Just days before the anticipated match between Boca and Racing, coach Miguel Angel Russo held a press conference. He discussed the upcoming key duel on Saturday at La Bombonera (16:30), as well as several issues affecting the club. Russo expressed confidence in his team and dismissed media speculation, asking for his family to be left alone.
«We’re doing well, working hard. We know winning is important for us and we’re facing a tough opponent. This is Boca. La Bombonera demands victory,» said Russo, who assured that the team is in good shape after a week of intensive training.
Regarding the internal management of the squad, Russo was clear: «I talk to everyone. I speak to the group, it’s the best way for everyone to understand. Here, people make a fuss without knowing how a team is, how my management and methods are.»
He also made a firm request to the press: «Leave my son alone. Don’t look for things where there aren’t any,» in reference to questions asked to his son during a match that Tigre played.
On the team’s performance, Russo was optimistic: «I don’t like losing, it hurts. It’s my way of life. We’re all looking for Boca to win. Paredes plays the way he plays and we had a very good week of work. I’m not thinking about anything negative.»
He also reflected on the rotation and the individual players: «Today, the starting eleven is relative,» he said, when asked about possible changes in the team. He also valued the next opponent: «I value Racing as a team, but I also believe a lot in my people and mine.»
Finally, he referred to the controversial departure of Miguel Merentiel in the last match against Huracan and downplayed it: «There wasn’t much to clarify.»
Boca is preparing for a high-demand classic and Russo knows it. But he has no doubt: «This is always Boca, you have the obligation to win.»