Gustavo Álvarez, an Argentine coach, has taken over the reins of LDU after Tiago Nunes left the club in July this year. Álvarez has a decent record, having won seven games, drawn two, and lost two in his 11 games in charge of LDU. He has also led the team to the quarterfinals of the CONMEBOL Libertadores, where they will face Palmeiras.
The LDU team has undergone significant changes since their 4-0 loss to Palmeiras in São Paulo last year. Eight of the 11 starters from that game still remain in the squad, but the team has been working on a new formation. According to Globo Esporte Futebol, the team is expected to play in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which they have used in their last three victories in the Campeonato Equatoriano.
Deyverson, a 35-year-old forward who has been playing for LDU since January this year, is one of the team's key players. He has 37 games and seven goals for the club, but is not a guaranteed starter. The team will face Palmeiras in the quarterfinals of the CONMEBOL Libertadores, with the first leg taking place on Wednesday at the Nubank Parque.
Gustavo Álvarez has been quoted as saying that he is feeling good and believes in his players. He has also dismissed the idea of using the artificial turf as an excuse for any difficulties the team may face. The coach has emphasized that the team needs to adapt and compete, and that there are no excuses for not making history.
The LDU team is currently in fifth position in the Campeonato Equatoriano, and will be looking to make a strong impression against Palmeiras. The team's next step will be to face Palmeiras in the quarterfinals of the CONMEBOL Libertadores, with the first leg taking place on Wednesday.