Hernán Medford Defends Saprissa Ahead of Clásico Nacional: "We're on Top, We've Got a 100"

The trip to Alajuela was drawing near, and Hernán Medford was already visibly irritated. Not because of the opponent, but because of something else: the criticism raining down on him right when his team sits atop the standings. So heading into the Clásico Nacional against Alajuelense at Morera Soto, he decided to hold nothing back.

Saprissa's coach didn't mince words. He finds it contradictory that a league-leading team would be questioned, and he didn't hesitate to point fingers at those who, in his view, are trying to stir up doubt during the hottest week in Costa Rican soccer.

When I'm on top and people criticize me, it's because some folks are bitter. How strange, Clásico week, let's stir things up so Saprissa runs into trouble.Hernán Medford

To back up his point, Medford didn't beat around the bush: he brought out the numbers. He pointed out that his team has, so far, scored the most goals and conceded the fewest in the league. With those facts on the table, he had no trouble finding a homespun comparison to explain his frustration.

If your kid brings home a 100 on a test, you have to congratulate them, and today Saprissa has a 100.Hernán Medford

A Clásico That Starts From Zero

The press conference had its tense moments, especially when Medford was asked about his handling of the team. He defended his work by noting that Saprissa has already clinched its spot in the Copa Centroamericana well ahead of schedule and that, by his own count, he's lost just two Clásicos while in charge of the purple squad.

Even so, he knows none of that carries much weight when the opponent is Alajuelense. The standings, he says, get put on pause for 90 minutes.

"No matter how far ahead we are, a Clásico starts from zero. Position doesn't matter, we're in good shape," the coach explained, well aware that recent history guarantees nothing in this kind of match.

He even allowed himself a joke about what it means to visit Morera Soto, a stadium that isn't exactly known for welcoming the purple colors.

One of the most beautiful things is going to Alajuela, it's such a great atmosphere, a packed stadium, the crowd, saying nice things to me. If they only knew how much I love going to Alajuela.Hernán Medford

Last-Minute Doubts

While trying to shield his locker room from the outside noise, Medford is also dealing with purely soccer-related dilemmas. The availability of Kendall Waston and Newton Williams remains uncertain, and the coach admitted the final call might not come until half an hour before kickoff.

On top of that, there's a demanding schedule ahead: Saprissa must play five matches in barely two weeks. Medford, however, said that workload was already factored into the team's planning and shouldn't be used as an excuse.

With all that in the background, the coach's closing message was simple and direct, almost like a warning to his own players before they take the field: in a Clásico, there's no room to give anything away.

You can't afford to make mistakes, because they'll finish you off.Hernán Medford

By Saturday, everything said at the press conference will be beside the point. All that will matter is what happens on the field at Morera Soto.