Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Julio Enciso has credited Paraguay manager Gustavo Alfaro with helping to get him back on track after he “made a lot of bad decisions.”
Versus have an interview with the midfielder today, who is currently on loan at Ipswich Town until the end of the season.
Enciso has been with Brighton since joining them in an €11.6m deal from Libertad in his homeland in July 2022.
He was very much one of their young players signed for the future and appeared to be on the right path at the club, steadily establishing himself in the first team and making 57 appearances to date.
He’s found himself increasingly out of the picture for Brighton over the last year, though, managing just 15 appearances totalling 590 minutes last season.
That was largely due to a meniscus tear suffered in August 2023, which saw him spend 184 days on the treatment table and miss 38 games for Brighton and Paraguay.
He struggled to establish himself after returning in February last year, hence his move to Ipswich Town in January to try and get back on track. He firmly thinks he is and wants to credit Paraguay manager Alfaro for helping him to do so.
“Since he arrived, he’s conveyed many things,” he told Versus Radio on 970AM.
“In private, there are obviously things that can’t be shared, but I can already say that he’s had a huge influence on me, my family, and those around me. He’s influenced me greatly; in the confidence he gives me.
“He makes me feel like I’m the best player out there. That fills me with confidence. First of all, knowing that there are people who truly believe you’re incredible.
“I was under a lot of stress before I wanted to show what I can do. Maybe I lacked a bit of peace of mind. I probably made a lot of bad decisions in my personal life that I regret,” he stated.
“Now, the truth is, thank God, I’m doing very well. Thanks to my parents, my girlfriend, Professor Alfaro, and all the people around me who give me a daily boost so that I can learn and improve day by day.
“I’m really happy about this moment because it’s truly not easy being here far from your country.”
