In a pre-match press conference for Uruguay's upcoming Copa America semi-finalist Colombia, team manager Bielsa elaborated on a number of aspects of his expectations for the tournament, the current state of the team, his thoughts on the opponents, and his tactical strategy.
Bielsa began by recognizing the strength of the Colombian team, calling it a formidable opponent that can compete with Uruguay at the highest level. He emphasized that although Uruguay had shown excellent athleticism in previous matches, the team must remain on high alert and give their best against a strong opponent like Colombia.
Speaking on the impact of the team's extended stay in Las Vegas on the program, Bielsa said that although there were adjustments to the original plan, the changes have been handled properly and have not caused any negative impact on the team. He emphasized that the team has always maintained a high level of focus and preparation for the upcoming challenges.
Regarding the team's injuries, Bielsa revealed that in addition to Nandes' suspension due to a red card, Araujo is also unavailable for this match. Regarding Nandez's absence, he admitted that he has not yet identified a specific replacement, but the team will try to find a suitable replacement to ensure that the team's overall strength will not be affected.
Speaking about the Colombian team, Bielsa praised their individual ability and stable tactical system. He believes that after a long period of teamwork, the Colombian team's style has become more mature, which will present Uruguay with a considerable challenge. However, he also said that the Uruguayan team will also do their best to show their best level in the match.
Bielsa appreciated the excellent performance of Jamez Rodriguez in this Copa America. He believes that a player's strengths are often fueled by emotions, and that when players are more committed to the game, they are more likely to show their strengths. He expects Uruguay's players to show their best as well by keeping their spirits and focus high during the game.
In terms of tactical strategy, Bielsa revealed that the Uruguayan team will develop a specific game plan based on the team's ability and the characteristics of the opponent. He emphasized that the team will try to exert pressure and control the rhythm of the game in the opponent's half of the field, but if it is unable to achieve this goal, the team will also flexibly adjust its tactical strategy to ensure that there are no loopholes on the defensive end. In particular, he pointed out that in the match against Colombia, the team will try to avoid leaving space for the opponent to attack and seek to create more opportunities on the offensive end.
Finally, Bielsa also spoke about Chile's support for Uruguay. He expressed his gratitude for Chile's stance and emotional support, and promised to lead the team to victory and bring the fans a great game. At the same time, he reminded the media and the fans not to make too much of the "early final" atmosphere, as the real final will be played on Sunday. He said that the team will treat every game as a final and do their best to get the best result.
