Saturday’s match at El Teniente stadium is key for O’Higgins’ future in the National Tournament. A good result against the league leader, Universidad de Chile, will make them believe again, but if the opposite happens, it could bring them closer to the relegation zone.
Before the match, coach Victor Fuentes said that “we believe that we have to add points in every game, and in Saturday’s game it is an obligation. We want those points, we have a responsibility that we will assume and we will go after it.”
As a local team, under his command, the Capo has not lost and that is an important point, he said. “In Rancagua – since he took over with his coaching staff – we have not lost, something that was a constant loss at home some time ago. That gives us extra confidence and in that the support of the people has been important.”
During the week, he added, the team was made aware of the poor performance they had in La Cisterna and that this will allow them to improve for the weekend. “The players are eager to improve the individual and collective level of the game,” he stressed.
He added that in addition to Juan Fuentes, who was sent off in the last match, he will not be able to count on Martín Maturana. The midfielder had recovered from a tear, but this week he suffered an injury to one of his ankles, which will keep him out of the squad. The same goes for Simón Contreras, who is still recovering from discomfort in his spine.
Of course, Fuentes confirmed that the young Diego Carreño will remain in goal, replacing the experienced Nicolás Peranic. Right winger Joaquín Tapia, who has already served a one-match suspension after receiving a red card against Everton in Viña del Mar, will also return to the starting lineup.
#points #responsibility #assume