The fallout from Alianza Lima’s shocking elimination from the 2026 Copa Libertadores continues, but the club’s sporting director, Franco Navarro Mandayo, has moved to quell speculation about sweeping changes, publicly backing both head coach Pablo Guede and the team as a whole.
Despite a 2-1 aggregate loss to Paraguayan side 2 de Mayo, Navarro Mandayo stated that Guede and the players have the “total respaldo” (full support) of the club’s leadership. Speaking after a meeting concerning Alianza Lima’s 125th anniversary celebrations, Navarro Mandayo emphasized the need for a measured response, acknowledging the disappointment but urging calm. “It’s been a very tough blow, but there have only been four official matches this year,” he said. “Decisions will be taken with a cool head, and that’s what will happen. Both Pablo and the players have our full support.”
The club’s stance comes after a wave of criticism following the Libertadores exit, with supporters openly calling for Guede’s dismissal. The tie at the Estadio Alejandro Villanueva, known locally as Matute, ended 1-1, sealing Alianza Lima’s fate and sparking intense debate about the team’s performance and tactical approach.
Navarro Mandayo, who also expressed his personal sadness as a lifelong Alianza Lima fan, downplayed questions about his own future at the club, stating that the focus should remain on the players and preparing for Saturday’s league match. This suggests a prioritization of stability amidst the turmoil.
Guede himself acknowledged the team’s shortcomings after the defeat, admitting that Alianza Lima lacked the cutting edge needed to overcome 2 de Mayo. “We lacked the ability to finish,” Guede stated, as reported by RPP. “Everyone can make assumptions, but I believe that in the 180 minutes, we were only able to get two shots on goal. That’s the Copa Libertadores. They scored two goals.” He also deflected blame, stating, “It’s painful to be eliminated in this phase. It hurts a lot, we didn’t expect it. I don’t think we deserved to be eliminated, but that’s football. Anything I say will sound like an excuse, and I don’t want to make any.”
The elimination from the Libertadores represents a significant setback for Alianza Lima, a club steeped in Peruvian football history. Founded in 1901, Alianza Lima boasts 25 Primera División titles and is considered by CONMEBOL to be the most popular club in Peru, with over 12 million fans. The pressure to succeed is immense, and the early exit from continental competition will only amplify that pressure.
The tactical debate surrounding Guede’s approach has also intensified. Eduardo Ledesma, the coach of 2 de Mayo, questioned Alianza Lima’s direct style of play, while Guede defended his team’s attacking intent. This divergence in perspectives highlights the challenges Guede faces in implementing his vision and navigating the expectations of a demanding fanbase.
Adding another layer to the situation, reports have surfaced suggesting the club’s board is considering a move to bring back veteran striker Hernán Barcos. While unconfirmed, this potential pursuit indicates a desire to inject experience and goal-scoring prowess into the squad. Barcos is a familiar face to Alianza Lima supporters, and his return could be seen as a signal of intent to address the team’s attacking deficiencies.
Captain Paolo Guerrero also took responsibility for the defeat, revealing he declined to take a penalty kick due to a lack of confidence. Guerrero’s admission underscores the psychological impact of the loss and the need for the team to regain its composure. He urged the team to focus on the upcoming league match, signaling a determination to bounce back from the disappointment.
Despite the calls for change, Alianza Lima’s leadership appears committed to providing Guede with the opportunity to turn things around. The decision to publicly back the coach and the players suggests a belief in their ability to overcome this setback and compete for domestic honors. However, the pressure will undoubtedly be on Guede to deliver results quickly, and the club will be closely monitoring the team’s performance in the coming weeks and months.
The next few matches will be crucial for Alianza Lima as they attempt to salvage their season and restore confidence to their supporters. The club’s ability to navigate this challenging period will depend on the leadership of Navarro Mandayo, the tactical acumen of Guede, and the resilience of the players.
