Jean Ferrari: The 'U's Title Proves that Money Doesn't Always Win | Analysis Interview: Triumph, Revenge, and Future Plans
Jean Ferrari, the general manager of Universitario de Deportes, gave an interview discussing the team's recent championship win and their plans for the future. Ferrari revealed that he was unable to be present at the finals due to a health condition requiring emergency surgery. However, he expressed his trust in the team and their coach, Jorge Fossati. Ferrari also explained the decision to bring back three iconic players who had previously won finals against Alianza, as a response to a lack of respect shown by their goalkeeper. He emphasized the importance of planning in achieving the long-awaited title and dismissed any personal revenge against Alianza. Ferrari expressed concern over the recent incidents at Matute and hinted at possible player renewals and new signings. Furthermore, he mentioned the intention to make a formal offer to Yotún and the growing number of associate members. Ferrari concluded by stating that the focus is on celebrating the current victory and working hard for the upcoming Centennial year.
Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, se especializa en brindar
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Jean Ferrari: "The title proves that the one with the most money doesn't always win" | ANALYSIS INTERVIEW: The strong reasons behind the 'U's title and Alianza's downfall.
First, why did you travel to the United States and not be with the team in Matute? What can we know about your health condition?
I traveled due to a health problem that was detected in time, thank God. When the doctor spoke to me, it was clear: I had to undergo emergency surgery because it was a myxoma in the heart and there was a risk of detachment. It was either my life or being present in the two final matches. But I never stopped trusting the team. And, above all, believing in Jorge's (Fossati) work and in the players. I knew they would rise to the occasion.
Is it true that you had a video call with coach Fossati before the finals and he promised you the championship?
I sent him a message that I believe was very emotional and he responded immediately, almost with tears. We are on the same wavelength. He has brought back our greatness.
Whose idea was it to bring Piero Alva, 'Puma' Carranza, and 'Coco' Araujo, three iconic players who only won finals against Alianza, with the team?
I was thinking about the lack of respect from their goalkeeper (Ángelo Campos), when he entered our field with his team's flag, provoking us, and the Disciplinary Committee of the FPF washed their hands. We discussed it multiple times. I came up with the idea of responding with class and involving the delegation in a visit to three players who marked an era, who brought back good memories, especially in their stadium. Additionally, the 'Puma', Piero, and 'Coco', three symbols, work for the club, so it was them. And it worked wonders.
You said to your closest circle, after winning the championship: "I'm floating." What phrase would define this long-awaited title?
One word: planning. This champion was planned.
You are a huge fan and openly anti-Alianza. Is this title a personal revenge?
More than a punishment for them, this championship serves to show that in football, nothing is certain, that the one with the most money doesn't always win. Nor the one who talks the most. That's the beauty of this sport: today, the composition of a great team defeated a team of individuals. The 'U' is not just a good team, it's a great locker room.
You will request the closure of Matute after what happened on Wednesday, with flares and the blackout?
We want a sanction, but we leave it to the Ministry of the Interior. It has never happened in the history of Peruvian football and it could have turned into a tragedy. This has left a stain nationally and internationally.
Ureña said he will stay for three years. What about Riveros? What can you tell us about those who have already renewed with the 'U'?
Those renewals are already done. Ureña, I told you when we signed him, is a lion. He came to win it all. The same goes for Riveros, a great opportunity that presented itself, and the results are there. There are still a few missing, but we are on the right track. The core of the champion will stay.
Are the returns of Ruidíaz and Trauco for 2024 confirmed? I understand you have spoken with them.
We haven't seen them yet because we are giving priority to the champions first, but I don't rule anything out later on. Both of them are club players.
Is it easy to bring back Ruidíaz?
No, because he has a contract with Seattle. But we'll see. It will depend a lot on what Raúl can do. Like in the case of Edison (Flores), perhaps he can negotiate with his club and then we come in.
Is it true that the 'U' will make a formal offer to Yotún?
Yes. We want him. And personally, I love it. He would be an ideal reinforcement for the Copa: imagine that midfield, with Rodrigo, Piero, Martín. We'll see.
There are now more than 30,000 associate members. How many are you expecting for the summer, the start of the Centennial year?
The associate members have been crucial in the institutional growth this year, the program has worked perfectly, and the more we are, the faster we will pay off the debt, which is our goal for 2024, to start paying it off.
Would you rather win the Centennial as back-to-back champions or compete in an international tournament?
Let's not get ahead of ourselves, today we have to celebrate. After ten years of drought, winning this championship away, against our eternal rival, is a dream come true. Additionally, the Lionesses won the title in women's football. The volleyball team will play in the League and the Reserves are already in the final. We won't promise anything we can't fulfill, just hard work. Nothing else.