Edinson Cavani’s warm-up at La Bombonera before entering the match against Platense generated a new controversy in Boca Juniors and caused an immediate reaction among the fans.The scene also triggered harsh criticism from Cristian Traverso, winner of seven titles with Xeneize (including two Copa Libertadores and one Intercontinental) in his column in TyC Sports.
The striker was one of the replacements and, during the warm-up to face Calamar for the fifth round of the Apertura Tournament (the duel ended 0-0), the 39-year-old Uruguayan striker remained apart from his teammates, limiting himself to bouncing a ball against a refrigerator and avoiding the usual group exercises.This behavior attracted so much attention in the stands – from where the videos that went viral were filmed – to the point that it became doubtful whether Cavani was fit to occupy a place on the substitutes’ bench.
This attitude is not new for the attacker, who prefers not to participate in the traditional “crazy” during the warm-up.Instead, he chooses to make moves alone, a habit he repeated on other occasions when he was a substitute.
However, his physical situation (he had not played since November 30) did not prevent him from adding twenty-nine minutes in the complement, without showing any discomfort that would justify isolation.He even had a one-on-one match against him on the line, although the action was later canceled due to an advanced position.
The scene soon became the subject of public debate, amplified by Traverso’s opinion column in TyC Sports, who was categorical in his analysis of the episode.
“What Cavani did in the pre-match warm-up is a lack of respect, mainly towards the coach. He cannot pass and he has to realize the career he has on him,” said the versatile former footballer, who stood out as a defender and defensive midfielder.
The former player continued: “The first thing for a captain or a leader is to be and look like it. Being there supporting, present, in a difficult moment is good. Now, the ice cream thing is an incredible image.”
Then, he highlighted the impact that the scene had among BocaJuniors fans: “There are many fans who recorded the scenes and the videos are there, circulating on the networks. ‘Look what Cavani did.'”
“When we talk about leaders or references in Boca, I have too many fingers on one hand. I only put Paredes in that role: a guy who is injured, infiltrates and plays. That a player is looking from the outside in that way that Cavani did is something that bothers,” he added.
He added about the image on the field: “That image, first hitting the refrigerator with the ball and then sitting down, is really disrespectful to the coach. Like he doesn’t give the ball or do what he wants. So, the conclusion is that they live in a parallel world, because you have to be and look,” he concluded.
While the controversy over Cavani develops, and before Milton Giménez undergoes surgery for rebellious pubalgia, Boca is looking for a center forward.It is close to signing Adam Bareiro, formerly of San Lorenzo and River, for whom he made an offer of three million dollars.
After five days of the Apertura, Xeneize has seven points, the result of two victories, a draw and two setbacks.This Friday, from 8 p.m., he will seek to change the whistles received against Platense for applause when he hosts Racing in La Bombonera.
