Mario Pineida Focused on Upcoming Match as Future Remains Uncertain

QUITO, Ecuador – Mario Pineida, defender for Barcelona SC, praised coach Segundo Castillo while expressing his focus on the upcoming LigaPro match against Independiente del Valle on Saturday at the Estadio Monumental.

In a press conference, Pineida stated, “Whoever is in the starting 11, we are proving that we all want to be there. There is a strong commitment, and we are taking it one match at a time. Right now, we are thinking about IDV. I’m happy for Segundo Castillo, he is doing very well and demonstrating his capability.”

Reflecting on the team’s positive start to the season, he emphasized, “Winning is always important; it gives us peace of mind to work. We must take it match by match, and the group is aware of that. The entire coaching staff is crucial; we have managed the loads very well, and everyone’s work is significant for the team.”

Pineida also touched upon his uncertain future with the club, admitting, “We cannot speak of the future but rather the present. One must keep their feet on the ground. If I think about retiring here, I am not sure, but if given a choice today, I would say yes. I have a great love for IDV because it’s where I came from, but if I had to choose, I would retire at Barcelona. My mother and stepfather are both big Barcelona fans, and I grew up with them.”

In response to congratulations from Felipe Melo, a former teammate at Fluminense, for Barcelona’s recent victory over Corinthians in the Libertadores, Pineida remarked, “He is a great friend; we spent time together at Fluminense. He is a wonderful human being. We talked before the game, and I informed him that I wouldn’t play due to suspension. We discussed that it would be a tough match there.”

On the topic of his return to the team, Pineida said, “I believe what generated my return to the club is a public matter. Many journalists and fans didn’t want me to continue here. I thank God and Segundo (Castillo) for giving me the opportunity to stay.”

He concluded by expressing his desire to showcase the talent he displayed in 2016, stating, “Today, I treat every match as if I had arrived in 2016 with Guillermo. Almada and Castillo have different characteristics, and the hardest part is forming a good group and connecting with each of the players. Castillo has that gift of having been a footballer, and he knows how to manage it.”

Barcelona will host Independiente del Valle at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, in a match corresponding to LigaPro’s fourth round.