Paraguay manager Gustavo Alfaro has moved to defend Newcastle United’s Miguel Almirón as he faces criticism from his country’s fans.
El Nacional cover comments from the Paraguay boss today, who seems less than impressed by the criticism coming Almirón’s way.
Alfaro has been speaking ahead of his side’s clash with Uruguay in the south American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Almirón is again a part of his squad, with the 30-year-old a regular for his country since making his debut all the way back in 2015.
He’s raced up 58 appearances for them since then but has only managed seven goals, despite being considered a key player over the years.
He’s back in the team after a disappointing showing at the Copa America, where Paraguay were knocked out in the group stages after defeats to Colombia, Brazil and Costa Rica in which the Newcastle man failed to score or assist or even finish 90 minutes.
Alfaro is having none of that, though, believing the Newcastle man deserves praise for how he’s behaved in the past.
“I cannot take responsibility for the things that happened. I always want them on my team. That does not mean that they play, but I always want to have them,” he said.
“He has played in a lot of positions. I have seen him in Paraguay with different systems and ways. Miguel always adapted.
“He played as a winger, inside midfielder, fifth on the outside, behind the 9… They have used him everywhere. He never said anything, he kept his mouth shut and contributed according to the team.
“If you knew the level of desire and commitment, they have to go to the World Cup. I can’t explain it to you. I don’t want to personalise the case of Miguel and Gustavo because it is putting the focus unfairly on two players.”
