The former Paraguayan goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert strongly criticized the decision of Agustín Marchesin, Boca Juniors' goalkeeper, to request a substitution minutes before the penalty shootout in the match against Alianza Lima. Chilavert viewed this action as disrespectful to himself, to the fans, and to the institution. He pointed out that a goalkeeper like Marchesin, being solid, is key for the team to perform well.
Chilavert praised Marchesin's career and emphasized that a goalkeeper of his experience should be capable of carrying a game through critical moments. He criticized the lack of leadership from both Marchesin and Boca's coach, Fernando Gago, who, according to rumors, would leave his position after the match against Rosario Central. Chilavert noted that Gago should have denied Marchesin's request to be substituted and kept him in goal.
In a video, it can be seen how Marchesin asks to be substituted, which Chilavert described as unusual for a professional of his caliber. He recalled his extensive career as a goalkeeper and mentioned that he only saw Louis Van Gaal make a goalkeeper substitution for penalties in his 25 years of professional football. Chilavert concluded that Marchesin's attitude in requesting the substitution reflects poorly on him as a professional, especially at a crucial moment for the team in an international competition.
