Lorenzo defends Montero snub as Colombia row deepens

Lorenzo explains Montero's absence

Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo defended leaving Boca goalkeeper Álvaro Montero out of the next FIFA window, saying the decision was planned in advance and part of a rotation system.

The rotation plan Lorenzo outlined

Lorenzo told Noticias Caracol he had informed both Camilo Vargas and Montero in advance. Vargas would skip this window but come next time, while Montero would attend this one but not the next.

González Vélez's complaint about fairness

Atlético Nacional manager Lucas González Vélez protested that Colombian clubs must release players or face sanctions, while foreign clubs keep theirs. He cited Montero staying for Boca's Copa Argentina semifinal.

“It is a shame that we lose players in crucial moments, and it is not coherent that this happens here with Colombian clubs and not with those from abroad.”

Velásquez and Rengifo called up

González Vélez said Samuel Velásquez and Rengifo were both in Lorenzo's squad and would miss Atlético Nacional's Copa BetPlay matches, while Montero remained available for Boca.

Lorenzo's response to the criticism

Lorenzo said Atlético Nacional should be proud its players were called up, as the club's training and competitive process had developed them for national team duty.

“I heard Lucas, it seems unjust to me because Nacional contributes to all the national teams.”

Lorenzo frustrated by media complaints

Lorenzo said he preferred direct conversation to public complaints. He noted he faced criticism both for not calling local players and for calling them, and wanted to be asked rather than attacked.

“When I don't call local football players, they say I don't watch the league. When I call local football players, they complain because I call them.”

Montero's dilemma and relief

Before learning of his exclusion, Montero said he wished he could be in two places at once. He expressed gratitude to Lorenzo for staying attentive to his circumstances and maintaining communication.

“I would like to split myself in half and be in both places.”

Boca gains two key players for Copa Argentina

Montero and Boca striker Miguel Merentiel, who was not called by Uruguay coach Diego Forlán, will both be available for Boca's Copa Argentina semifinal against Banfield on Saturday, November 14 in Mendoza.