticizing his constant media attacks ahead of a critical World Cup qualifier against Germany.

Alfaro contrasted Chilavert's stance with the supportive actions of other national team icons. He specifically highlighted Justo Villar, another former goalkeeper, for his constructive approach. Alfaro recounted how, after a previous heavy defeat against the United States, the team faced questions about retaining goalkeeper Orlando Gill for the next match.

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You know what I asked Justo Villar? When I told him that Orlando Gill was going to be the starting goalkeeper. I said: 'Justo, I know it's not your role, it's not your responsibility. I would like you to talk to Orlando. You had your World Cup debut, you know what it means to guard that goal, the weight it carries, the responsibility of history, everything you're going to defend. I would like you to have, if you don't take it the wrong way, I would like you to have a chat,' because for me, the chat you can have will be much more important than the confidence I can convey by telling you: 'You're going to be a starter.'

"They questioned Orlando Gill, they questioned Orlando Gill. They asked me if I would keep him for the second game, after they had conceded four goals," Alfaro said. He then revealed a unique intervention: "You know what I asked Justo Villar? When I told him that Orlando Gill was going to be the starting goalkeeper. I said: 'Justo, I know it's not your role, it's not your responsibility. I would like you to talk to Orlando. You had your World Cup debut, you know what it means to guard that goal, the weight it carries, the responsibility of history, everything you're going to defend. I would like you to have, if you don't take it the wrong way, I would like you to have a chat,' because for me, the chat you can have will be much more important than the confidence I can convey by telling you: 'You're going to be a starter.'"

Alfaro expressed his disappointment with Chilavert's lack of empathy, especially given the risks involved in developing young talent for the future. He praised historical figures who have actively supported the current squad during their training camp, contrasting their behavior with Chilavert's persistent criticism. Chilavert, in response, posted on social media, accusing Alfaro of lying and calling the national team a "congreso de la Corrupbol."

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They questioned Orlando Gill, they questioned Orlando Gill. They asked me if I would keep him for the second game, after they had conceded four goals.