A squad list may seem like a formality, but in Costa Rican football it also decides who trains, who gets minutes, and who feels their effort was worth it. What is now happening between the Asociación Deportiva San Carlos and goalkeeper José David Vega shows that tension well.
What happened with the call-up
According to Everardo Herrera, Vega was left out of the final list that Bryan Ruiz drew up for the Selección Nacional friendlies against Ecuador and Argentina. For those matches, the coach called up Patrick Sequeira (Casa Pia), Abraham Madriz (Saprissa) and Bayron Mora (Alajuelense).
The problem for the club lies in the process beforehand. According to sporting director Carlos Acosta, the player had received a pre-call-up and went to get a yellow fever vaccine. Afterward, the national team offered him training sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays without including him in the group for the matches. Acosta says this combination leaves the player in a very uncomfortable position: he trains, but has no real chance to compete.
The club’s frustration and the possible decision
Acosta explained, in statements to the program La Redacción, on FOX, that the association did not take the decision well. In his view, Vega has done what was needed to earn a place and, therefore, feeling that the doors are closing on him can affect him emotionally. For that reason, the club is weighing whether to allow the goalkeeper to attend those training sessions.
The manager also acknowledged that consulting with coach Walter Centeno and the club’s president would probably lead to a refusal. Even so, he said they must first talk with the player and the board to define a position. His words reveal that the conflict is not only sporting: it also involves a sense of respect toward the player and the club.
Why a club may hold back its player
News sources
- Everardo Herrera: San Carlos is upset over José Vega’s absence from La Sele and is considering not sending him to training sessions
- Teletica: San Carlos stays in the race for a qualification spot after beating Puntarenas
- CR Hoy: “Paté” is happy that San Carlos is not seen as the favorite