Gustavo Álvarez made a bold decision before facing Deportes Limache and Botafogo. He chose to rest key players against Limache so that his starting eleven would have the same amount of rest days as the Brazilian team – nine days – for their match in Rio de Janeiro. Unfortunately, this strategy backfired as Universidad de Chile got knocked out of the Copa Libertadores by Botafogo, who played with one less player for a significant portion of the game.
Álvarez defended his decision, emphasizing the importance of equal rest for his players compared to their opponents. He stated that the three points lost in this match would be evaluated at the end of the season, as they are crucial in the total points tally. Despite criticism, he maintained that rotating the squad was not a sign of disrespect towards the local league but an opportunity to provide game time for other players.
The recent struggles of Universidad de Chile have been attributed to their lack of clinical finishing, a point highlighted by the Argentine coach. He stressed the need for precision in front of goal and the need for players to maintain their performance levels, even when not in the starting lineup.
Regarding Lucas Di Yorio’s future in the team, Álvarez discussed the need for the team to create more goal-scoring opportunities to support the forwards. He acknowledged the importance of converting chances and the impact it has on the team’s overall performance.
Looking ahead to the Copa Sudamericana playoff against Guaraní from Paraguay, Álvarez recognized the challenge posed by the opposition. He emphasized the significance of the tournament for Universidad de Chile and expressed his respect for the competition. Despite the disappointment of the Copa Libertadores exit, Álvarez sees the Copa Sudamericana as a chance for redemption and a platform to showcase the team’s abilities on the continental stage.
In conclusion, Álvarez sees the Copa Sudamericana as a necessary opportunity for redemption after their Copa Libertadores campaign fell short. The upcoming match against O’Higgins represents another chance for Universidad de Chile to bounce back and show resilience in the face of adversity. The coach’s determination to fight back after setbacks reflects his commitment to leading the team to success in future competitions.
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