Gustavo Costas after the exit: "We didn't make it, I let my people down" | OneFootball

Racing drew 0-0 with Flamengo and was eliminated from the 2025 Copa Libertadores in the semifinals, a tough blow that Gustavo Costas addressed in the subsequent press conference, taking responsibility and showering praise on his players and the fans for the entire tournament process.

«I don't really feel like talking after the match. The guys gave it their all, as I've always said: I'd go to war with them, and honestly, I thank them for what they did and what they gave. I also thank the fans for the great support they gave us. To the guys and the fans who came, we were just a step away, very close but...», he stated, fighting back tears.

Regarding how to overcome the disappointment, the coach tried to focus on the immediate future to move past this bitter moment as soon as possible. «We need to go home and get through this; it hurts us a lot because we were very hopeful, just like all the fans. The support from the fans was extraordinary, the guys were doing great, it seemed like we were going to achieve it, but we couldn't. But how do you do it? You have to leave here and start a new chapter tomorrow», he explained.

The coach of the Academy also chose to speak from his own passion for the club and lavished praise on his players, who came close to bringing the club back to the final of the tournament for the first time since the 1967 edition: «I thank my players for representing us, as a fan I say this. They haven't played many tournaments—or not like most—and we managed to win two international cups. I thank them for life, because they always gave everything. They played through injuries, Maravilla with a nearly fractured knee, with fever, they were guys who gave everything on the field».

«Maybe we played well or poorly, but I think they represented the fans in the best way against a great team, and that last-minute goal is something you regret. In the second leg, we thought we could achieve it, especially when Plata was sent off, we thought we had it there, but this is football and we couldn't score. I'm sorry, but I didn't want to speak, otherwise, I'd have to pay a fine, but I want to thank my players and the fans because it was a beautiful week since we came back (from Brazil), it's been many years since Racing was as united as it was, and we have to keep it that way», the coach concluded before refusing to answer one last question and leaving the press room to applause.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.