Cucho Labels Real Madrid a Formidable Team
Juan Camilo Hernández Suárez, commonly known as Cucho, has made a significant impact at Real Betis since joining the team less than a year ago. The Colombian forward, born in Pereira in 1999, has quickly become a pivotal player under coach Manuel Pellegrini. Cucho has returned to La Liga after stints with Huesca, Mallorca, Getafe, and a brief experience in Major League Soccer.
Cucho’s Performance at Real Betis
During his time at Betis, Cucho has showcased his skills with impressive statistics: nine goals and three assists in over 1,600 minutes of play. He expressed satisfaction with his contributions but remains eager to enhance his performance.
Upcoming Match Against Real Madrid
As Cucho prepares to face Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabéu, he reflects on a memorable moment from 2019 when he scored just three minutes into a match while playing for Huesca. He acknowledges the challenge of competing against such a formidable team. “Real Madrid can win with any detail due to their quality,” he remarked. “It’s important to counter their players’ skills and capitalize on any scoring opportunities we have.”
Real Madrid’s Legacy
When discussing the challenge posed by Real Madrid, Cucho emphasized its enduring reputation: “The Real Madrid brand is strong; they remain one of the best teams in football history.” Even in the absence of star player Kylian Mbappé, he noted that Madrid still has a wealth of talent to spare.
Aiming for Champions League and Europa League Success
Cucho shared that Betis has ambitions for Champions League qualification and aims to excel in multiple competitions, including the Europa League. “We are close, and there’s no room for complacency,” he stated. Cucho also recognized the importance of team unity and hard work in achieving these goals.
The Impact of Isco’s Absence
The forward commented on the absence of Isco, who is currently facing challenges. He expressed support for his teammate and acknowledged Isco’s importance when on the field. “His presence is felt, and we hope for his swift and effective return,” he added.
Future Aspirations
Cucho dreams of representing Colombia in the World Cup and emphasizes the importance of focusing on his current role at Betis to achieve that goal. He remains committed to improving his skills and contributing to the team.
Possible Transfers
As the winter transfer window approaches, Cucho welcomes any new players who can bolster the team. “A complete squad is essential for achieving great things,” he stated. He also acknowledged the pressure of being a primary forward without Bakambu, emphasizing the significance of squad depth.
Personal Influences and Goals
Reflecting on his football inspirations, Cucho highlighted Radamel Falcao and Kun Agüero as key figures in his development. Looking toward the future, he believes he has yet to reach his peak performance at Real Betis.
Cucho concluded by praising Manuel Pellegrini’s leadership, stating that the coach embodies the spirit of the club. “He is a legend, and we all strive to make him proud,” Cucho affirmed.
