In their economic possibilities, the clubs of LigaPro Serie A are progressing with the assembly of their squads for the 2021 tournament. Almost a hundred moves constitute the incorporations of the teams, which mostly bet "on the known" this year, without allowing themselves large expenses as a result of the pandemic.

Coach Otto Morcillo summarizes the incorporation of reinforcements, made in the last days of 2020 and the first days of this season, as "changes of names in the teams." He argues that the teams that fought for the title last year will be the ones leading the dispute this season, but "without hiring good foreigners and with national squads on par, which is something that will make the tournament more competitive."

For the Esmeraldan coach, like in 2020, there will be four clubs with title options: "Barcelona, Liga de Quito, Emelec, and Independiente del Valle, because they maintain the core of their squads and add some reinforcements this year."

Carlos "Cadete" Castro agrees with this criterion, former defender of Aucas, Barcelona, El Nacional, among other clubs, and who is taking his first steps in coaching. For Castro, those four clubs "will be the ones fighting at the top this season," and he points to Barcelona as the best prepared.

"Barcelona has a better foundation. With a similar work, go Emelec and Liga, who take advantage of their promising players, incorporate people, and go for a new cycle. Independiente is another club that works well, with an important base," said the former defender.

Regarding the limitations to sign, the unified criterion that is used is that "it affects the economic issue." The pandemic has affected incomes, empty stands in stadiums, and the departure of sponsors due to the economic recession.

Outside the group of favorites is "the rest of the clubs that build within their possibilities. They are the ones that cannot extend their budget too much, and that equals, in some way, the conditions for everyone," Castro pointed out.

The 'surprises'

Those consulted by EL UNIVERSO speak of a second group of teams from LigaPro Serie A, behind the favorites, with options to surprise with good campaigns. Castro places Nueve de Octubre, Deportivo Cuenca, and Aucas there, who are defining a structure in search of "fighting and aiming to qualify for international tournaments". Morcillo mentions Delfín, Olmedo, and emphasizes Nueve "for the number of signings" with (eleven new players for their return to Serie A).

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