The last March 1st, Atlético Nacional announced that Alexander Restrepo he ceased to be his coach after the 3-1 falls against Olimpia in the Copa Libertadores and against Bucaramanga in the League. In Antioquian coach He was silent and avoided referring to the subject. Today, after a few months of reflection, she decided to talk to EL COLOMBANO about his departure from the institution and what his plans are.
What is your present?
“I take advantage of this time to rest, family and look at new opportunities. Keep learning and training.”
Where is your career going?
“I have had a lot of time as a coach, lIn recent years closer to professional football and this time has served for reflection, to take a break, but also to learn about different projects and see what opportunities may arise.
Why didn’t you continue in Nacional in the sub-20?
“When I took ownership of the professional team, my role in the institution changed. After it was decided not to continue, it was considered healthy not to continue in Nacional. I value everything I experienced and I respect that decision. Today I am dedicated to finding a new direction and sharing the knowledge acquired within the club, putting it into practice and contributing to Colombian football”.
How many years have you been at National?
“A little more than three years in different roles.”
What was left?
“Having shared with great people, friends, people who are fans and express their love for you. Also, learning from all the players, both the professionals and those from the academy. In short, each situation had its learning in the positions I held and the moments I spent, and from not-so-good situations you learn even more”.
Despite the title you had in the Colombian Cup, do you think it was time for you to take over as the manager?
“One in life mustand live the present and With the knowledge I had of the squad and the players, I decided to take it on, live it. I learned a lot from that and it is a moment to value everything that was experienced and learned”.
Did it hurt you a lot to have left after a game like the one that took place in Paraguay against Olimpia, but in which the result was not given?
“Yes of course. It hurts you as a soccer man, people who love the institution and who were involved with the group and the team. That Libertadores was everyone’s dream. What remains is to look to the future and give the club and this group a lot of strength because they deserve to win a lot of things”.
Will you continue working with Francisco Nájera as his assistant?
“Yes, the friendly relationship with Pacho is one of the great things that the institution left me. He is a person with whom we combine professionally. Much will depend on the opportunities that come and the decisions that we both make. I would love to continue working with him, because we have done very well, and it will depend on those opportunities”.
What influences as a coach did you have left from Nacional?
“I was fortunate to be with great coaches like Paulo Autuori, Alexandre Guimaraes and Juan Carlos Osorio. With them I learned a lot, but I have tried to have my own stamp, to play combined and attacking football, obviously with balance. Perhaps the person I was closest to to share and discuss was teacher Juan Carlos and with teacher Alexandre I got to know the team more inside, what the campus and the methodology were.”
Would you return to Nacional at another time?
“As people and professionals we give all our capacity and I have done it during the 20 years of my profession and in the places I have been. I hope that I can return. I was very pleased to have been invited to the 75 years of the club, the way they have treated me and the affection that many people have for me. I will always be attentive to what happens in the institution, wishing you the best. Both my family and I, the only thing we have in gratitude forever.
What is your dream as a coach?
“Initially it was to be a professional coach and I have already fulfilled it. Having obtained the license pro. Now it’s time to go for group objectives in the project I’m in, contribute my knowledge. The dream is to be able to make institutions bigger, not only being the coach of a club but leaving a mark and contributing to the people who are there”.
Do you regret anything at Nacional?
“If we had time, one dreams of winning and achieving what great references did, that is the debt that remains and that we had the desire to achieve.”
Do you already have offers for
steer?
“Yes, there have been some conversations, but the tournament is not over yet and this semester I cannot coach. It has surprised me that those who have spoken to me have been very serious in giving their share of calm and that we can have an opportunity”.
How do you analyze the moment of the Colombian League?
“He is entering the definitions. There are some consolidated teams that have shown that regularity and will surely be the ones called to fight and compete for the title, such as Nacional, Tolima, Millonarios and Junior. Envigado has also had a great semester, but Colombian football is very even”
