Colo Colo’s title celebrations at the Monumental have also become a platform for the club’s plans for next season. President Aníbal Mosa used the party to outline his priorities, with the renewal of coach Fernando Ortiz at the top of the list.
Speaking to TNT Sport amid a crowd of around 38,000 fans, Mosa thanked supporters for staying behind the club during harder moments. He said talks with Ortiz had already begun, including conversations during a recent trip, and that further discussions were scheduled for the coming days. According to Mosa, the process is following the timetable they had agreed on and he expects it to conclude positively.
Mosa also stressed that a lasting project depends on desire and commitment from both sides, and that it cannot be rushed. He pointed to Colo Colo’s standing as the only Chilean club to have won the Copa Libertadores and said the club would keep working towards that level, step by step.
Ortiz wants to stay
For Ortiz, the championship is a landmark. It is his first title as a coach, and it came despite a poor finish to the previous season, which had not stopped the board from confirming him in the job.
The Argentine said he has not yet fully taken in the achievement, blaming the intensity of the fans’ reaction for not giving him time to relax. He also confirmed that he spoke by phone with Mosa and described the talks as heading in the right direction, adding that both want what is best for the club.
Ortiz said sporting ambition is what drives him and that he joined the club out of a hunger for success. He hopes to be remembered in the club’s history as a coach who built a competitive side and performed well.
Asked whether he would like the club to honour him with a tribute at its next match, Ortiz said he would not pressure the club into it. If it happens he will welcome it, and if not, the club will simply enjoy the moment with its supporters.
Source: www.latercera.com
