It has to be said, that the controversy surrounding the team at the close of the season couldn't have come at a worse time. It plays into our lackluster performance in the Copa final and losing out in league. Here are just a few glimpses of the drama surrounding the team that I know about that affected things:
-Dario Cvatanich contract with Ajax that was publicized and stopped him from playing in Copa final
-Roncagglia arguments with Falcioni, and his signing with Fiorentina that kept him from playing in the final.
-JRR indecisive about future even before season was over.
-Schiavi trade rumors and uncertain about future at club.
-Mouche gossip and Europe trade rumors (all season long)
Just too much controversy to be surrounding a club that had so much to play for (and to an extent still do). I don't blame any player here, seeing as Argentina media I'm learning is far more controversial and work with far more "inside" information than do the big four leagues. It is good in a sense that fans get the most up to date information and bad when teams are unable to protect their players from gossip and slander during championship runs (sort of like Pep did during the sextuple).
It is Falcioni's job to keep media at bay, and although I think he has worked wonders in team confidence and enabled Boca to be genuine contenders in multiple tournaments, he could have done more to protect his players from the SA media who are sharks like Europe can't imagine. This lack of calm in the locker room affected play noticeably. It hurts because I know how much more Boca could have done this season but I guess "esas son las cosas de la vida".
Place is rocking right now!