Colo Colo coach credits players for Superclásico win, downplays tactical victory
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Colo Colo coach Fernando Ortiz credited his players for their 2-1 victory over Universidad de Chile in the Superclásico.
- Ortiz downplayed tactical superiority, emphasizing the team's ability to overcome challenges during the match.
- He expressed respect for Universidad de Chile's coach, Fernando Gago, and stressed the importance of focusing on the next match.
Following Colo Colo's 2-1 victory against Universidad de Chile in the 200th Superclásico, coach Fernando Ortiz attributed the win to his players' performance. The result extended Colo Colo's lead at the top of the league standings to 49 points.
What I do is secondary; the most important thing here is that I have a great squad that solved situations inherent to a classic. The protagonists are the players.
When asked about his first win against Universidad de Chile, the Argentine strategist deflected personal credit. "What I do is secondary; the most important thing here is that I have a great squad that solved situations inherent to a classic. The protagonists are the players," Ortiz stated. He emphasized the team's resilience and ability to manage the pressures of a high-stakes derby match.
Ortiz also shared his thoughts on his counterpart, Universidad de Chile coach Fernando Gago. "I consider 'Fer' (Gago) a great coach. Our role is to try to figure out the best way for the team to function, but to say that I have beaten him tactically does not seem correct, out of respect for him," Ortiz commented. He highlighted the collaborative effort required in coaching and expressed admiration for Gago's abilities.
I consider 'Fer' (Gago) a great coach. Our role is to try to figure out the best way for the team to function, but to say that I have beaten him tactically does not seem correct, out of respect for him.
Looking ahead, Ortiz urged his team to remain focused despite their significant lead in the league. "Thinking and confidence kill a man, we must not think. On Wednesday, we have an important match against Unión Española (in the Copa Chile). They are enjoying themselves now, but tomorrow they know they have to train in the afternoon to be able to win. Simple," he concluded. Colo Colo currently holds a 13-point advantage over their closest rivals.
Thinking and confidence kill a man, we must not think. On Wednesday, we have an important match against Unión Española (in the Copa Chile). They are enjoying themselves now, but tomorrow they know they have to train in the afternoon to be able to win. Simple.
Originally published by Cooperativa in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.