Washington Ortega, goalkeeper for Alajuelense, spoke openly after the team’s 2-1 home defeat against Sporting. The loss was unexpected and left both players and fans disappointed.
Ortega emphasized the need for accountability within the team. “We feel responsible for the situation we have to face, which is not the best. We are struggling in matches, we have to improve a lot and we have to face up at this moment,” he said following the match.
The Uruguayan goalkeeper noted that his experience with Alajuelense has always involved challenges. “It has been tough and we have to talk among ourselves and with coach Óscar Ramírez. We must try to react now because it is a short tournament and the clásico is coming,” Ortega stated, referring to their upcoming away match against Saprissa next Saturday at 8 p.m., which he believes could be pivotal for the team.
“Clásicos are different and it does not matter how each team arrives; they are separate games and it is a good opportunity to turn things around,” Ortega added.
He stressed that open communication among players is essential for improvement. When asked about what needs immediate change at Alajuelense, Ortega responded: “I think I would tell you everything, but in reality we keep working, we do the same things, we work hard and it hurts when inside we do not understand each other, when we lose duels and are not sharp. We need to stand up, talk, and react as soon as possible.”
Ortega also highlighted that success or failure belongs to everyone on the team: “You cannot find an explanation; it is about talking, believing, and listening to teammates. When you win, it is not because one person saves you; when we are champions it is because of all eleven players, and this situation is the same: football is not tennis. We are all responsible; we must talk and improve now.”
He further mentioned disappointment over being eliminated from the Copa Tournament: “We need to work more and look for solutions because matches are costing us. Being out of the Copa Tournament hurts us because this is a very big institution; that’s why this needs to be reversed through discussion.”
Alajuelense will aim for a turnaround in their next match against Saprissa.
