San José, Costa Rica – Liga Deportiva Alajuelense manager Óscar Ramírez expressed frustration with the playing surface at Estadio Carlos Alvarado following his team’s 2-1 defeat to Club Sport Herediano on March 21, 2026. The loss dealt a significant blow to Alajuelense’s playoff aspirations in the Torneo de Clausura, and Ramírez didn’t shy away from criticizing the artificial turf, while also acknowledging Herediano’s strong second-half performance.
Herediano Secures Victory, Alajuelense Faces Uphill Battle
The match saw Herediano overcome an early Alajuelense lead to secure a crucial victory. Marcel Hernández scored twice for the home side, turning the tide after Alajuelense initially took the advantage. Ramírez conceded that Herediano deserved the win, particularly citing their dominance in the second half. “In the second half, they were better. Congratulations to José Giacone,” Ramírez stated, referring to the Herediano manager. The result temporarily moves Herediano to the top of the Clausura standings.
Pitch Concerns and Player Health
Ramírez was particularly vocal about the condition of the Estadio Carlos Alvarado pitch, stating, “The pitch doesn’t lend itself to playing good football. Even Herediano knows that.” He expressed concern over the impact of artificial surfaces on player health, specifically mentioning the recent injury to Santiago van der Putten. “It’s regrettable what happened to Santi,” Ramírez said. “We’ve had problems with the artificial pitches. Ideally, everything would be natural grass. It would be ideal for the players and would avoid affecting their careers.” The manager suggested that a switch to natural grass would extend the longevity of players’ careers.
Injury Crisis Adds to Alajuelense’s Woes
Adding to Alajuelense’s difficulties, Ramírez revealed that the team is currently dealing with a significant number of injuries. “We have several injured players. We tried to incorporate three young players, but that’s how it is, and today we had to face the match this way,” he explained. The manager did not specify the extent of the injuries, but acknowledged the challenges of fielding a competitive squad with key players unavailable. This situation forced Alajuelense to rely on youth players, a decision Ramírez made given the circumstances.
Ramírez Reflects on Team Adjustments
Ramírez likened the team’s current situation to a mechanical issue, stating, “This is like a car. We pushed it a lot last semester and now we have to adjust, take it to the workshop, fix the engine, change tires… that is, adjust.” This analogy suggests that the team needs significant adjustments after a strong previous season. He acknowledged the need for corrections to remain competitive in the league. The manager’s comments indicate a period of recalibration is needed for Alajuelense.
Bran Situation Remains Unresolved
When questioned about the situation surrounding player Alejandro Bran, Ramírez stated he had not yet spoken with him. “I haven’t spoken with him. I hope to do so when he is calmer. From there we will analyze the situation; we have to understand the player before making decisions,” he said. This suggests a sensitive situation requiring careful handling and communication with the player before any disciplinary action is taken.
Looking Ahead for Liga Deportiva Alajuelense
The defeat to Herediano leaves Alajuelense facing an uphill battle to secure a playoff spot in the Torneo de Clausura. The team will need to quickly address their injury concerns and find a way to perform consistently on both home and away pitches. Ramírez’s focus will be on making the necessary adjustments to get the team back on track. Alajuelense’s next match is scheduled for March 28th against Guadalupe FC at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto. Fans can find the latest updates and schedules on the Liga Deportiva Alajuelense official website.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
