Olimpia coach “Vitamina” Sánchez has heaped praise on striker Gabriel Ávalos and goalkeeper Gastón Olveira, saying both have been central to the club’s push for a second consecutive title in Paraguay.
Ávalos in red-hot form
Ávalos is enjoying an exceptional run of scoring, and Sánchez said the forward has been a major help to the team. The coach stressed that strikers live off goals, and that Ávalos’s personal form has been good for both the player and the side. He was equally delighted for the forward’s current spell.
Sánchez also looked back at the criticism the team faced earlier in the season, when journalists questioned the club’s strikers. He pointed out that he had spoken positively about Pablo Vegetti, the league’s top scorer, and argued that a quality player supported by a solid team would eventually produce goals. He credited the squad with resilience after a poor start to the campaign and early exits from both the Copa Sudamericana and the Copa Paraguay.
With the team now close to retaining the championship, Sánchez said he was pleased with the mentality of his players, and of Ávalos in particular.
Olveira’s crucial penalty save
Olveira’s save from the spot was one of the key moments of the match, preventing a dangerous moment that could have changed the game. Sánchez said a goal at that stage would have made the remaining minutes very difficult, and admitted that his bench had felt the decision was unfair before the keeper intervened.
The coach said he had not seen the incident clearly himself and spoke mainly about the mood within the team. He said there was a strong belief that Olveira would keep the shot out, and he described the Uruguayan as having had an outstanding year that has been fundamental to the club’s position in the table.
Source: www.abc.com.py
