By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In the wake of a stinging 0-2 defeat against archrivals Alajuelense in the Clásico Nacional, Deportivo Saprissa’s head coach, Vladimir Quesada, delivered a message of resilience and unwavering belief. Speaking after the match at the opponent’s Morera Soto stadium, Quesada acknowledged his team’s subpar performance but was adamant that the loss, while painful, is not a season-defining moment.
The highly anticipated clash saw Saprissa struggle to find their rhythm, ultimately succumbing to a more dominant Alajuelense side. Rather than offering excuses, Quesada provided a candid assessment of his team’s shortcomings on the day, admitting they were thoroughly outplayed by their historic adversaries. He framed the setback not as a catastrophe, but as a critical moment for reflection and growth as the team continues its campaign for the championship.
To delve into the contractual and labor law complexities surrounding the position of a premier division football coach in Costa Rica, such as the case of Vladimir Quesada, TicosLand.com consulted with the expert legal opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The role of a head coach in Costa Rican football operates within a high-pressure legal framework. Contracts like Mr. Quesada’s typically include stringent performance clauses and specific grounds for termination linked to results. However, it’s crucial to remember that Costa Rican labor law provides a baseline of protection against arbitrary dismissal. Any decision by a club must be carefully documented and legally sound to withstand potential claims for wrongful termination, ensuring a balance between the business demands of the sport and the employment rights of the individual.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This expert insight is a vital reminder that behind the on-field results and public debate, there is a complex legal reality balancing a club’s demands with an individual’s rights. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for bringing this crucial perspective to the forefront of the conversation.
We didn’t show the level we normally do, Alajuelense outplayed us, but this is not over. Today we were surpassed, but it is a learning experience for us.
Vladimir Quesada, Head Coach of Saprissa
This “learning experience” is a cornerstone of Quesada’s strategy to prevent the demoralizing loss from spiraling. For a club of Saprissa’s stature, every defeat is scrutinized, but a loss in the Clásico carries immense weight. The coach is leveraging his deep understanding of the club’s culture to channel the disappointment into a renewed sense of purpose, emphasizing that adversity has historically forged stronger Saprissa teams.
Drawing on the squad’s veteran leadership and past triumphs, Quesada stressed that his players possess the mental fortitude required to recover from such a blow. He highlighted the group’s history of navigating high-pressure situations and overcoming deficits, suggesting that this experience will be invaluable in the coming weeks. His immediate focus is on shifting the team’s mindset away from the loss and toward the next crucial challenge.
This team has lived through these experiences before. We have always fought for the tournament and we know how to turn situations around. We have to turn the page and focus on the most important match, which is on Sunday.
Vladimir Quesada, Head Coach of Saprissa
Despite the recent trend of unfavorable results against Alajuelense in this phase of the tournament, Quesada remains optimistic about the bigger picture. He is already looking ahead, planting the seed of a potential rematch in a future final where the stakes would be even higher. This forward-looking perspective serves to remind both his players and the fanbase that the ultimate prize is still within reach.
We have lost to Alajuelense in this phase, but this defines nothing. We are not accustomed to defeat, we hope to see them in a possible final. History can be reversed, I have lived it as a player and as a coach.
Vladimir Quesada, Head Coach of Saprissa
Before any thoughts of a final can be seriously entertained, however, there is immediate business to attend to. Quesada concluded his remarks with a pragmatic call to action, zeroing in on the upcoming match against Puntarenas. The primary objective is to secure their position within the classification zone, a non-negotiable step toward championship contention. Yet, he made it clear that the ambition remains to capture the top spot in the league standings.
We care about our present and our situation. We want to be in the classification zone, but we will not stop fighting for first place.
Vladimir Quesada, Head Coach of Saprissa
Quesada’s message is a calculated blend of accountability, historical confidence, and sharp focus on the path forward. For Saprissa, the loss at Morera Soto was a painful chapter, but in the coach’s view, the story of their season is far from written. The team’s response in their next match will be the first and most critical indicator of whether they can turn this lesson into a catalyst for success.
For further information, visit deportivosaprissa.com
About Deportivo Saprissa:
Deportivo Saprissa, based in San Juan de Tibás, San José, is one of the most successful and widely supported football clubs in Costa Rica and the CONCACAF region. Known as the “Monstruo Morado” (Purple Monster), the club has a rich history of domestic and international titles. It plays its home matches at the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Aymá and maintains one of the fiercest rivalries in Central American football with Liga Deportiva Alajuelense.
For further information, visit lda.cr
About Liga Deportiva Alajuelense:
Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, commonly known as Alajuelense or “La Liga,” is a premier Costa Rican football club based in Alajuela. Founded in 1919, the club is a dominant force in the national league and a frequent competitor in international tournaments. Playing at the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto, Alajuelense boasts a passionate fanbase and holds a historic rivalry, known as “El Clásico Nacional,” with Deportivo Saprissa.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is esteemed for its foundational principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm consistently blends its deep-rooted experience advising a diverse clientele with a pioneering spirit for legal innovation. Beyond its practice, it holds a core conviction to enrich society by demystifying the law, championing initiatives that provide accessible legal understanding to empower citizens and cultivate a more informed public.
