The Argentine strategist confirmed three key names for the friendly in Texas and remained reserved about the rest of the starting eleven.
Photo: EFE – Juan Ignacio Roncoroni
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The Colombian team is already fine-tuning details for its friendly this Saturday against Mexico, in ArlingtonTexas. In the previous press conference, Néstor Lorenzo kept the mystery about the initial roster, although he left three clear names for the duel: David Ospina, James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz.
The Argentine coach was careful with the information. “The players still don't know it. I think it's better that they know it from my mouth. That's why I'm not going to give it away”responded when asked about the starting eleven that will face the Mexican team. However, minutes later he confirmed the three references who will lead the team.
“David Ospina is going to save, it's time for him to have his game. He's doing very well. James is going to play, he's going to be the captain, and Lucho Díaz is going to play,” said Lorenzo, who will take advantage of the friendly to continue adjusting his idea before the end of the year and on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
Ospina's return is one of the great news. The Antioquia goalkeeper had not been a starter with the national team since 2023 and returns after regaining competitive rhythm and standing out with Atlético Nacional. Meanwhile, Kevin Mier and Álvaro Montero will await their opportunity for the next match, on Tuesday against Canada, in New Jersey.
The strategist also referred to the present of James Rodríguez, who is experiencing an irregular moment in the León of Mexico, but continues to be a fundamental piece for the process. “I have followed León a lot, I have gone to see when the process began. Then he fell a little, many players have left, but the concern is relative. We have James prepared for our team,” explained Lorenzo.
The coach highlighted that the coaching staff has a plan to keep the captain in a competitive rhythm: “Knowing that he plays, that he has minutes, that he is physically well, we will readapt him in the few days we have to give him the best, accompany him in the best way and that he also gives his own,” he pointed out.
Kevin Serna could have minutes
Regarding the great news of the call, the Fluminense winger, Kevin Sernaexplained: “He is a player who can give us variants in attack, he can play on both wings, behind the nine, he is an intelligent player and I hope he can add minutes and take advantage of the opportunity.”
Colombia and Mexico will face each other this Saturday, October 11 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The match is scheduled for 8:00 pm (Colombian time) and will be a new opportunity for the national team to continue consolidating its performance and leadership ahead of the next World Cup event.
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