Ernesto Arakaki warns about the loss of identity in Alianza Lima.

Ernesto Arakaki, former player of Alianza Lima, has shared his reflections on the current state of the club and the impact that managerial decisions are having on its identity and performance. In a recent interview, Arakaki made it clear that, despite the club's economic prosperity, there is a lack of coherence in management that could be costing them dearly on the field. The former defender, who was part of the club's history in the 2000s, emphasizes that although Alianza has a talented and high-caliber squad, it has not been able to translate that into victories against direct rivals like Universitario and Sporting Cristal. "Alianza has the best squad, but this can work for or against you, depending on how you assemble it," he points out. This lack of results in crucial matches has raised questions about the coaching direction and whether the team is truly prepared to compete at the highest level. Arakaki also referred to the impact of identity on the team's structure, suggesting that the lack of players developed in Alianza's youth academy may be diluting the essence of the club. "Today, Alianza is living in a context that has never happened in its history. Alianza has always been a team of the people and of low resources. Today, it's the complete opposite, and it seems to be overwhelming them. They have lost their way," he states. According to him, this transformation has led the club to neglect its identity and values, which he considers fundamental for success. The former player mentions that during his time, there were players who maintained the backbone of the team, upholding the club’s values and mystique. "In the time I played, there was always a backbone: two or three players who stayed on the team," he recalls. For Arakaki, this lack of permanence of key figures in the current squad may influence the team's cohesion and its ability to perform under pressure. Another critical point raised by Arakaki is the issue of continuity in the coaching staff. Despite the fact that results may justify changes, he argues that coherence in projects is vital. "I believe in long-term projects, consistency, and coherence," he states, arguing that the team's problems are not solely the coach's responsibility but also reflect a lack of alignment between the club's management and its traditional values. In this regard, Arakaki agrees with the recent opinions of players like Jefferson Farfán, who mentioned the absence of club-trained references. "Yes, and that needs to be built, cared for, and respected," he says. The former defender believes that the sporting management should prioritize the promotion of young talents to ensure that the club maintains its essence and connection with its fans. Regarding Alianza's current playing style, Arakaki acknowledges that he has seen good moments but also emphasizes that there is a lack of the "touch of aliancismo" that has historically characterized the club. "That can be corrected. There are players in the squad who represent that," he asserts, suggesting that it is crucial to find a balance between the demands of modern football and the club's identity. The conversation extends to the figure of Hernán Barcos, who, although he is a leader on the field, did not come up through Alianza. Arakaki underscores that, while his contributions are recognized, true identity is forged with players who have grown within the club and know its history. In his view, this is an aspect that must be recovered to return to high competitive levels. Finally, Arakaki also talks about his present and future, expressing his desire to continue contributing to the development of youth football in the country. Although he feels the temptation to return to professional football as a coach, his priority remains the training of new talents, something he considers essential for the future of Peruvian football and, in particular, for Alianza Lima. This analysis offers a deep insight into the challenges that Alianza Lima faces in its quest to regain its status in Peruvian football, highlighting the need for a more coherent approach and a renewed connection with its rich history and tradition.