“We understand the anger”: Herrón on Boca’s match and the need to improve | OneFootball

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Boca Juniors achieved their goal of qualifying for the quarterfinals of the Torneo Apertura, but did so through penalties after a lackluster goalless draw against Lanús at La Bombonera. The football performance of the team led by Mariano Herrón left much to be desired, beyond the absence of some key players such as Luis Advíncula, Edinson Cavani, and Ander Herrera, who are also major leaders within the squad. Because of this, there was a heated atmosphere at La Bombonera, and before the penalty shootout, chants erupted from a section of the stands against the Board of Directors led by Juan Román Riquelme. We Understand the Anger Boca reached the penalties in a very tense atmosphere. The fans erupted against the board and demanded that everyone leave. At the end of the penalty shootout, with the team qualified for the quarterfinals, the ultras chanted against the regular supporters. pic.twitter.com/HnHw0UGlTj — Leandro Aguilera (@Tato_Aguilera) May 11, 2025 Mariano Herrón, who since Riquelme became involved with the Xeneize board has already had four stints as interim coach, spoke after the match and addressed the fans’ discontent. “We understand the fans’ anger. We need to work to improve, but of course it’s understandable that they didn’t leave satisfied,” he said after his tenth match in charge of the team. “We have to improve, no doubt about it,” he insisted, but also pointed out: “We achieved what we wanted, which was to advance to the next round.” Analyzing the match, Herrón said: “We lacked presence in the opponent’s box due to the characteristics of our players. We had practiced trying to run forward so their center-backs would have to retreat, we need to do that more often.” He also revealed details of his talk before the penalties: “I told the players to go in with firm resolve and to trust, because it was going to work out.” Finally, Herrón spoke about two of his players. Regarding Alan Velasco, who had lost ground after an injury and returned to the starting lineup under the interim coach, he said: “We can agree that he’s a second striker or attacking midfielder. He had some good moments and it’s up to us to help him improve. He’s a good player and we need to support him. For that to happen, he needs to play.” And about Carlos Palacios, he said “he needs to find a bit more of his game.” “We tried to position him a few meters further forward so he could be the link between the midfielders and the forwards. At times we managed it, at times we didn’t. And that’s when we fell into those disorganized moments that I don’t like,” he concluded.

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