Barranquilla, Colombia – following their recent victory in the Torneo Finalización, securing their tenth Colombian league title, Junior de Barranquilla is now focused on building upon their success. Manager alfredo Arias is navigating the complexities of retaining key players amidst the January transfer window, a traditionally active period for the Liga BetPlay Dimayor. The club faces roster restrictions and contract negotiations as they prepare for the upcoming season and potential participation in the 2024 Copa Libertadores group stage.
Junior de Barranquilla manager Alfredo Arias has begun outlining plans for the upcoming season following their recent championship victory in the Torneo Finalización. The team faces the challenge of maintaining a winning core while navigating an active transfer window. The Colombian league is known for its passionate fanbase and competitive matches, and Junior de Barranquilla will look to continue their success.
Arias emphasized his priority is retaining the championship-winning squad, believing continuity is the best possible reinforcement. “Estamos armando el equipo, tratando de que queden la mayor cantidad posible de los campeones. Siempre pienso que un equipo que sale campeón el mejor refuerzo es que se quede,” he stated, acknowledging that some factors are beyond his control and will be resolved in the coming days.
The coach also addressed the Dimayor’s roster limitations, which impact team planning. “Lo de los 25 jugadores hace que el juego sea diferente, ese es el problema,” Arias explained, adding that contract situations are outside his direct purview: “Hay jugadores a los que se les acaba contrato y tienen que renovar, yo no me puedo meter en eso.”
Regarding recent team movements, Arias praised the arrival of Juan David Ríos, highlighting his experience and track record, while expressing regret over the departure of Didier Moreno, a key midfielder. “Buen jugador, con experiencia de ser campeón. El dolor de no contar con Didier, pero son circunstancias personales que siempre son respetables,” he said.
Looking ahead to potential signings, Arias confirmed the club is targeting reinforcements in the attack and other positions, but remained tight-lipped on specific names. “Todo el mundo en estas épocas quiere delanteros. Estamos viendo delanteros y alguna otra posición. No voy a dar nombres, porque si no todo se estropea. Mejor callado,” he commented.
Arias also dismissed rumors surrounding a possible departure of Andrés Rodríguez, questioning their credibility. “Hasta no hablar con él no me consta nada a mí. Si le llevaran la cuenta a todas las cosas que han dicho estos días, ustedes le aciertan menos que lo que pegan,” he remarked.
Finally, the championship-winning coach spoke about Kevin Pérez and Jannenson Sarmiento, stressing the importance of maintaining the mentality that led to the title. “Son buenos jugadores. Lo importante es que tenemos un equipo campeón y ojalá podamos mantener la actitud y la humildad que tuvimos todo el campeonato. No nos sobró nada, es un torneo muy duro e iremos por lo siguiente,” he concluded.
