Olimpia Coach Praises Captain Ortiz's Heroic Effort in Victory Over Cerro Porteño

Olimpia's coach, Pablo "Vitamina" Sánchez, lauded captain Richard Ortiz following the team's crucial victory against rivals Cerro Porteño, emphasizing the midfielder's exceptional commitment and leadership.

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Richard has been making a great effort in his recovery, and I am sure that today the end of the match probably cost him a lot, because he comes with knee pain. That is why what he did is super worthy; it is to be thanked, to be thanked, to be congratulated, because he made an extraordinary effort to be here today and show everything he means for this, for this event so important for the country, which is the classic of Cerro-Olimpia, Olimpia-Cerro.

Despite not playing extensive minutes in the current semester and battling physical discomfort, Ortiz delivered a standout performance in the highly anticipated "Superclásico." Sánchez acknowledged that Ortiz was not at his physical peak, revealing that the captain endured considerable knee pain throughout the match. "Richard has been making a great effort in his recovery, and I am sure that today the end of the match probably cost him a lot, because he comes with knee pain," Sánchez stated, praising Ortiz's effort as "super worthy."

Sánchez recounted a private conversation with Ortiz before the game, illustrating the captain's unwavering dedication. "He is very special for this match, and he was very special today because he transmits, because he orders, because I suppose, in some way, he must also be feared a little," Sánchez said. He added that it is rare for a player to refuse to play when asked, but Ortiz's response was emphatic: "Profe, I'm here, I'm here, I'm here, I'm here, I'm here; count on me, count on me."

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He is very special for this match, and he was very special today because he transmits, because he orders, because I suppose, in some way, he must also be feared a little. Then it was important. I spoke with him. I will tell a small confidence: I spoke with him and it is very difficult for a player to tell you no. Then, he: 'Profe, I'm here, I'm here, I'm here, I'm here, I'm here; count on me, count on me.'

To confirm Ortiz's readiness, Sánchez asked teammate Gastón Olveira to speak with the captain. Olveira confirmed Ortiz's fitness and stressed his importance to the team, reinforcing Sánchez's decision to field him. Ortiz's determination to play through pain underscored his vital role and influence on the field for Olimpia in such a significant match.

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I told him: 'Look, Gastón, it's difficult for him to say no to me; tell me the truth, if he's fit to play.' And Gastón came and told me: 'He's fit, Profe, he's fit, and it's very important that he is.'