After the penalty shootout loss to Switzerland, the historic forward criticized the current format of his country's football and called for deep changes
During the ESPN broadcast, where he serves as a commentator, the all-time top scorer of the Tricolor lamented the defeat and focused on the structural problems of football in his country, calling for fundamental changes to enhance the development of new players. "We need to work on our football, on our clubs, on the national team. We need to pay a lot of attention because there are many disappointments. Our training programs need to improve, the emphasis, the attention, the infrastructure that must be given to the youth teams", he stated.
He then deepened his criticism of the organization of national competitions: “The same goes for the divisions of Colombian football, it cannot be that we do not have a Category C, it is a shame that our football lacks competitiveness and fosters mediocrity and laziness.”
Falcao also questioned the lack of investment from some clubs and the impact this has on the growth of local football. "Teams that do not invest because they know they will not be relegated and have first division budgets while paying players a pittance. The only thing this generates is mediocrity in an institution. Our football deserves more", he asserted.
Hours later, in response to the repercussions of his statements, Falcao posted a message on his Instagram account to clarify the meaning of his words. “After seeing that some media outlets have distorted my words with their headlines, I want to emphasize that my statements did not refer to the Colombian National Team,” he wrote.
Falcao's post on Instagram
Additionally, he reiterated that his intention was to open a debate about the improvements that, in his view, Colombian football as a whole needs. "My message was a reflection on the need to strengthen our football from its base: invest in the youth divisions, ensure that Category B has promotion and relegation, consolidate Categories C and D to increase competitiveness, and dignify the salary conditions of players in these categories. Only then will we build a stronger Colombian football with a better future", he added.
His support for Néstor Lorenzo
In parallel, the historic striker made a distinction between his criticisms of the system and the work done by the national team, which was very close to advancing to the next round. "It’s a shame for the opportunities we had, we didn’t capitalize on them. At this stage, in a competition like this, the opponent has the level to not forgive you, and it has been in the twelve meters where many times our football has had its wings clipped", he commented.
Falcao supports the continuity of Néstor Lorenzo
"He has shown that with this group of work under Néstor Lorenzo, they are capable of competing in a World Cup, of giving us hope, of earning the respect of rivals, and perhaps we need to continue with what they are doing", he concluded.
