A number of options are available to the coach Gerardo Pelusso to replace the departures of Daniel Torres and Luis Carlos Arias. Two of the main leaders in Santa Fe's midfield have left for Independiente Medellin and the team's project for the second semester has shaken.
However, Pelusso quickly took charge of the situation in search of solutions. The coach did not hesitate to look within the group, he has various options and, as he says, the idea is to 'enhance the players that are in the club'. Sebastian Salazar, Baldomero Perlaza, Luis Manuel Seijas, Luis Quiñones, and Darío Rodríguez are the main alternatives to fill their places.
"We want to find balance, we would need to replace Daniel Torres's absence. The coach tells me that Arias's place is covered, we have Luis Seijas, Darío Rodríguez, and even Luis Quiñones. But in the midfield, we need a player with Daniel's characteristics," said Cesar Pastrana on the Kickoff de Win Sports program.
The idea of bringing in World Cup player Alexander Mejía was well received by the Uruguayan coach, who did not hesitate to affirm that he meets the requirements of his team. Mejía comes from playing for Monterrey in Mexico, he played 14 matches, 11 as a starter, and came off the bench three times. He also participated in the Copa America 2015 with the Colombian National Team. He was responsible for entering the field to contain the offense of Argentina and especially to mark one of the best players in the world, Lionel Messi. The Colombian delivered.
"I spoke with Alex Mejía. There is interest from the player to come to Santa Fe, but everything depends on his team, Monterrey, because it seems that he has an offer from Italian football. We will try to define the matter between today and tomorrow. Alex is willing to come and if the Italy deal does not work out, he would come to Bogota," said the leader.
The departure of Daniel Torres and Luis Carlos Arias, more than significant losses, were two strong blows for the team, who also have little time to find alternatives - they are six days away from starting the competition. Torres is an idol and one of the top references of the club. He won five titles (League 2012-I and 2014-II, Cup 2009, and Superliga 2013 and 2015), showed love, commitment, and fought for the institution.
Arias won the hearts of the fans for his goals, for the courage he showed on the field, and for the 'fighting spirit' he always had when defending Santa Fe's shirt and pursuing the objectives. He was essential in winning the 2014-II title, scoring the equalizing goal 1-1 in Medellin, thus opening the doors to glory.
In the 2015 Copa Libertadores, he was one of the best players, giving the team its first victory against Atlas in Guadalajara. Three vital points to start the international competition on the right foot. He says goodbye to the club with which he lived the best years of his career, winning four titles (League 2012-I and 2014-II and Superliga 2013 and 2015), to return to the team of his dreams, knowing what it means to be a champion.
Pelusso turned the page, wished the two midfielders the best, and focused on the solutions. He will bet on the options he has within the team, "I am interested in Santa Fe's squad, if we can enhance and enrich this group, even better." But he also awaits the arrival of Alexander Mejía, a top-level player and international.
What has happened with the number 9 that Santa Fe needs?
The club's president, Cesar Pastrana, is still waiting for the response of Chilean forward Matías Donoso, who should decide if he comes to Bogotá or takes the offer from the United Arab Emirates during the course of today.
Another name on Santa Fe's list is Argentine Gastón Cellerino, who plays for Santiago Wanders. He played 31 matches and scored nine goals in the previous season in Chilean football.
The team should be complete by the end of this week. Santa Fe starts the competition this Sunday at El Campín stadium against La Equidad, in the first match of the Liga Águila II-2015.