Olimpia coach Vitamina Sánchez has spoken about the mood inside the squad ahead of a recent win, saying the players were hurting after personal financial worries and that the team needed a lift in a difficult moment for Paraguay.
A squad hit by uncertainty
The Argentine tactician said the atmosphere in training had been far from ideal, with widespread concern about savings and economic stability. He explained that he told his players a single victory could not fully ease the anxiety people are feeling, but that it could offer a small moment of joy to Paraguayans during a hard period.
Sánchez also stressed that footballers, despite earning good money, are not immune to the problems facing ordinary citizens. He pointed out that a player’s career is short and that retirement comes early, so losing money they have built up is especially painful.
Thinking beyond the dressing room
The coach widened his focus to the wider public, referring to people who rely on their debit cards to buy food and get to work. He said the situation was serious for everyone, including the Paraguayan players, who have friends and family affected as well. In his words, the mood had not been good.
Courage despite fatigue
Despite the anxiety and the short turnaround after a derby, Sánchez said he spoke individually with the players most affected to ask whether they were willing to play. According to him, they all wanted to take the field and face the challenge, and he praised their bravery. He added that he was pleased with their performance, which he described as a good match.
Source: www.abc.com.py
