# Lorenzo defends Montero snub as Colombia row deepens

> Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo says Álvaro Montero's exclusion from the next FIFA window was planned, rejecting criticism from Atlético Nacional's manager over unequal player release rules.
- Title: Lorenzo defends Montero snub as Colombia row deepens
- Summary: Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo says Álvaro Montero's exclusion from the next FIFA window was planned, rejecting criticism from Atlético Nacional's manager…
- Keywords: néstor lorenzo, álvaro montero, colombia national team, boca juniors, atlético nacional, lucas gonzález vélez, fifa window, copa argentina, player release, argentina, LA NACION
- Source: LA NACION — https://lanacion.com.ar/deportes/futbol/nestor-lorenzo-entrenador-de-colombia-justifico-la-no-convocatoria-de-alvaro-montero-arquero-de-boca-nid10112026
- Author: LA NACION
- Published: 2026-11-10T16:26:43.954+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: néstor lorenzo, álvaro montero, colombia national team, boca juniors, atlético nacional, lucas gonzález vélez, fifa window, copa argentina, player release, argentina, news, politics
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo defended leaving Boca goalkeeper Álvaro Montero out of the next FIFA window, saying it was scheduled rotation, after Atlético Nacional's manager complained about unequal player release rules.