Lima Alliance | Edgar Benitez: “Chicho Salas directed me in a pichanga, he always wanted to win, he was an inspiration” | Soccer-Peruvian

• What plans does Alianza Lima have with Cristian Benavente out for nine months?

How did you come to UCV?

The deal was quickly closed. I was in touch with President Richard Acuna and I think we already closed it in one day. One waits for the right moments to go out again and that’s it. They tried their part and I am happy for that.

How about having Sebastian Abreu as a coach?

We already know each other because we played against each other in the national team, I spoke to him before arriving, we talked about football, about the idea he had with the team and me. He gave me that confidence that one needs sometimes on the pitch and that motivated me even more. He is a young coach but very excited about wanting to grow. Little by little we are making progress understanding his idea.

What are you looking for with UCV?

The idea is to fight the Clausura tournament as it has done in recent years or continue to participate in the International Cup. That is the illusion we have.

Which team do you see as a strong contender in the Clausura?

Two-time champion Alianza Lima is the all-time favorite, the competitor everyone wants to face and win. But all great teams are tough, and there are others who have prepared themselves better. The good thing is that we will face the big three (Alianza Lima, Universitario de Deportes and Sporting Cristal) in Trujillo and we will take advantage of that. Adding to the house is important, then trying to steal.

You talk about facing Alianza Lima, is there anything special about that match?

It will be a very pleasant feeling. The people of Alianza Lima know that I love them very much and they are in my heart. I always know how the team works and I have a connection with most of my teammates. People have given me their love and I love the blue and white fans. I hope I do well in that game and they know I have a lot of respect for the club. I couldn’t continue for different reasons, but the love is always there.

Since you wanted to continue at Alianza Lima…

Of course, obviously. But things can’t happen that way and sometimes it happens for a reason. You have to do your job and hopefully when we play against each other we can make things better.

As you may recall, Edgar Benitez arrived at Alianza Lima in mid-2021 and won the championship for that season. A year later, in July 2022, he left and his place as a foreigner was filled by right-back Gino Peruzzi, who continues at the company.

Who are you still in touch with?

I always talk to everyone, especially when they post a story on Instagram. Sometimes I talk more with Jairo (Conza), Yordi (Vilces), Hernan (Barcos). And with ‘Mono’ Campos or Benavente, we always interact with the boys.

You shared with Pablo Lavandeira, what do you think about his departure?

As a professional one always strives for more minutes and more participation in the team. Maybe he noticed that he didn’t have a lot of minutes and the prospect of a move to a bigger team like Melger. Pablo took advantage of his opportunity and he made a good decision. Now I get to see him better and see him play. You always want to feel important in the team you are on.

You don’t have to be directed by Guillermo Salas

Actually yes but Guillermo Salas directed me when we played Pichanga (Laughs) And he is a technical assistant (to Carlos Bustos). I remember that he always wanted to win, he is a motivational coach with his players and you can see how he works. He came out as a champion again with the team and I think he has all the qualifications to be where he is now as the coach of Alianza and the results are backing him up.

Do you think this Alianza Lima could have made a better Copa Libertadores?

I think the umpiring issue was a bit unfair in some matches. Maybe they can get more positive results. I think they have done better than our turn. This year they behaved well, they developed themselves in the best possible way and they always win games, but unfortunately the results eluded them because of the details.

How long is your contract with UCV?

The contract can be extended for another year until the end of the season and some games are played.

Retiring from Peruvian football is your idea?

Trying to enjoy as much as possible for now. I feel really good, they have got me in the best way at UCV and my intention is to qualify for the international cup and play with them. One already feels when you don’t give too much, but now I feel better physicallyI am happy.

Thinking of returning to Alianza Lima?

I believe. Let’s hope. We have to have a good match with UCV, play an international cup with them and then see what happens. You need to be physically fit to play for a big club and make a difference.

Who do you see as the favorite for the classic?

I think both would have come out better. It contains ‘U’ Professor George Fossati I had at Cerro PortinoHe is a very serious coach, very motivating and works well with the players. On the other hand, Alianza Alianza, it always stands strong at home or away, has quality players and its people are always there. That’s what I admire most about the team, we hope they do well in El Clasico.

Do you think Liga 1 is competitive?

Yes, I believe the arrival of national team players with those characteristics and that hierarchy makes Peruvian football more competitive. They are players who made history playing abroad. Plus, the teams are getting better and better every year, which is great for me.

You were a World Cup player with your team, how do you see Peru’s debut against Paraguay?

Paraguay has grown with the process of Barros Schelotto twins. The national team has improved, we have players from the league who have complemented each other well in the national team. I think Paraguay are slightly more favorites than Peru in that match Hopefully we’ll do well as it’s time to get back to the World Cup.

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