Gary Medel shares humorous exchange with coach after returning for Universidad Católica

Defender Gary Medel made his return to the pitch for Universidad Católica on Friday, contributing to their victory over Cobresal. The player expressed his immense joy at being back with the team after a recovery period focused on regaining strength following three consecutive muscle tears.

"Very happy, the truth is that being with the group is an immense joy," Medel stated. "We took a little more time for the recovery issue, as I was coming from three consecutive tears, which required a necessary mini-preseason to regain strength."

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Very happy, the truth is that being with the group is an immense joy. We took a little more time for the recovery issue, as I was coming from three consecutive tears, which required a necessary mini-preseason to regain strength.

Reflecting on the match, Medel acknowledged it wasn't a perfect performance, noting that Cobresal presented a tough challenge and that Universidad Católica lacked possession. However, he emphasized the importance of securing the win to prepare adequately for the upcoming Copa Libertadores.

"It wasn't a very good game, Cobresal was a very tough team, where we didn't have the ball at any moment, the possession of the ball, but it was important to win today to arrive well for the Copa Libertadores," he added. Medel highlighted the extra motivation that playing in an international competition like the Libertadores provides.

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It wasn't a very good game, Cobresal was a very tough team, where we didn't have the ball at any moment, the possession of the ball, but it was important to win today to arrive well for the Copa Libertadores.

Medel also shared a lighthearted moment from the game, recounting a brief, humorous exchange with coach Daniel Garnero before he was substituted in near the end. "I told the bastard (sic) 'Very few minutes, five or six'. And he answered: 'No, don't worry, you're going to play 10 or 11, so do it well, that's what's important, that's how we can win.'"

Universidad Católica is preparing for their Copa Libertadores round of 16 match against Estudiantes.

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I told the bastard (sic) 'Very few minutes, five or six'. And he answered: 'No, don't worry, you're going to play 10 or 11, so do it well, that's what's important, that's how we can win.'