By Mariano Lopez V.
“Carlos (Zambrano) has all the experience and ability to put on the Boca jersey and command respect. We need real defenders and people with class,” he said. Jorge BermudezMember of the Football Council of Boca juniors, in the official presentation of the Peruvian defender. The comments of the “Patrón”, six-time champion with the “Xeneizes” and an expert in the field, have raised great expectations among the fans.
For a long time, the performance of Carlo Zambrano could not meet the expectations of the always demanding Boca fanatic. Logical: The ‘Kaiser’ arrived in Argentina after playing just 17 games in his last three seasons in Europe, a respectable figure for someone who was considered one of the revelations of the Bundesliga in 2010 alongside Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller. What he needed was to get his confidence back, to play, to have continuity, which he’s only been able to do in the last few months Sebastian Battaglia as DT.
YOU CAN SEE: Zambrano after switching from substitute to regular player: “I feel much more self-confident”
Against Corinthians, for the Copa Libertadores on Tuesday, the Peru centre-back put in another great performance, canceling out a long-career striker like Jo and helping Dario Benedetto score with a header. “Continuity makes me feel more confident. I always want to make the best contribution wherever I touch. We all want to play and we’re 100% there to do it well and it’s up to me and I try to take advantage of it,” he said at a press conference.
Along with Juan Román Riquelme, who called it “one of his weaknesses”, the happiest must be with Zambrano’s presence Ricardo Gareca. Their defender and right-back Luis Advíncula will reach the playoffs with the highest football rhythm as they face Tigre in the League Cup final this Sunday. The ‘Rayo’ is another one having a good moment, confirming it date after date and also receiving praise from the former ’10’. “He trains and competes more during the week than on Wednesdays and Sundays. He teaches the boys a lot. What he’s doing at the club is very good,” said Román.
YOU CAN SEE: When will the League Cup final between Boca Juniors and Tigre be played?
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Events. Through its social networks, the FPF published the Peru team’s itinerary for the playoffs. On June 10th they travel from Barcelona to Doha. They will train there on the 11th and 12th.