Marcelo Gallardo made a painting of what was the first leg of the round of 16 in Córdoba, which culminated in the victory of River 1 to 0 with the goal of Paulo Diaz. And, on the sidelines of the game, he rescued the integrity of his team, something that he considered key to the victory. “In a difficult, crowded field, with many people, and playing as a visitor, the team was present, from the spirit,” said the Doll. And he highlighted: “I want to highlight the spirit because that is how a team is forged”.
Precisely, that was one of the strongest and most notable phrases that Gallardo said in his presentation as River coach just ten days ago. And this Wednesday in Córdoba, he argued what he was referring to when he stated: “We came to play as a visitor and we were present. Beyond the fact that we lacked play and quality, the detail in these matches is very important. And I told the players that whoever could take advantage of the detail was going to win the game.”
Precisely, in reference to the match, the River coach analyzed: “First it was a very close match, one of those typical Cup matches, where there were not many passages of good football but there were details. And with one more man maybe we couldn’t dominate the game. We lacked greater precision to find the most favorable moments with the ball, but I think we gave an important test of character. Drink nights are like that. If you’re not there, maybe you’ll pay for it.”
And he added: “Their expulsion made them close very well, we did not find whether to go inside or outside, we did not find the attacks. The match was very close, too close, and sometimes when there is little clarity to better decide the attacks, it becomes complicated.”
About Fabricio Bustos, who debuted with the River shirt, he said: “It is never easy to arrive, put on the River shirt and play a game with the importance like this one, he held it very well, he came with the rhythm of games, he didn’t suffer getting into the team quickly.
Finally, as a reflection, and in reference to his return, Gallardo commented: “The conditions may not be ideal for me, I said when I arrived that I had to get on a train that was already moving. I am not a magician, I am a person of work, of developing a line that the players make their own, that people feel identified with that.”.