Ortiz on Colo-Colo’s Form: I Wasn’t a Blowhard When We Lost, and I’m Not One Now

Fernando Ortiz insists that Colo-Colo’s commanding position has not changed who he is. “I’m still the same. Since I first set foot in this great club, you have never seen me change. I wasn’t a blowhard when we were losing and greeting everyone, and I’m not a blowhard now,” he said.

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I’m still the same. Since I first set foot in this great club, you have never seen me change. I wasn’t a blowhard when we were losing and greeting everyone, and I’m not a blowhard now.

Ortiz made the comments after Colo-Colo defeated Audax Italiano 5-1 at the Monumental. The result left the club leading Chile’s Primera League by 16 points over its nearest challenger, with 52 points.

The coach credited the club for giving him freedom to work and said he had received the support needed from the president. He acknowledged that coaches ultimately depend on results, but said that the trust and work promised when he arrived allowed him to work calmly.

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It’s a great institution where they have given me the freedom to work and the necessary support from the president.

Ortiz also cautioned against treating the lead as an achievement already secured. “It’s inevitable to think about the distance separating us from second place, but at the same time we have achieved nothing,” he said. He told the players to enjoy the victory, then focus on their next match, away to Huachipato in Talcahuano on Sept. 6.

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It’s inevitable to think about the distance separating us from second place, but at the same time we have achieved nothing.