The Boca coach spoke after the final defeat against Fluminense.
Boca Juniors came close to lifting its seventh Copa Libertadores, but Fluminense halted that dream with a 2-1 victory at the Maracaná. In the moments after the final whistle, Jorge Almirón met the press to share reflections and take questions, offering several meaningful insights about the match and the journey ahead for the club.
JORGE ALMIRÓN’S REMARKS AFTER THE LOSS TO FLUMINENSE
- He noted that Boca displayed strong periods of play and delivered a spirited performance, emphasizing that the team pressed effectively and created chances. He recognized Fluminense’s quality and admitted that the rival deserved to win, praising their organization and execution throughout the game.
- He emphasized the broader arc of Boca’s season, highlighting the rapid rebuilding that occurred after a previous period under different leadership. He reminded listeners that reaching the final represented a notable achievement, especially given prior doubts and the uphill path to this stage. He also praised the contributions of young players who took part in their first Libertadores final, underscoring the learning and growth that accompanies such experiences in a demanding stadium and against a formidable opponent.
- He conveyed a deep sense of pain mixed with pride, noting the club’s stature and the emotional impact on the fanbase. He spoke about the need to move forward, reinforcing the idea that a club of Boca’s size continually seeks to rebound from disappointments and keep faith with its supporters’ hopes.
- He described how the match unfolded, saying the team approached the final with a clear plan and showed resilience in the second half. While the initiative sometimes shifted toward the opponents, Boca remained organized in the first half. In the latter stages, the team pushed forward with greater energy. He acknowledged that an extra man might have altered the result but conceded that the red card changed the dynamics and expressed sadness over the outcome while reaffirming the club’s identity and future potential.
The comments reflect a manager who recognizes the thin line between victory and defeat in high-stakes finals, while remaining focused on building a squad capable of competing at the highest level in South American football.