Sao Paulo's coach, Luis Zubeldía, lauds Paolo Guerrero, praising him for his exceptional goal-scoring abilities: "He is remarkable, awe-inspiring."
Pippin Zubeldiá stepped foot in Peru with the São Paulo squad, all set to square off against Alianza Lima in the 4th round Group Stage of the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2025. The highly-anticipated clash at the Alejandro Villanueva stadium promises to be a rematch of sorts, following the 2-2 draw that saw the Blanquiazules rescue a point against the Tricolor at the Morumbi stadium.
Upon landing in the nation, the rookie Argentine coach was approached by local journalists at the Jorge Chávez international airport. As per the regulations, he couldn't give formal statements to the press. However, on being asked about Paolo Guerrero, he couldn't help but express his admiration for the veteran striker with a simple yet profound statement.
"Guerrero is a legend, a sensation," Zubeldía acknowledged before hopping into São Paulo's official vehicle, heading to the concentration hotel. The coach's compliments come at a crucial juncture in Guerrero's career, as he continues to shine with the goals despite reaching the ripe age of 41.
Furthermore, it's not the first time Zubeldía has lavished praise on the historic striker of the Peruvian selection. They had worked together in the past at the Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito (ECU), where the duo led the club to winning the Serie A 2023 and CONMEBOL Sudamericana 2023.
At 41 years old, Guerrero is enjoying a rejuvenated phase at La Victoria. In the early months of the current year, he has displayed an impressive goal-scoring form, also claiming the mantle as the club's top scorer. He also made his presence felt in the Libertadores 2025 with a goal against Talleres at the Alejandro Villanueva stadium.
Speaking about his performance, Paolo said, "There's a healthy competition within the team where each one pushes hard every day to deliver their best and make the coach's task difficult. Beyond that, those who know me understand that I want to be on the field, I want to start every game, just as I train, I play."
The Comeback Kid
Guerrero, one of the most revered figures in Peruvian football, made a triumphant return to Alianza Lima in September 2024, fulfilling a personal and professional dream. Already 40 years old, the forward signed a contract that runs until the end of 2025, following his brief stint with César Vallejo in 2024. His comeback was made possible due to a favorable resolution from the Conciliation and Dispute Resolution Chamber of the Peruvian Football Federation, which permitted his early departure from the Trujillo club.
On September 1, Guerrero was officially unveiled at the Alejandro Villanueva stadium, where he expressed his excitement about returning to his "home" and reaffirmed his commitment to the team. His first official match was played on September 14 against Carlos A. Mannucci, coming in as a substitute for Hernán Barcos, who symbolically handed him the captain's armband.
Throughout his career, Guerrero has represented illustrious clubs such as Bayern Munich, Corinthians, Flamengo, Internacional, and LDU Quito. He has been admired for his goal-scoring abilities and his leadership on the field. With his return to Alianza Lima, he aims to bring closure to a chapter in the club where he began his journey and continue offering his contribution to Peruvian football.
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Related Topics:
- Paolo Guerrero
- Alianza Lima
- Copa Libertadores
- Luis Zubeldía
- São Paulo
- Peru-Sports
- In a press occasion, newly-arrived coach of São Paulo, Luis Zubeldia, spoke about the legendary striker, Paolo Guerrero, expressing his admiration for the latter's achievements in the sports industry.
- Guerrero, revered as a sensation and a legend, resumed his professional career with Alianza Lima in 2024, having previously worked with Zubeldia at Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito (ECU).
- Apart from his impressive display in the Libertadores 2025, Guerrero has been consistent in his performance for Alianza Lima this year, earning him the title of the club's top scorer.
- In his comeback to sport after joining Alianza Lima in 2024, the Peruvian football star stated his dedication towards pushing the team to deliver their best and striving for regular game-time, just as he does during training.
