He is fully immersed in Atlético Nacional. Nothing else disturbs him or steals his attention at this moment. His level of concentration is so high that, despite being an authoritative voice, he did not want to analyze the participation of the Colombian National Team in the Copa América in Chile.
"We'll talk about that later... when the tournament ends, we'll do an overall analysis," said coach Reinaldo Rueda with a smile and an excess of courtesy. When questioned about the current situation of Nacional, the coach spoke openly and with emotion, but without revealing too many details. His expertise lies in diplomacy.
However, in conversation with AS Colombia, the new verdolaga strategist revealed his intentions with Pablo Velázquez, a player he is trying to retain, and the creative midfielder who keeps him awake at night. He also confessed to having had a close conversation with Juan David Valencia, whom he met when they both played for Independiente Medellín.
What impression does the start of preseason leave you with?
"I am very satisfied with the group's receptiveness to the work, from the theoretical induction, the medical and physiological evaluations, to the on-field training. It has been short but intense. We aim for the players to resume training in the dynamics of effort after a month of vacation. I hope all of this contributes to a good start."
Preseason practices are changing: intense, but shorter...
"That's the contemporary dynamic. We have to keep learning constantly. This group comes with a good work footprint from Professor Juan Carlos Osorio. The idea is to continue stimulating everything they have gained with him and hopefully the group maintains a high level."
You had a long conversation with Juan David Valencia. What did you talk about?
"I wanted to know how he's doing. I know he has aspirations for a transfer. I wanted to understand what he's feeling, how he feels, and to find out if I can count on him, because before the contractual aspect with the club, there is the player's mental state. We recalled that 13 years ago, when I was with the professional squad of Medellin, he was a sub-17 player. He also shared with me about his family's current situation, and I asked him about his goals for the immediate future."
Several of the players you now coach have passed through your hands...
"I have spent time with several of them. Football and national teams have given us that opportunity. It is gratifying to reunite with very mature men, family men, and established professionals."
How is the adjustment of the coaching staff going?
" 'El Beto' (Sierra), Bernardo (Redín), and Fabio ('la Gallina' Calle) have felt very good. We know and respect each other. They all have the great sensitivity to do a good job and give themselves fully. Hopefully, everything goes well, for the good of everyone."
What did the 15 days of evaluation and roster review leave you with?
"A lot of learning. It has been intense days. We released ourselves from that a bit with the start of preseason training because the planning, diagnosing, evaluations with officials, and comparative analysis are very exhausting."
It feels like there will be few adjustments because you are happy with the squad you have...
"Yes, undoubtedly. I believe this is an elite squad, one of the best. There are many experienced players, others with a lot of youth and hope. It's about achieving balance. Hopefully, God grants us the wisdom to find the team that maintains a great dynamic of play, gives us the possibility of winning, and plays good football so that we can start strengthening ourselves."
Have you spoken to Pablo Velázquez already?
"Yes, I have already talked to him. He is very concerned about the offer he has (from Olimpia). I presented my arguments, and he presented his. Now we are waiting for the president to clarify the contractual issue with his representative so that he can arrive in Medellin as soon as possible."
What attracts you to Velázquez that you want to retain him?
"The same qualities that made Nacional notice him and bring him here. I hope Pablo regains his form and motivation. Hopefully, we can enjoy him."
Does the departure of Michael Rangel to Millonarios depend on Velázquez's decision?
"Yes, that's correct. We will take a few hours to evaluate and decide what is best for the club. We cannot let go of a player without having secured another one. We need to cover ourselves."
Is your priority still to bring in a creative midfielder?
"Yes, it is crucial that we achieve that because it seems that renewing Alejandro Guerra's loan is not a possibility, and there is also the issue of Hárrison (Otálvaro)'s departure. We need to strengthen that position."