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“We are favorites with whoever we draw”: Coach Figueroa trusts Comunicaciones' history for the semifinals
🇬🇹 Guatemala /Sports

“We are favorites with whoever we draw”: Coach Figueroa trusts Comunicaciones' history for the semifinals

From Prensa Libre · (23m ago) Spanish Positive tone

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Comunicaciones' coach, Marco Antonio Figueroa, expressed strong confidence in his team's chances in the Clausura 2026 semifinals.
  • Figueroa stated Comunicaciones are "favorites" regardless of their opponent, citing the team's growth throughout the tournament.
  • He addressed the absence of veteran player José Manuel "Moyo" Contreras, attributing it to physical condition rather than personal issues and emphasizing his performance-based selection criteria.

Comunicaciones' coach Marco Antonio Figueroa, affectionately known as "El Fantasma," confidently declared his team the "favorites" heading into the Clausura 2026 semifinals. Following their decisive 2-0 victory over Antigua GFC, Figueroa emphasized that the team's resurgence, including their comeback from a difficult position, is a direct result of their development under his guidance. This self-assured stance reflects a strong belief within the club that they can contend for the championship. Figueroa also took the opportunity to clarify the situation surrounding the notable absence of long-serving midfielder José Manuel "Moyo" Contreras. He firmly dismissed any speculation of personal conflict, explaining that Contreras's exclusion was based purely on physical readiness and performance. Figueroa's remarks underscore his no-nonsense approach to team management, where on-field contribution is paramount. He highlighted his past successes in steering the team away from relegation without Contreras, reinforcing his commitment to a merit-based system. From a Guatemalan perspective, Comunicaciones' journey to the semifinals, especially with such a confident outlook from their coach, is a significant narrative. The team's ability to overcome challenges and the coach's bold pronouncements generate considerable local interest and discussion, showcasing a passionate football culture where team spirit and on-field performance are fiercely debated.

Somos favoritos en semifinales con cualquiera que nos toque

— Marco Antonio FigueroaCoach Figueroa's confident declaration about Comunicaciones' chances in the upcoming semifinals.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Prensa Libre in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.