Villegas: seems like a nice kid.
This story starts with 22-year-old Colombian defender Juan Camilo Angulo Villegas, who came to Argentina’s Club Tigre in August on a free transfer after three decent years at America de Cali.
Then he never made it out of the reserve squad.
In an interview with a local sports radio station yesterday, Villegas claimed that he was informed by his agent that Tigre manager Ricardo Caruso Lombardi demanded money from him in exchange for a spot in the starting lineup.
How FIFA-esque of him!
According to Villegas, “The manager here at Tigre has issues, you know. He asked my agent for money and I didn’t like that, when I found out I was very upset, but I never told him in order to avoid conflicts. This is the first time this happens to me… I’m not a limited player, I plan on earning my spot, something that hasn’t happened yet but I have to stay calm and work hard.”
Lombardi has had a rough season in charge of Tigre. The club is currently in 15th place in the Apertura and at risk of being relegated next year if results don’t improve. Lombardi himself has been ejected from four matches this season and was recently involved in a brawl with some of his own players during practice. The club was already intending to let him go when his contract expires in two weeks.
Nonetheless, the embattled manager was quick to respond to the bribery accusation, and retaliated with a couple accusations of his own. Lombardi’s initial reaction was surprise.
Tough times: Lombardi pulls his hair out.
“I’m tired of these things. The truth is, I don’t know where this comes from and I’m speaking to my lawyer to initiate legal action. For him to come out and say these things is scandalous. It hurts me a lot and I’m tired.”
Then, he explained the reason why Villegas hasn’t even made it to the first team bench for Tigre this year: “He was injured twice and both times that he trained with the first team, he had problems with his quadriceps. The other day he played a reserve match after being out injured for two months.” Later on he added, “The doctor will demonstrate that he was injured for three months. It’s not my fault if he can’t play because he’s injured; there’s no money involved.”
Then he lit into the radio reporter who interviewed Villegas. “He’ll have to show proof, I won’t leave things here. This is the last thing I needed. All the trouble is being caused by this journalist.” Lombardi feels that the reporter, who is Colombian, has a grudge against him.
Finally, Caruso accused Angulo’s agent of taking advantage of him.
“Maybe his agent squandered the money, and now they’re accusing me. Someone should find out who his agent is and where he’s from. He’s from Colombia but I know him well and I can assure you he’s not good. He’s scammed seven other players and now he’s trying to get me dirty. Please… that guy is a gangster, for God’s sake.”
After all that, Lombardi resigned as manager, refusing to coach the team for the final two matches of the Apertura season. “I don’t want to hurt the club. But I already told my assistants to start looking for work because my coaching career is over for a good long while. I won’t continue to manage because I don’t want to die in a soccer stadium.”
The public may never know the truth behind all of this. By resigning, Lombardi will soon get the Argentine sports media off his back, and the whole thing will blow over in about 48 hours, once the next scandal pops up.
