Bielsa showed full preparation and deep insight into the upcoming Copa America semifinal against Colombia in his pre-match press conference. He began by emphasizing the strength of the Colombian team, noting that it is an opponent that competes with Uruguay at the highest level, which shows the importance he places on the game and the respect he has for his opponents.
Regarding the impact of the team's extended stay in Las Vegas for some reason on the program, Bielsa said that adjustments have been made accordingly and that the changes have been satisfactorily resolved and will not be an issue. This shows his resilience as a head coach and his meticulous management of the team.
Speaking about the team's injuries, Bielsa confirmed the absence of Nandez and Araujo, which will undoubtedly be a challenge for Uruguay's squad. However, he did not reveal who Nandez's replacement would be, suggesting that he is still carefully considering and evaluating the possibilities in order to find the best solution.
Bielsa spoke highly of the Colombian team as a team with outstanding individual ability, a stable tactical system and a mature team style. This evaluation not only reflects his professionalism, but also reminds the Uruguayan players that they must be fully committed to this tough battle.
Speaking about the performance of Jameis Rodriguez, Bielsa emphasized the impact of players' emotions on their performance and argued that the type of game pushes players to demonstrate a high level of ability. This observation shows that he is concerned about the mental state of his players and believes that it is one of the most important factors in determining the outcome of a match.
In terms of defensive strategy, Bielsa said that Uruguay will try to avoid letting their opponents attack and try to attack, but that they must know how to defend if they are unable to press their opponents. He emphasized the importance of team compactness and controlling the game, noting that in the absence of a Plan B, Plan A must be as good as possible. This firm defensive attitude and flexible tactical adjustments will be key to Uruguay's advantage in the tournament.
Finally, Bielsa expressed his gratitude for the support of the Chilean team and emphasized that Sunday's final is the game that really counts. He reminded his players to stay focused and calm and to see this match as an important step towards the final. This humble yet determined attitude will inspire the Uruguayan players to give their best in the tournament.
