With just three matches, Reinaldo Rueda's era at Atlético Nacional has started to raise concerns.

Most of them are due to the lack of rotation and the feelings that players like Alexis Henríquez and Camilo Vargas may be experiencing, who have not yet been taken into account in the competition.

For now, there is no openly sign of discomfort. Several have had to live the matches from the bench and see how, as the matches go by, a starting team is being formed.

"I am brought here to make those decisions that are sometimes unpopular, but that seek the good of the team," Rueda said calmly. He understands that big clubs have "competitive squads" and it is normal for some players not to play.

For the strategist, keeping his squad happy with his decisions is "a matter of dialogue and management". And he trusts that they can understand without trauma that they will not always be able to play. "I am not here with U17 or U14 teams. I have a mature group and no one has to throw tantrums," said the coach.

Rueda, with the intention of making his players' role clear in this new stage of Nacional, recalled that the legendary Miroslav Klose in the 2014 World Cup gallantly embraced his role as a substitute and ended up becoming a starter. Meanwhile, Mario Götze went from being a starter to an alternative and ended up scoring the goal that made Germany the world champion.

"These are examples that our players have to follow. When there is maturity, professionalism, and respect for teammates and the team, no one should be upset," stated Rueda, who has all the experience and ability to manage the group under his command.

The Valle del Cauca native stated that they have not specifically discussed that topic. And it would be an easy way out to have two teams: "one for the league and another for the cup, and everyone would be happy." However, his choice is to have a "team that gives us the possibility of achieving goals with full strength."

Regarding Alexis Henríquez's specific case, the captain of last semester and one of the players with the most minutes in Osorio's era, the coach pointed out: "He hasn't played because Óscar Murillo is playing." However, the coach made it clear that "each one has to be at 500 percent when their opportunity comes."

The situation is similar with Camilo Vargas. He will have to wait and compete, like the other three goalkeepers, for the position. "After the Copa America, he took a few days off. I spoke with him before we concentrated on Friday. The idea was to protect him and let him adapt to the effort. He is now at a different level and more willing," declared the coach.

And he delved into the conversation with the Bogota goalkeeper: "I told him that, with all the respect we have for him and the Colombian National Team, he comes here to compete equally with the other goalkeepers."

Although Rueda hinted that he prefers to stick with a starting eleven, conditions could change and he is flexible on that matter.

"The idea is to place them according to the team's needs. I hope that the performance of the group continues to improve and that we achieve better results. The matches have been very tough. Surely rotation will occur due to many circumstances," concluded the coach.