Buenos Aires, Feb 27 (NA) - River Plate's left-back Marcos Acuña made a forceful social media post denying supposed conflicts with the club's former head coach, Marcelo Gallardo.
In a story on his official Instagram account, accessed by Argentine News Agency, the 34-year-old defender posted a strong rebuttal, stating he has "learned not to get caught up when things are invented." "This only harms the people involved, their families, and the club," he added.
"I have never faked injuries or illnesses to not play. Even when I wasn't at 100%, I was available to the coaching staff if they needed me. It's very serious, and I don't understand why so many lies are spread," he concluded.
"I will continue to work and stay focused to give my best every day," Acuña added in the post. And he concluded: "I am at peace knowing I have the support of the club and my teammates at this moment."
The alleged conflict is said to have begun after River's heavy 4-1 defeat to Tigre, where the right-back himself, along with other teammates, reportedly blamed the manager for the tactical setup. Acuña did not play in the Copa Argentina, was not in the match against Fortín, and also saw no action against "El Taladro," although he was on the bench.
Agency NAY added: "It hurts to hear things so far from reality and said with such levity." "After so many years in football, I've learned not to engage when they invent anything, and today they want to mix me into supposed conflicts that never existed or will exist," he began in his statement.
"I have always been a professional and gave my best in all the clubs I played for, and this is no exception." Despite the "Millonario's" 3-1 victory over Banfield last Thursday in the Apertura Tournament, a tense atmosphere and a clear disconnect between the fans and the players were felt at the Monumental stadium.
This discussion reportedly marked a turning point in the relationship between the parties, which broke point with subsequent losses against Argentinos Juniors and Vélez. It is worth noting that during the match against La Paternal's team, Acuña left the field in the second half instead of Matías Viña and did not get any more minutes. While "Muñeco," who directed his last match in charge of the squad, was given an ovation, the players were met with insults and whistles from the stands.
