The classic paisa, one of the most passionate rivalries in Colombian soccer, once again grabbed the headlines, but this time not only because of the result on the field, but also because of the strong controversy that broke out after the match. Atlético Nacional beat Independiente Medellín with a solid 2-0 at the Atanasio Girardot stadium, but post-match attention focused on the exchanged statements between the coaches of both teamsspecifically in the defense of purslane coach Efraín Juárez towards his goalkeeper, David Ospina, in response to comments made by his DIM counterpart, Alejandro Restrepo.
During the press conference, Juárez was questioned about the performance of Ospina, who was widely praised for his performance, being key for the team to keep a clean sheet. In his speech, Juárez paused to address Restrepo’s statements, which had been issued minutes before, and took the opportunity to defend Ospina, making clear his appreciation for the goalkeeper and the discomfort that Restrepo’s words caused him.
Bluntly and firmly, Juárez responded to Restrepo’s words, although without mentioning him directly, and sent a forceful message: “First of all I want to say something very clear about David. The truth is that, with all due respect, the technicians who talk about him, no one can compare David Ospina, no team can compare David Ospina.” These words not only sought to defend his goalkeeper, but also to highlight the greatness of a player whose career and trajectory are admired in world football.
The Mexican coach emphasized that Ospina does not need the chances generated by rival teams to be a figure, but rather his presence and quality stand out by themselves.. “He is already a figure, since he arrived,” added Juárez, recalling Ospina’s vast experience and career in elite teams such as Nice, Arsenal and Napoli, as well as his invaluable role in the Colombian National Team, where he became the player with the most games played.
You can read: Nacional confirmed the withdrawal of David Ospina due to the injury suffered on Monday in the Betplay Cup, how long will he be out?
For Juárez, Restrepo’s comments represented “a lack of respect for him and his career,” and with a firm stance he made it clear that he would not allow the importance of his goalkeeper to be belittled. Juárez concluded his speech by highlighting that Ospina is one of the great figures of Atlético Nacional and that his performance in the classic paisa had been another example of his validity and level.
The support of the purslane coach did not go unnoticed by the fans, who valued the support for a player as emblematic as Ospina. On social networks, the green fans united to highlight the high level of their goalkeeper, who was coming off a great performance in the previous match against Fortaleza, thus reaffirming his importance in the team. Juárez’s intervention not only showed his loyalty to his playersbut also his commitment to the club and his desire to protect the image of its figures.
This exchange of statements adds a new chapter to the history of the classics between Nacional and Medellín.
