Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo is keeping his feet firmly on the ground despite the mounting expectations surrounding his team ahead of their Copa America opener against Paraguay on Monday. While Colombia boasts a 23-match unbeaten streak and recent impressive victories over the United States (5-1) and Bolivia (3-0), Lorenzo insists that his focus remains on the present, not the future.
“We are taking it one game at a time and not thinking about the unbeaten record. The processes are different, comparisons are disgusting,” Lorenzo stated during a press conference on Sunday. He emphasized his desire to bring joy to the Colombian fans, adding, “I hope we bring joy to the people, we see them excited, that motivates us. It makes us happy to know that we are transmitting something good from the pitch.”
Despite his team’s strong recent form, Lorenzo acknowledges the formidable challenges ahead in Group D, which also includes Brazil and Costa Rica. He maintains a pragmatic approach, recognizing that navigating this group is far from a guarantee of success in the tournament. “There is no guarantee of going further in the competition, the key is to focus on each game,” he concluded.
Lorenzo, who took the helm of the Colombian national team in July 2022, has instilled a winning mentality, evidenced by the team’s recent dominance. However, he remains grounded, understanding the unpredictable nature of international football and the importance of taking each game as it comes.
