The Impatient Fans
The sports group suffering the rigors of playing away from Cali in rough and other makeshift fields, as in the previous match against Valledupar; the rumors that indicate that an adverse result this Saturday against Real Santander would distance Fernando Velasco from the technical direction, and the patient directors.
The vice president of America, Osbert Orozco, toned down the media versions that ensure that the team's coach would be disconnected from his position after the next round at the Azcárate Martínez de Buga. America has added 5 out of 9 points that it has disputed in the current phase of the Ascenso Tournament.
Will Velasco's process be interrupted if he doesn't achieve a good result against Real Santander?
"No, not at all. It would be a lack of responsibility on the part of the Board of Directors. When we renewed the coach's contract for the next six months, we established an agreement with the coach. With the new tools we gave him, he must deliver results that will be measured in four cycles of four matches. Measurable goals were set for him in terms of points. The first cycle ends on Saturday. The Board of Directors will be evaluating to make the corresponding decisions. We understand that the new players have to fit in, adapt. We know that the team must be above the 'English average' and football teams must take off, then it will surely achieve better performance. I think we will achieve the planned goal."
Could Alberto Suárez be the successor to Fernando Velasco?
"We have not looked for a new coach, nor do we have any in mind. It would be terrible to change the coach because he loses the match on Saturday. Professor Suárez cannot assume the technical direction of America because he has a clause in which he commits to being our sports director. He is the one who advises us with coaches, players, and in front of Dimayor. He is a very important figure. For us, Alberto Suárez is more important than Professor Velasco and he is contractually forbidden to assume the technical direction of the team."
Why is there so much resistance from some fans towards coach Fernando Velasco?
"It all boils down to when they say that the team does not play well, but the truth is that few have seen America play this semester. Most people speak based on what they have been told. America has played all away matches. There is a lot of impatience and surely there are people who do not want Velasco and that is why the demonstrations. It is also possible that people are paid to go and shout at him. Surely, they are personal enemies."
When do you plan to return to the Pascual Guerrero?
We have been informed that after September 15th, the Pascual Guerrero stadium will be available for football, for America to return to its natural seat."