Argentinian midfielder Lucas Rios has officially parted ways with Once Caldas following the conclusion of his loan spell from Cúcuta Deportivo. Despite a promising start, where he featured in 18 matches and netted four goals, rios found himself sidelined during the crucial final games of the season due to a decision by coach Hernan Darío Herrera. In a recent interview with The Snail VBar, Rios expressed his disappointment over being benched, attributing it to speculation regarding potential negotiations with Deportivo Cali, which he denied. As he enjoys a holiday in Argentina, Rios remains hopeful about continuing his career in colombian football, stating that discussions with his representative are ongoing, and he is prepared to return to Cúcuta if no new opportunities arise.
Q&A with lucas Rios Following His Departure from Once Caldas
Editor: Lucas, thank you for joining us today. It’s rare to see a player navigate a transition like yours after a loan spell. Can you share a bit about your experience while at Once Caldas?
Lucas Rios: Absolutely. My time at Once Caldas was filled with mixed emotions. I played 18 matches and scored four goals, which I believed showcased my potential. However,towards teh end of the season,I found myself benched during critical matches,which was disappointing for me. the decision came from coach Hernan Darío Herrera, and it was tough to accept.
Editor: It seems like there may have been some external factors influencing the coaching decisions. You mentioned in your interview that speculation about a potential move to Deportivo Cali may have played a role in your situation. Can you elaborate on that?
Lucas rios: Yes, there was a lot of talk about me possibly negotiating with Deportivo Cali, which I’ve denied.These rumors likely affected how I was perceived and ultimately influenced the coach’s decisions. It’s frustrating when external factors cloud performance and opportunities on the field.
Editor: With your loan spell now officially over, what are your plans moving forward? You mentioned remaining hopeful about your career in Colombian football.
Lucas Rios: Right now, I’m enjoying a holiday back in argentina, but my focus is on what comes next. Discussions with my representative are ongoing. If no new opportunities arise, I’m open to returning to Cúcuta Deportivo, where I initially joined from. I want to make sure I’m in the best position for my next move.
Editor: Given the current competitive landscape of Colombian football, what advice would you give to young players navigating similar transitions?
Lucas Rios: I would advise young players to stay resilient and be adaptable. Football can change rapidly, and external factors—like coaching changes or transfer rumors—can affect your position. Stay focused on training and improving your skills.Always be professional and maintain clear communication with your agents. It’s vital to know your worth and to remain patient during transitional phases.
Editor: That’s great advice for aspiring footballers. As you consider your next steps, how do you think your experiences at Once Caldas and Cúcuta Deportivo will influence your future on the pitch?
Lucas Rios: Every experience is a learning opportunity. My time at Once Caldas taught me about resilience and staying motivated despite setbacks.It reinforced the importance of teamwork and communication. I aim to take these lessons with me in my next chapter—whether it’s with Cúcuta or elsewhere.Every player faces challenges, but pushing through them can led to even greater opportunities.
Editor: thank you,Lucas,for sharing your insights and experiences with us. we look forward to seeing how your career develops in Colombian football.
Lucas Rios: Thank you for having me.I appreciate the support,and I’m excited for what the future holds!