"Felucho" on Mauricio Larriera: "He is my father in football, he will do well in Alianza."

Although there is no 'charrúa' player in the blanquiazul squad who knows their new coach's work up close, there is one in Peruvian soccer. Felipe Rodríguez, who now defends Cusco FC, curiously the rival that Larriera will face in his debut as blanquiazul DT was directed by the Uruguayan in Defensor Sporting (2014-2015) and Godoy Cruz (2017-2018). 'Felucho' described how Larriera's teams play, considered him as his father in football and one of the best coaches he has had in his sports career.

Mauricio Larriera, the new coach of Alianza Lima, will be back in Peruvian soccer. What memories do you have of him in Defensor Sporting?

When I started to have my first chances in First Division, Mauricio boosted me and believed in me.

How so?

I was playing in First Division (Boston River, Cerro, El Tanque Sisley), but I didn't stand out. It was Larriera who took me to a big club in Uruguay like Defensor Sporting.

That helped you to consolidate...

Yes, and after those years he coached me (2014 to 2015), the club sold me to Mexico. I played in Chiapas. Mauricio is like a football father to me.

I see that he also coached you in Godoy Cruz, according to your football resume...

I was lucky to have him again in Godoy Cruz. He had a lot of confidence in me. That helped me a lot in football.

What feeling does it leave you to see him again as the main coach of Alianza Lima?

I feel very happy that he has come to Alianza, everyone knows the love I have for the club.

How do Larriera's teams play?

He has a defined scheme. Obviously, it has changed a lot since he coached me, he recently won with Peñarol. He is an innovative coach, it will be good to see him in Peruvian soccer.

Is he a coach who bets on making the youth play?

He bets on young players, but on those who are good, those he considers best for his style of play.

He was assistant coach to Gerardo Pelusso, another Uruguayan football legend...

Yes, at Alianza Lima (2007). For me, Mauricio Larriera and Pablo Peirano (current coach at Cusco FC) are the two best coaches I have had throughout my career as a soccer player. They are coaches who give confidence to the player.

It was missing that Gerardo Pelusso coached you...

Yes, I have the longing that Pelusso didn't coach me, since he was the coach who worked with Mauricio Larriera and Pablo Peirano.

Larriera is already in Lima and will make his debut with the Alianza shirt against Cusco FC, next Sunday, August 13 in Cusco...

I hope he does well, but less against us. We always talk on the phone. He is a person that I love very much. He is very respectful, polite, I'm sure he will do well in Peruvian soccer.

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