The Universitario de Deportes made history with their debut in a group stage of the Copa Sudamericana. With their 1-0 win Gymnastics La Platathe cream club became the first Peruvian team to win the tournament in Argentina, a feat achieved by the coach Jorg Fossati attributed in part to the “well-structured” campus of the student cadre. In a press conference, the experienced technician praised the good qualities of his team, but easily recognized that the main person responsible for the compilation was his predecessor, Carlo Compagnucci.
“I think Universitario’s squad is well structured and I commend it because I’m not the one who did it, it’s Argentina coach Carlos Compagnucci. There’s a mix of experienced youngsters and I think that’s really important “said the Uruguayan.
Fossati, who took the reins of the ‘U’ in early March, arrived when the merengue cast had already made all their commitments, but he knew how to work with the footballers he had. So far, DT is unbeaten in the 1st and South American leagues with five wins and one draw in six games played.
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Fossati: ‘Universitario hadn’t won in Argentina since 1967’
The Uruguayan strategist also referred to the long streak of more than 50 years that his side had drawn without a win on Argentine soil. “The President himself informed me that the Universitario has not won in Argentina since 1967, so obviously that is of enormous importance,” he said.
Finally, he preferred to be cautious after the historic result and remain focused on the opening tournament. “Of course we start with the win (it’s good) but we have to analyze this, draw conclusions and think about our next rival in the Peruvian championship,” he concluded.