Fredy Pérez spoke forcefully after the victory of Comunicaciones over Guastatoya that allowed the club to mathematically ensure its permanence in the National League. The cream goalkeeper was direct when responding to those who doubted the team during one of the most difficult stages in the club’s recent history. “They said it wouldn’t reach us”recalled the goalkeeper, making it clear that the adverse environment never weakened the group’s internal conviction.
For Pérez, the key to salvation was in the collective identity of the team. “Communications is the greatest in Guatemala and it is what we as a group believe,” said the goalkeeper, who highlighted that conviction as the driving force that prevented the team from giving up in the most difficult moments of the tournament.
The goalkeeper also had words of recognition for the work of coach Marco Antonio Figueroa, who from the first day made it clear to the four goalkeepers on the squad that the one who was best would be the one to play. “That is appreciated on the court,” Pérez said about the trust received.
The goalkeeper also surprised by publicly addressing the issue of mental health, an aspect that he considers essential in high sporting performance. “I’m not ashamed to say that I have talks with the psychologist. That has made me mature and be stronger,” he stated bluntly, recognizing that the pressure to stay affects more than just the physical. “Psychologically it is hard to face these scenarios. You have to work emotionally and that is the basis for moving forward”expressed in a message that seeks to normalize the search for professional support within the Chapín locker room.
The pressure now is different
With permanence assured and classification to the league confirmed, Pérez’s speech points forward. “The pressure now is the greatness of the club”stated the goalkeeper, making it clear that surviving is not enough for Comunicaciones and that the short-term objective is to compete for the title again in the Clausura 2026 league.
The goal that sealed the victory against Guastatoya came in the 58th minute through Omar Duarte, who took advantage of a rebound from a corner taken by Dairon Reyes to push the ball into the back of the net and score his seventh goal of the tournament. The result also complicated the Yellow Breast in the accumulated table, where they remain in the danger zone with 50 points heading into the last day.
Comunicaciones closes the Clausura 2026 with 55 points in the accumulated table and 35 in the competition, classified to the league where it will have the opportunity to close a season that was marked by the difficulties with the title that the most winning club in Guatemalan soccer seeks so much. The last day will take the Cremas to visit Malacateco in a match where they will be able to play without the pressure of relegation.