Pablo Sánchez: 'A cup team like Olimpia has to show its credentials'

Asunción, Paraguay – Fresh off clinching the domestic league title, Paraguayan powerhouse Olimpia is now setting its sights firmly on continental glory. The team faces a pivotal Copa Sudamericana clash against Brazil's Vasco da Gama, a match that coach Pablo Sánchez describes as a crucial test of the club's 'cup credentials.'

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We already experienced the blow we took in Brazil, so we will be more attentive. The idea is basically that it doesn't happen to us again, and on our field, with our people, in our country; a cup team like Olimpia has to show its credentials.

Sánchez, affectionately known as 'Vitamina,' stressed the importance of learning from their previous encounter with Vasco in Brazil, where Olimpia suffered a setback. "We already experienced the blow we took in Brazil, so we will be more attentive," he stated. "The idea is basically that it doesn't happen to us again, and on our field, with our people, in our country; a cup team like Olimpia has to show its credentials."

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We were capable and brave to recover on a very difficult field, like playing in Argentina against Barracas, a very tough team, and today we are in good spirits for this match, which we know will be very tough, but we are very optimistic.

The strategic focus has unequivocally shifted to the Copa Sudamericana. With the national championship secured, the club's ambition now lies in advancing to the next phase of the continental tournament. Sánchez acknowledged the competitive nature of their group, noting that while this match is vital, the final qualification might hinge on the last group game. However, he expressed confidence in his team's current morale and readiness for what he anticipates will be a 'very tough' but winnable match, underscoring Olimpia's historical commitment to performing well in international competitions.

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The real analysis is that we had two clear objectives: to fight for the championship and, hopefully, win it — which we achieved — and the other, to advance to the next phase of the Copa Sudamericana.