"I Value Intentions More Than Perfection" – Gustavo Alfaro

Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro was brimming with pride following La Albirroja’s commanding 4-1 triumph over Singapore on Friday night, applauding his players' fearless execution as several fresh faces earned their first senior international minutes at the National Stadium.

Speaking to the media after the opening fixture of Paraguay’s Asian tour, the veteran Argentine tactician revealed that the match served as a crucial proving ground to assess his squad's depth while maintaining an uncompromising winning culture.

"I think it was a good presentation by the entire team," Alfaro stated. "Fundamentally, I wanted to evaluate, see, measure, and analyze all the players—at what level they are, where they stand, and how we prepare for everything ahead, with that mentality we always have of trying to win every match."

Rather than placing heavy pressure on the newcomers making their Selección Absoluta debuts, Alfaro emphasized that his dressing room thrives on collective backing and creative freedom, encouraging his squad to take bold risks on the pitch without fear of failure.

"The Paraguay national team has an extra edge that makes every player who arrives feel comfortable, feel supported in everything they want to try, knowing they can make mistakes because everyone will be there to back them up—and that obviously gives players freedom at the moment of making decisions," Alfaro explained. "I am a coach who always tells them that I value intentions much more than successes, because I am convinced that successes come from good intentions."

Taking full accountability off his players' shoulders, Alfaro urged the squad to replicate their club form on the international stage as they continue building long-term chemistry.

"What I told them is to play with confidence, to do what they are accustomed to doing at their clubs, and that if things didn't go well, I would be the one responsible," the manager stressed. "I have a lot of confidence in the capabilities they possess, and obviously there are things the players have to test, see, and analyze to understand not only the opponents they will face, but also the teammates they will work alongside. There are many things to incorporate so that growth is sustained and constant, but they have the talent, the mentality, the environment, the consistency, and the determination to be able to do it."

With their opening test in Southeast Asia successfully passed, La Albirroja will now shift their full focus toward a massive heavyweight showdown. Paraguay will remain at the National Stadium in Singapore to square off against Asian giants Japan in their next international friendly on Tuesday, November 17.

Credit Photo : HongZheng Lim/SNE-Photo