Holan: 'The semester is not lost' after Superclásico defeat

Cerro Porteño coach Ariel Holan remains optimistic about the team's prospects despite a significant Superclásico loss to rivals Olimpia. "I believe the semester is not lost at all," Holan stated in a press conference, acknowledging the "bitterness" within the squad but insisting on the necessity for "taking a step forward."

Holan identified structural errors and a dip in defensive intensity as key areas needing immediate correction. "Our usual defensive solidity was not present with the same intensity," he admitted. The coach also highlighted the need to improve the team's positional attack, noting that the team shows flashes of consistency but struggles to maintain it for longer periods. "It is imperative to grow in positional attack, in all that is the relationship of our passes in function of the game," he said.

The Argentine coach expressed his disappointment in not being able to secure a victory for the fans after their support. "There is no other way than to leave sad. I don't know if the word is 'beaten,' but sad, bitter. First, for the effort we all make daily so that these things do not happen; second, because the people support, and the truth is, we could not give them the joy of winning the classic."

Adding to the challenges, Holan pointed to the team's demanding schedule and a persistent issue with injuries to key players. "Building a team is not a simple thing," he remarked. "It seems like we've been together for a long time because of everything we've played, and the truth is it's been a short time, and above all, with a lot of permanent competition. And one thing is that, in that amount of competition, we haven't been able to cut the circuit of injuries of important players who are part of the team's base. So, that forces us to advance processes for others, and well, that's how we go."