“It hasn't worked well”: former Colombia national team player criticized Reinaldo Rueda

The Colombia team faces the challenge of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, despite the fact that the accounts are not favorable. In the face of the last double elimination date, the 'Tricolor' is seventh with 17 points and depends on other results if it wants to secure its quota for the next World Cup.

The immediate challenge is the Bolivian national team, which they will face this Thursday, March 24 at the Metropolitano Stadium in Barranquilla. On Monday night, the last players of the competition arrived in the Atlantic capital: Rafael Santos Borré, Luis Fernando Muriel, Davinson Sánchez, Matheus Uribe and William Tesillo. In this way, the coach, Reinaldo Rueda, has the full roster for the training sessions.

In the lead up to the engagement, Carlos Valdés, former player of the 'Cafetero' team, spoke about the current situation of the team, which is going through a seven-match streak without scoring a goal. In the program 'ESPN Fútbol Show' he supported the defenders, who have also been the cause of criticism, and questioned the methods used by Rueda when facing the matches.

“Some things I think have to do more with football concepts, from the coach's philosophy. We are clear that the initiation of the game starts with the central defenders and even with the goalkeeper, and the offensive volume can be generated between all of them. But there are areas where a wall is unnecessary for a central defender. I don't need Yerry Mina to make a wall in the risk zone,” he said first.

In that sense, Valdés said that “the subject of concepts is the one that has not been worked on well and I don't know if it has been clear from the coach's idea, and that's why it may be difficult for this team to generate the volume of play you would like”.

In addition, one of the topics that was the subject of debate in the television space was who should assume the role of creator in the National Team. Regarding this, the former Independiente Santa Fe player said that “the risk, blade or leak pass, which we call in football, is the responsibility of the Quintero, the Cuadrado, the James Rodríguez, they are not needed by a central defender.”

Finally, Valdés said that “personality” is needed to be able to receive the ball, and explained what was one of the aspects that the 'Cafetero' team needed in the last matches: “You could risk a little more, lose your fear of rivals [...] We cannot keep the opportunities that we have wasted under the goal, because it was one per game. It worries that they only think that there is something paranormal and that is why the ball does not enter.”

On Sunday, the first practice was held at the Colombian Football Federation's sports headquarters in Barranquilla, with the presence of four players: Álvaro Montero, Miguel Borja, Harold Preciado and Gustavo Cuéllar. By Monday, the coaching staff had 14 footballers, notably the presence of James Rodríguez, Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, David Ospina and Wilmar Barrios.

This Tuesday, March 22, a training session is scheduled in the afternoon, adjusting details to receive Bolivia. The hope of ending the 645 minute streak without scoring so many could end against 'La Verde', which has the worst defense of the qualifiers. In 16 matches played, those led by César Farías have received 35 points and have not yet been able to win in this qualifier (two draws and six defeats).

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