2024-01-15 16:30:00
Colo Colo lives key hours. The white team is carrying out the preseason in Uruguay, under the command of its new coach, Jorge Almirón. However, in that contingent, which is enlisted with the fundamental objective of surpassing Godoy Cruz and settling in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores (a goal that, in addition to sports, will guarantee economic stability for the club), there is no there are new faces. Strangely for many, the Cacique has not made any additions, which, in principle, generates surprise among his fans. Then, straight away, the sensation transforms into restlessness.
The Alba leadership has been conveying its agreement with the team for some time. Last year, in fact, the helmsman of Blanco y Negro, Alfredo Stöhwing, described him as “the most powerful” in the country. Even so, it was not enough for them to achieve the sporting objectives of the year. The achievement of the Chile Cup barely disguised a general failure, the most obvious symptom of which was the end of Gustavo Quinteros’ cycle in charge of the white first team.
The early efforts for reinforcements are, until now, barely enough to be considered timid attempts. There was one, in fact, for the Huachipato side Felipe Loyola, but it was nothing more than a declaration of intentions, since there was not even an economic proposal for the national team.
However, what has drawn the most attention among fans is the slowness of the leadership in closing a deal that, clearly, appears more possible today than ever: the return of Arturo Vidal to the club that formed him. Once his contractual relationship with Athletico Paranaense ended, what previously seemed like an unapproachable dream has now become a reality within reach. The former Barcelona and Inter midfielder, in fact, has taken advantage of his presence in Chile to train with the Sub 23 in Juan Pinto Durán and interact through Twitch, a platform on which he has given more than one nod to Colo Colo. If signs were missing, in the Macul complex he met with Almirón. “It is very premature to talk regarding it (reinforcements). We all know how important (Vidal) is, but it will depend on him as well. He is very recognized by Colo Colo. It will depend on him,” the former Boca coach had said in his presentation. “I want to be cautious with that. It will depend a lot on him. If he wants to come, I am not going to close the doors to him,” he added.
The problem is that the puzzle is missing the most important piece: managerial will. Blanco y Negro will eventually be in charge of financing the operation that is expected to be large by the standards of the Chilean market and for a public limited company that has complained regarding the difficulties it has had to face in recent times. Along these lines, Alfredo Stöhwing, the helmsman of Blanco y Negro, ruled out any interest: “You have to look at his desire, his medical situation and the remuneration part. “This is not going to the bakery to buy bread,” he said.
Arturo Vidal, on a visit to the Monumental, in 2016 (Photo: Agenciauno)
There lies the focus of the meeting of the Football Commission that is scheduled for this Tuesday, an appointment that is expected to be controversial. At the summit the faces will be seen of those who have publicly clamored for the return of Vidal (the bloc headed by Aníbal Mosa, with the public support of the Colo Colo Social and Sports Club), and those who have been skeptical (the Vial bloc, embodied in Stöhwing, the president of the dealership). In fact, the protagonists will sit at the table, which will be completed by Diego González, Alejandro Droguett and Ángel Maulén.
The former, in fact, only see benefits from a possible operation: from the increase in attendance and subscribers, through new contracts associated with the image of the King to an evident leap in sporting quality. On the other side, the doubts lie in the player’s sporting moment, the strong investment that signing him implies and even in his questioned discipline.
The point is that times are short. From Vidal’s entourage, in fact, an ultimatum emerged: that the issue must be resolved this week and that, by the way, there will be no concessions in economic matters. “If they really want it, they have to pay for it,” they point out.
If Colo Colo is once morest time in the search for reinforcements, and reinforced by the problem that was generated by the inhibition of FIFA as a result of the debt with Pablo Solari’s representation (which is in the process of being resolved), Vidal He is also on the enemy’s watch if it comes to finding a club for 2024. Boca’s option seemed close at one point due to the manifest interest expressed by Juan Román Riquelme, current president of the xeneize store. However, the unavailable foreign quota was lowering his thumb.
On December 31, Arturo Vidal’s relationship with Athletico Paranaense ended, the last season of the national team (until now) within an extensive and award-winning career. King began 2024 as a free agent, a striking situation considering the weight of the name. Today, the winningest footballer in the history of Chilean football does not have a club, although he does not lack options. In fact, even Gerard Piqué wants it as the emblem of the Kings League, but he was met with the refusal of the King, who still feels in a position to fight for important objectives in real football. For that, he is getting ready with demanding routines with his personal physical trainer, Juan Ramírez. Even the use of a hyperbaric chamber includes routines.
Those from América de Cali are excited regarding hitting the market. From the scarlet store they have already approached the footballer. “We opened the possibility to him and his response was positive. That opens the door to talk regarding values. We, as a team, also receive the option from sponsors that if Arturo arrives they will have greater visibility. He is a player that América (de Cali) is not his only option… The worst diligence is the one that is not done,” the club’s president, Marcela Gómez, told the WIN Sports network. The leader used a special analogy to describe the player’s dispute with Colo Colo: “The love of life still hasn’t invited him out.”
If preseasons are already in full swing on the continent, in the main European championships the winter pass book closes on January 31. The challenge of reintegrating into top competition is fundamental for the two-time American champion following a 2023 that did not leave the best feelings.
After being champion of the Libertadores with Flamengo in 2022, the following year loomed with high expectations, especially with the arrival of Jorge Sampaoli to Mengao. Everything suggested that the Chilean was going to become a relevant piece in the Casildense’s tactical setup, however that was not the case. So much so that the short circuit between the player and the coach meant that Vidal left for Paranaense to have the regularity that he said he deserved. The statistics of the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona in Brazil last year are discreet, also considering that he has not played since September 12, when he was injured with La Roja, in the clash once morest Colombia for the Qualifiers.
Counting what he did in Flamengo and Athletico, Vidal played 32 games in all competitions (local and international), of which he started 19. From a percentage point of view, he started from the first minute in 59.4% of his appearances. He totaled 1,567 minutes played, which gives a meager average of 49 ‘per game. That is, a little more than one time per meeting.
If there is one fact that draws attention, it is the lack of effectiveness in the rival goal. Although Vidal is not a forward, he is a midfielder with a goal, an aspect of the game that exploited him in Europe. 2023 was his first year without club goals since he went abroad (2007, to Bayer Leverkusen). The only goal he scored was for the National Team, once morest Uruguay, at the beginning of the Qualifiers. This low scorer has been a trend marked for five years: eight goals in 2019, seven in 2020, four in 2021, three in 2022 and one in 2023. In addition, he did not add titles either. If there was something that was criticized regarding Fla in the previous season, it was that he failed in the final stages.
As of today, Arturo Vidal is free and is looking for a team to continue in football. Colo Colo has it closer than ever, because Blanco y Negro (if they decide) would not have to negotiate with another team. Will the King return to Chile? Will Colombia prevent the return of the King to his land?
Arturo Vidal in 2023 (clubs) Matches played 32 Matches as a starter 19 Minutes played 1,567 Average min. by PJ49′Goals0Titles0
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