Colo Colo coach downplays striker's outburst, eyes Cobresal clash

Colo Colo coach Fernando Ortiz has spoken about the team's current state as the first half of the championship nears its end. A key topic was the situation surrounding striker Javier Correa, who recently issued a public apology after a tense moment following a match against Huachipato.

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I have seen that he has retracted in a video on the club's official pages. That is the truth and what Javi feels in that regard, so he is calm.

Ortiz sought to de-dramatize the incident, showing understanding for the attacker's reaction. "I have seen that he has retracted in a video on the club's official pages. That is the truth and what Javi feels in that regard, so he is calm," the coach explained. He added, "As a human being, everyone has those moments of situations where perhaps the heat, as he says, stands out, but he is focused on tomorrow if he has the chance to play, so I am calm in that regard."

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As a human being, everyone has those moments of situations where perhaps the heat, as he says, stands out, but he is focused on tomorrow if he has the chance to play, so I am calm in that regard.

Looking ahead to the final match of the first round against Cobresal at the Estadio Monumental, Ortiz urged his team not to underestimate the rival based on their league standing. "We close this first round here at home against a great opponent, regardless of the fact that they are not in a good situation. I consider that they have good players and a game idea that, although they have changed it, they have the respect they deserve, just like us," he stated. Ortiz also expressed a desire to "close at home with our people, work to achieve a victory and then move on from the first round and try to focus on the Copa Chile."

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We close this first round here at home against a great opponent, regardless of the fact that they are not in a good situation. I consider that they have good players and a game idea that, although they have changed it, they have the respect they deserve, just like us.

Ortiz also warned that the threat from Cobresal extends beyond individual players, noting, "It is not only (Stefan) Pino that worries me about the opponent we are going to face; all of Cobresal has a good game system." He expressed confidence in his squad's depth, stating, "I have a squad of twenty-something players, and they are prepared to start or to replace a player who has been playing." Regarding the team's performance, Ortiz maintained that his approach remains consistent, regardless of external praise or criticism. "My way of being and my personality have always been the same. Not only because the team is performing well today; at the time when perhaps the team was not doing well, I was the same. I know the position I occupy and the responsibility I have," he reflected. He concluded by stating his satisfaction with the current squad but left the door open to discuss potential new signings with the board after the upcoming match.

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It is not only (Stefan) Pino that worries me about the opponent we are going to face; all of Cobresal has a good game system.