José María Buljubasich steps down as Universidad Católica sporting director after 16 years of titles and tears

Sixteen years add up to a lot. Seven national titles, four Supercopas, one Copa Chile, and, in the end, a departure that closed with tears in front of the microphones. That's what happened this Tuesday at Claro Arena, where José María Buljubasich stepped down as sporting director of Universidad Católica, closing out an era that began back in 2010.

The club made the announcement itself through a statement on its social media channels, in language that left little room for ambiguity: "By decision of the Board, it has been determined to end the cycle of Universidad Católica's sporting director, Mr. José María Buljubasich." In the same statement, UC recalled that "Tati" hadn't arrived at the post out of nowhere: before that, he had been goalkeeper and captain of the Plantel de Honor, champions in 2005, and he still holds a record that stands in Chilean soccer to this day: 1,352 minutes without conceding a goal.

As sporting director, his tenure left a results sheet that any fan would sign off on without much hesitation: 7 national titles, 4 Supercopas, and one Copa Chile. But soccer isn't measured in trophies alone, and Buljubasich's exit comes amid a tense atmosphere, with fans frustrated over a transfer window in which the club added just one signing, and with the round-of-16 elimination from the Copa Libertadores still fresh in memory.

A speech with a breaking voice

At the press conference, Buljubasich didn't hide his emotion. He gave thanks, looked back, and made clear he understood the decision, even if it wasn't the one he would have chosen. "I hope I can get through this, on a day full of emotions. Let me start from the end and work backward. Thank you to Matías (Claro) for the time we spent working together. I understand that clubs have to make decisions. I accept them, and I think that's fair," he began.

He also addressed, head on, the criticism over unmet expectations in the Libertadores: "We suffered more from losing players from the squad than from a lack of signings. With a full squad, we won the group stage. People built up expectations we couldn't meet because of the circumstances, not because of any lack of ambition."

We are the best club in Chile, one of the best clubs in South America. I got to be part of what was, perhaps, the most successful chapter of that history.José María Buljubasich

Near the end, he made one specific request of the fans: that they back the club beyond any one name. "I wanted to stay on in the role, but I understand the situation the club is going through. I ask the fans to support the club, to support Matías's board, to support everyone who works here," he said, no longer holding the position he'd occupied for 16 years, but with a legacy as a champion and a winning sporting director that no one can take away from him.