The Lingering Shadow of a Missed Possibility: Luis Carrión Reflects on oviedo’s Playoff Run
Former Oviedo manager Luis Carrión continues to grapple with the emotional weight of the playoff final against Girona, a match that ultimately dashed his and the club’s dreams of promotion to La Liga.in a recent interview with Ser Deportivos Asturias, Carrión candidly admitted, “Ascending with Oviedo was a shared aspiration, and the disappointment of falling short has been tough to shake off. I still find myself replaying those moments in my mind. Despite the outcome, I wouldn’t change my approach to the game.”
Currently without a team after his departure from Las Palmas, Carrión revealed a new perspective on a controversial moment from the first leg. “Now that Masca has left, I’ve had the chance to review footage of the disallowed goal in the first leg. It was agonizingly close, just three centimeters away from standing. while we can only speculate on what might have been, Girona’s initial intensity overwhelmed us, and we struggled to regain our footing. Still, reaching the playoff final was an achievement that exceeded expectations.”
Carrión also addressed his departure from Oviedo, clarifying misconceptions surrounding his decision.”There have been inaccurate reports circulating about my exit. The Cornellá defeat was a deeply traumatic experience, and I had to make a life-altering decision within a mere three days.As a coach, I’ve navigated through various challenges, and the opportunity to manage in La Liga presented itself. While my choice may be perceived as a mistake in hindsight, it was a decision driven by my aspirations. the suggestion that I had already signed elsewhere is hurtful and untrue. I would never act in such a manner.”
He further elaborated on the emotional turmoil he faced, stating, “Jesús is a persuasive individual, but the allure of managing in La Liga was overwhelming. I valued the opportunity immensely, even though Oviedo offered greater financial stability. My judgment was clouded by the prospect of coaching at the highest level.”
Regarding Oviedo’s current manager, Carrión expressed his admiration. “Oviedo has an extraordinary manager and a talented squad. The comments made after the Reconquista match were regrettable and shoudl not have been uttered. My mind was not in the right place at that time, and my words were misinterpreted.However, I maintain a clear concious.”
“The One That Got Away”: A Candid Conversation with Luis Carrión
Luis Carrión’s name will forever be etched in the annals of Oviedo’s recent history. His tenure as manager saw the club climb to unthinkable heights, reaching the playoff final for a shot at La Liga glory. But ultimately, it was a dream deferred, a story tinged with the bittersweet memories of what could have been. Today, we delve into the mind of the man who led Oviedo’s charge, exploring the lingering emotions and controversial moments that defined his time with the club.
Welcome, Luis. Thanks for joining us.Let’s start with the elephant in the room. The playoff final against Girona – a night that ended in heartbreak for oviedo fans. How do you, personally, reflect on that match?
Carrión: It’s still raw, to be honest.The emotions are complex – a mix of pride for what we achieved,agony for falling at the final hurdle,and,of course,those gnawing what-ifs. Reaching the final was already a triumph, exceeding everyone’s expectations. But coming so close, tasting victory, only to have it snatched away… it leaves a mark.
You mentioned those “what-ifs.” The disallowed goal in the first leg seems to be a major talking point. What’s your take on that now, having had time to review the footage?
Carrión: Honestly, it was agonizingly close. Three centimeters! You can’t help but wonder, what if it had stood? I wouldn’t say it single-handedly decided the tie, but it certainly could have shifted the momentum. Girona came out guns blazing in that first leg, and their intensity overwhelmed us. We never fully recovered.
The way you left Oviedo, amidst the euphoria of promotion talks and rumors swirling around a move to Las Palmas, became controversial. misconceptions arose. Can you clear the air about what transpired?
Carrión: Look, the Cornellá defeat was a brutal experience. It was raw, emotional, and I had to make a life-altering decision within days. Both Oviedo and Las palmas presented unique opportunities. While Oviedo offered financial stability, the allure of managing in La Liga was immense.
But some reports suggested you had already signed with Las palmas before Oviedo’s playoff run was even over. Is there any truth to that?
Carrión: Absolutely not. That was, and still is, hurtful.To insinuate I would betray a club that had placed so much faith in me is deeply disrespectful. My judgment was clouded by the prospect of La Liga, yes. But I never acted dishonestly or with disrespect towards Oviedo.
You’ve since spoken about your admiration for Oviedo’s current manager. What are your thoughts on the progress the club is making under his leadership?
Carrión: Oviedo has a fantastic manager and a talented squad. They’re on an upward trajectory, and I genuinely wish them the best. My words after the reconquista match were regrettable. I was going through a difficult time,and my emotions got the better of me. It was unprofessional,and I regret it.
Looking back, what do you take away from your time with Oviedo?
Carrión: I take away immense pride. It was a journey filled with highs and lows, but ultimately, it was an honor to be entrusted with such a passionate club.The fans were incredible, and I’ll always cherish the memories made in Oviedo.My departure was complex and painful, but it doesn’t diminish the legacy we built together.
Luis, thank you for your candor and insights. We know this topic can still be raw, so your honesty is appreciated. And to our readers, what are your thoughts on Luis Carrión’s time with Oviedo? Do you believe he made the right call? Share your opinions and let the debate continue.
