Argentine coach in charge of the Colombian national team, Néstor Lorenzo, highlighted this Saturday the merit of the Colombian team for having reached the final of the Copa América against Argentina, but expressed his hope and ambition that, in the future, this type of appearance will not be treated as “a surprise” or something unexpected.
In the press conference before the final, Lorenzo commented: “Colombians, what can we say… I think there is no happier and more fanatic fan.”
“We would like it not to be a surprise to reach a final, that it is not a prize from heaven. It is, it is. But we don’t have to wait so long, to always be up there. It’s not easy, it’s not easy. But the group is good, there is a future, there are many young players who are going to give a lot to the national team,” he said.
The coach also said that “I hope this lasts and that Colombia continues to grow,” after going 28 games without defeat.
“Let the Colombians celebrate the same, let them all go, but let them not be so surprised to reach a stage like this: semi-finals, final, being among the best,” he said.
With James Rodríguez as the star, Colombia will seek its first Copa America crown since 2001 in Miami this Sunday against an Argentina team led by Lionel Messi, the current champion of this tournament and the World Cup.
Lorenzo will be without Daniel Muñoz due to suspension and left the participation of Richard Ríos in doubt, who left the match against Uruguay due to a knock.
“He’s still progressing well. He’s a little better. So we’ll decide tomorrow,” he explained.
The Colombian coach stressed that his team is still a unit “in the process of growth” and with “room for improvement” that throughout the tournament has shown “resilience and rebelliousness.”
Regarding the final, Lorenzo expects a face-to-face between two teams “that propose, that want to play.”
“Argentina is dangerous even when they don’t have the ball, when they leave their players hanging. We have something similar too. I think they are two teams that are quite similar. Argentina has a longer process and achievements and we are hungry,” he argued.
“We will try to give our best. We have to give our best individually and collectively to be able to play the match and beat Argentina, but I am convinced that we can do it,” he said.
Finally, he spoke about the paradox that, at the helm of Colombia, he will face the Albiceleste in a Copa América final.
“Of course, one loves, loved and worked for the colors of Argentina. But I was with José (Pekerman) for seven years in this beautiful team, in this beautiful country,” he explained.
“I have many Colombian friends, I learned to feel many situations as a Colombian and it is a job that is a dream for us. Day to day is working so that Colombian football grows and reaches the top. We separate there, the entire coaching staff, the homeland of football. We have objectives, dreams and our little brothers are them: those who are dreaming with us today,” he said.
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