Liga de Quito manager Gustavo Álvarez expressed confidence that his squad can reverse its recent run of form and return to winning ways when it hosts Macará on Saturday, October 24. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the fourth round fixture in the hexagonal title race of the 2026 Liga Ecuabet championship, the head coach acknowledged that past encounters against the Ambato-based club offer tactical context, though he emphasized that every match writes its own story.
While noting that Macará retains the same coaching staff and roster as previous meetings, Álvarez stressed that current circumstances differ. The manager stated his hope that the upcoming fixture at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado will allow the team to break a streak of two consecutive defeats in the competition.
Addressing the inner workings of his squad, Álvarez emphasized the value of daily labor and the dedication demonstrated by his players. He pointed out that athletic performance naturally fluctuates because footballers are human beings who require consistent guidance to elevate both individual output and cohesive team functioning. His primary responsibility as manager, he explained, involves maximizing individual capabilities and channeling those gains into collective tactical execution. He also noted that a heavy match schedule complicates maintaining a fixed starting lineup across multiple rounds, requiring ongoing evaluation of physical condition and performance levels during training sessions and official games.
Turning to matters off the pitch, Álvarez expressed gratitude for the backing shown by the club’s supporters. He emphasized that the encouragement and passion displayed by the fanbase provide a meaningful boost during matches, while noting the necessity of respecting established tournament regulations. For Saturday’s fixture, the lower tier of the south general stand at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado will remain closed due to a disciplinary sanction issued by Liga Pro following an incident involving a lit flare thrown onto the pitch during the match against Aucas.
Regarding squad availability, Álvarez provided an update on José Quintero, reporting that the player is progressing favorably and has resumed on-field training exercises, though he has not yet rejoined full group sessions after transitioning out of the rehabilitation gym. The manager confirmed that the remainder of his roster is fully available for the weekend encounter, including the return of Deyverson following a suspension that forced him to miss the previous round.
Liga de Quito enters the contest needing a victory to capture three points and narrow the gap in the standings. Macará currently holds second place in the table with 60 points, while the Quito club sits in third position with 53 units. The match is scheduled to kick off at 16:30 on Saturday, October 24, at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado.
