Alex Escobar after América’s defeat: “It hurts a lot to lose like that against Nacional”

The technician of the Cali AmericaAlex Escobar, did not hide his frustration after the tough 4-1 defeat against National Athletic at the Atanasio Girardot stadium, for the first leg of the semifinals of the BetPlay Cup. In a press conference, the coach acknowledged his team’s mistakes and the rival’s superiority, although he highlighted positive passages of the game.

“Until the 37th minute the team was in good shape.. We made that mistake at the start and against Nacional it is difficult to make those mistakes because they have very good players,” Escobar explained with visible annoyance.

The strategist also pointed out that, despite the possession of Nacional, América had clear options before the break.

“In the first half they had possession, but without clear scoring options. We had three and we couldn’t specify. After 2-0 the team becomes complicated because it is difficult with a team like Nacional.”

Escobar He regretted the defensive failures and the lack of reaction in the second half:

“We try to control, to have possession of the ball, to attack because they leave spaces, but we make mistakes starting the second half. Then they score the third goal and giving them that advantage is very complicated.”

With a self-critical and emotional tone, the technician closed by making a call for group unity:

“It hurts us a lot because we are fans and we belong to the institution.”. What remains is to lift, there is another important final. Try to overcome this result today. You have to put in a little more, the boys know it. “This hurts a lot.”

The America must now focus on the second legwhere he will seek to reverse the series and regain confidence before closing the semester.