Néstor Lorenzo, Colombian coach, on Bolivia: “I think we get very well” | South American qualifiers

Néstor Lorenzo will lead Bolivia to his 37th match at the head of the Colombian National Team.

Photo: AFP – Evaristo SA

In an encounter with the media in the prelude to the match against Bolivia, the technical director of the Colombian National Team, Néstor Lorenzo, was optimistic and cautious for the decisive duel for the qualifiers to the 2026 World Cup.

The press conference took place this Wednesday in the room of the Metropolitan Stadium of Barranquilla, where the Argentine strategist was accompanied by the experienced goalkeeper David Ospina. In the middle of the conference the light went and the inconvenience was solved in short.

Lorenzo stressed the importance of keeping calm and concentration in such a crucial encounter, in which a favorable result could seal Colombia's quota to the orbital event in the United States, Mexico and Canada. A victory in front of Bolivia would seal the ticket.

What is the key to talking with boys and maintaining that positive energy?

In principle, handling emotions, especially an emotion that sometimes betrays you that is anxiety in these cases. But well, we have a mature squad, players who have already played finals, decisive games and I think we get very well.

What do they expect from Bolivia? They have a mathematical possibility.

With respect to Bolivia it is a team that is very tattered. I don't think it's going to get far behind. I think you will choose a middle, compact block, as to avoid the beginning of our game circuits. And well, you have to open paths. The responsibility is ours on this court and we will try to do it in the best way.

Do we underestimate Bolivia a lot in Colombia?

I think we make the mistake many times to underestimate, right? Peru has complicated our lives many times and yet also the last time we thought we were going to make four goals. It is not easy, they are experience players. All teams have an eleven that has experienced, good footing players. You have to open it, the game, and handle the times, not get carried away by anxiety, emotions, and that people always support, in the good and bad. Hopefully from now on they are all good, especially on Thursday.

How do they work from the mental?

Handling anxiety and having a game plan in the game, knowing the rival and knowing where to go or where not to go. That is the fundamental thing, what we are trying to lower the boys.

What to say to those people who will be pending of each radio and television broadcast?

To the people who believe, who believe, that the team transmits. I tell the boys that people receive what we transmit from within the field, but there are times that when one frustrates by a play or because it erroes a goal, or makes a mistake, it is good that people continue to believe and support, that you also from your place have a message of positivism and optimism,

How to find spaces in front of Bolivia?

Well, that is the offensive tactic that we have to prepare, they are variants, there are many variants, many movements that make operation and put our best hand -to -hand players with them. They are going to try to avoid that with tils, setbacks, relays and try to move the ball quickly, and be incisive and finish the play.

What incidence does the Liga and System of players such as Jorge Carrascal system have for the selection, which passed from Russia to Brazil?

Each league has its characteristic and that makes the cases different, I believe that the one who leaves America to a European First Line is one step ahead. The case of Carrascal, for example, that Russia is not the first European line, but it is a very intense championship, there are many transitions, the physical is used, it will change because the flamengo plays more to the short touch and to progress from the possession of the ball. I believe that all changes are positive.

What criteria do you use to put one player on another when he starts?

Everything, the tactical, the physical, the mental, his career, a little. Sometimes the characteristic only technique induces you to make a decision in favor of that player, but there are other characteristics that make the other compensate or that when playing a game such as the tie, it has an advantage.

When could Dayro Moreno have minutes?

Dayro is another player inside the squad. The call has been won based on what he is doing in his club, to continuity and the regularity he has had. It is an option, like everyone who will be sitting with him in the substitute bank. We believe in the conditions for which it has been summoned, because it is a precise player in the definition, it does not weigh to play in certain environments and has experience. We will analyze every moment of the party.

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