Gonzalo Pineda on Carlos Acevedo’s absence from the Mexican National Team, Digi Mart USA News (Mexico): Mexico’s national team announced coach Rafa Márquez’s squad on Thursday for the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal against Jamaica, where the Tricolor will seek to keep advancing in the competition. Santos Laguna goalkeeper Carlos Acevedo was again left out of the 28 players traveling for the match against the “Reggae Boyz.”
The omission divided opinion among fans, many of whom argued it is better for Acevedo to remain in goal for Santos Laguna during decisive matches given the club’s current situation.
Santos Laguna sporting director Gonzalo Pineda spoke with Fox Sports about the absence. He said there was no frustration on the club’s part, noting that Santos is there to contribute to the national team and that the club considers Acevedo to be at national-team level.
Pineda recalled that Acevedo was part of the previous cycle and went to the World Cup, but said the path to a World Cup is very long and that “this is just beginning.” He also expressed the club’s full support for Márquez and assistant Duilio Davino for their work.
Pineda added that Acevedo is highly focused on his form and that Santos will give him the opportunity to reach the national team eventually. He said the club is working with the goalkeeper, who has improved considerably and has had an excellent tournament.
Pineda noted that Santos has one of the least-conceded defenses in the league, which he credited in part to Acevedo’s work.
