Alfaro Takes Over as Ecuador National Team Coach
"I have an idea and a plan, I eventually have the names of the players who will play against Argentina," he advanced in a press conference at The Selection House in the Ecuadorian capital.
The new coach of the national team insisted that even though he has in mind the names for the starting eleven, "we will have to see if their work coincides with the idea I have."
In addition to configuring the team that will face the Albiceleste, he also envisions who will play in the next match against Uruguay.
Regarding Lionel Messi's absence from the Argentinian squad due to suspension in the qualifiers match against Ecuador, he said that "it's not the same whether he plays or not, but that doesn't invalidate Argentina's potential and performance."
Alfaro acknowledged that with Ecuador "we are far from having a strategy, but we are close to having the team," with which they will start the qualifiers campaign.
The strategist arrived in Quito early in the morning and focused on the Ecuadorian Selection House, with facilities that he considered "beautiful" and "with a great structure to be able to do our work."
He also pointed out that he has been working since August 25th and has been "permanently observing local players as well as those who play for clubs abroad," although he has not yet contacted any of them.
On the 18th of this month, Alfaro will announce the final squad list, but before that, he will try to watch as many matches as possible to observe the players whose "condition and form" matter to him.
"Here everything will be fast, trying to find the players that one desires, because everything will be very fast-paced. We are analyzing the leagues where Ecuadorian players play, to know how they are doing," he clarified.
He hinted at his preference for teams "with fast transitions" and acknowledged that Ecuadorian football has fast players, which will allow him to form a dynamic team.
Between the Copa America and qualifying for the World Cup, Alfaro opted for the latter, although he did not rule out the fact that the continental title is "part of the path" to the World Cup.
He also recognized the work being done by his compatriot Jorge Celico with the youth national team: "He is doing remarkable work here in the comprehensive training of young footballers."
"These young boys feed into the senior team. If the common goal is achieved, they will go to better clubs and leagues. A passport to a World Cup provides collective recognition," he said.
Alfaro said he has no restrictions when it comes to calling up players and expressed that when someone joins the national team, they should feel that "it is a privilege."