Zubeldía eyes altitude clash, explains care: “Ball control is vital”

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·27 April 2026

Zubeldía eyes altitude clash, explains care: “Ball control is vital”

Fluminense manager Luis Zubeldía spoke about the difficulties the team may face at the altitude of La Paz in the match against Bolívar in the Copa Libertadores. According to the coach, the context of the match requires tactical and physical adjustments because of the local conditions.

The match will be played at Hernando Siles Stadium, which sits about 3,600 meters above sea level. Zubeldía explained that he has already had similar experiences at lower altitudes and highlighted some precautions needed to face this kind of scenario.

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— Yes, it’s a different context. We’ll try to adapt in the best way possible. There are important factors at altitude. I haven’t had the opportunity to manage teams at 3,600 meters, but I have played against LDU at 2,800. There are a few tips: keep more possession, don’t run more than necessary, shoot from mid-range. These are situations that help you feel it a little less, but you always feel the altitude — he said.

The coach also mentioned the concept of “physiological memory,” which, according to him, can help players who have already had experience in matches played at high altitude.

— I once heard it from a professor who coached Boca, who talked about the physiological memory of players who are used to altitude. Even if they are playing elsewhere, they still have that body memory. An Ecuadorian who plays in Europe, for example, when he returns to Quito for the qualifiers, still has that adaptation. Of course he will feel the altitude, but he already knows better how to deal with it — he explained.

Finally, Zubeldía acknowledged the difficulties of the match, but expressed confidence that Fluminense can still play well despite the adverse conditions.