Pellegrino upbeat for Sudamericana final: “This team is hungry” | OneFootball

Lanús faces Atlético Mineiro in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana final in Asunción, which is why Mauricio Pellegrino and captain Carlos Izquierdoz held a press conference beforehand, where they highlighted their excitement, the team’s growth, and respect for a high-caliber opponent.

Pellegrino: “We want to play the best match possible”

The coach opened the conference with a message of optimism and football maturity: “We are very excited because we have been progressing in this Cup along with the team’s level. We have overcome all the difficulties we faced and we arrive at this final against one of the best opponents we could have drawn, but we also want to see it as another test to keep growing.”

For the coach, Granate’s journey was key to arriving strong: “The team went from less to more. We started off losing 2-0 in Venezuela and with one player down in a very tough halftime. From there, we managed to tie the game and throughout the competition we only lost one match. Beyond the results, the team improved both in football and mentality. The best thing was seeing that hunger to grow.”

He also analyzed the tactical duel with Mineiro: “We are two teams with clear ideas and I don’t think we’ll change much. In finals, it’s key to start well: small stimuli can change the match. Whoever adapts better to the humidity, the weather, and the moments of the game will have the advantage.”

Izquierdoz, between memories and the present: “The excitement is the same as in 2013”

The captain was asked about the similarities with that historic Sudamericana win eleven years ago. “They are two different moments in my career. Back then I was one of the young players on the squad and now I experience it from a different place, with more experience. That time it was a two-legged final and we finished at home; now it’s different, but the main similarity is the excitement. I see the same desire in this group.”

Izquierdoz also highlighted the team’s collective maturity: “The strength of this team is adapting to every situation. We have faced important opponents and always responded. For many, this will be their first final or the most important match of their careers, so what I tell them is to enjoy it and do what we know how to do.”

Regarding Atlético Mineiro, the defender was clear: “We all know the quality of their players and the caliber of the league they compete in. They have a coach with a very clear idea. It’s going to be a great final and the winner will be the one who can impose themselves on the field.”

The captain also gave special value to the effort of the fans who traveled to support the team: “They’ve been showing their excitement for days. At home it was always a party and away they followed us everywhere. The caravan that came all the way here is moving. I have family from Lanús and they pass that passion on to me. I hope we can crown it tomorrow.”

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