Opponent in the South American, coach has Cruzeiro shirt as a gift from Cifuentes: “I’m worried about facing him” | cruise

Cruzeiro debuts in the Copa Sudamericana, this Thursday, against Universidad Catolica, from Ecuador. It will be Jose Cifuentes’ reunion with the club that revealed him, but also with coach Jorge Celico. Their relationship is so close that the “Trencito Azul” coach even has a Raposa shirt as a gift.

Celico received a shirt as a gift from Cifuentes before learning that he would face his “pupil” in the Copa Sudamericana. In an interview with Globo, Catolica’s coach told the story.

– A boy arrived, a friend of Jose, who sent me the Cruzeiro shirt. I have a Cruzeiro shirt before we knew we were going to meet. I’m going to give him a big kiss and hug. An exceptional person. He deserves everything that is happening in his career – revealed the coach.

Jorge Celico was Cifuentes’ first coach when the player arrived at the Universidad Catolica base. He also coached him in the South American and U20 World Cup, when the midfielder stood out.

– It will certainly bring joy to Cruzeiro and the Ecuador national team – guaranteed the coach.

The Universidad Catolica coach said he helped support Cifuentes, who came from Esmeraldas, a city far from Quito.

– He arrived at the club very small. He arrived, they brought me to observe him and he quickly signed. He stayed at the club’s guesthouse. We got a bilingual school. He did very well. We never had any problems with it, because many don’t want to (study).

Cifuentes was praised by Joge Celico. The Catolica coach only regretted having to face him at Cruzeiro, a highly praised opponent.

– I’m worried about facing Cifuentes, but I’m also worried about facing Cruzeiro. For the potential that the team has. We have a good team, but Cruzeiro has a whole history and has great capacity with the players they have.

Cifuentes does not yet have a guarantee of ownership, but it is an important piece in understanding Universidad Catolica. Celico praised the player, considering him a complete athlete.

– A constant contributor to the game. He is a name that has good technique, that can play together in attack, but can also play and support in the midfield, making those close to him play well, such as midfielders and defenders. He also has a good mid-range shot, close to the area. For me, a complete player.

Asked about what to expect from his team, Celico remains mysterious. The coach, however, guaranteed that the Quito club is looking to take the lead.

– You have to be careful with everyone (laughs). But a lot of my cast, I can’t talk about. Our fans are very warm, very affectionate, but it’s a small crowd. We are a club with a lot of history, but small in popularity. We are looking for victories, titles, to be more recognized. Let it start now with Cruzeiro.

* With the collaboration of Malu Rabello.