Diego Arias on the win against América: “The series is far from being defined”
The coach of National AthleticDiego Arias, was satisfied with the great performance of his team in the 4-1 win over Cali America in the first leg of the semi-finals of the BetPlay Cupbut he was clear in pointing out that classification is not yet assured.
“We won the first half of the series, but it is far from being defined. We will have to prepare very well for the return game in Cali, beat a very good team and today we had to be very good to have beaten them the way we did. We know the quality of players they have; We must prepare to do it again, review the forms, what we did well and what we must improve,” said the Purslane coach.
Arias highlighted the collective performance and the contribution of the youngest, who were protagonists in the victory.
“We are very happy with the team’s performance. All the players have been very willing: Titi (Rengifo), Elkin (Rivero), Salazar… they all have quality. If they have arrived at Nacional and gone through the entire process to be in the first team, it is because they have quality. The support of big players gives them confidence and support; we all grow. We are happy for the team and for the players who have been in the training process. Seeing them have a presentation like today fills us with a lot of happiness.”
The strategist too appreciated the group’s dedication and he recognized that the merit belongs to the footballers:
“I tell my family: ‘No coach can play’. These results are a product of the willingness and intensity with which the players work. Many times it is planned, but other times it is not: they make good decisions on the field. It is a work of many people who are part of Atlético Nacional from different areas, and this is recognition for the entire club. Without the players, this cannot happen.”
Regarding the moment that the team is experiencing, Arias admitted that progress has been gradual and built match by match:
“It would be a lie if I said that we planned that in four or five games this was going to happen. It is very difficult to do that. In each game we have a great plan depending on the rival. It has been done step by step and thanks to the players it has been possible to carry it out. All coaches would like this to always happen.“Sometimes it happens and other times it doesn’t, but the intention is to continue like this.”
Finally, explained the absence of some references in the duel against América:
“The absence of the two of them is due to fatigue.. We have played many games in a row and they have performed in most of them. We were looking at whether it was prudent or not and in the end it was decided, together with the medical department, not to start. We trust that they can be there as soon as possible, like Edwin Cardona.”
