Ricardo Lagos ahead of debut in the Copa: "We have that desire to change the history at an international level."

For this season, Alianza Lima has the mission of going for the three-time championship of the Liga 1 and, of course, performing well in the Copa Libertadores. Precisely, this Tuesday they will make their debut in the international tournament: at 5 pm they will collide against Athletico Paranaense, an opponent that arrives undefeated in 16 games. Undoubtedly, a difficult mission awaits the team led by Guillermo Salas - in group G, Atlético Mineiro and Libertad are also present -, but they have faith in themselves. Here are the words of Ricardo Lagos.

In a press conference, the Alianza player confessed that the squad has been working since the end of last year to face the rigorous work rhythm they will have, with the start of the international tournament. Furthermore, he stressed that they will not let their guard down and will seek to make their best performance in this edition of the South American championship.

"We know that at the international level the pace of play is different from here, being aware, and we have been preparing since December to face both cups. I think each player is prepared to compete on equal terms,", said Lagos. However, he did not rule out that the whole team is also ready to attack at the right moment.

In that sense, he stated that "we have many virtues and we have players of great skill. Everything is in our mindset, in trusting, and next Tuesday we will go out with the utmost responsibility". Finally, he mentioned how the club has been doing in the local tournament: "We also know that we are a big team, the two-time champion, and that we have the desire to change history at the international level."

How is Paranaense doing?

Before heading to Lima, Athletico Paranaense coach, Paulo Turra, addressed the press and gave details of how the team is doing, facing the start of the Copa Libertadores. However, he highlighted the performance that his players have had in the state championship, which has served to arrive with competition rhythm to the international tournament.

In that sense, he praised their performance against FC Cascavel, prior to the debut: "I think we are preparing the team in the best possible way. It is the championship that we have at our disposal. It is much better to play matches, for example, like this one, against teams that mark individually and with difficult turf to work on, within our characteristics."

Perhaps being one of the candidates to win the Copa Libertadores, Athletico Paranaense will face Alianza Lima this Tuesday at 5:00 PM. Facing each other at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium, the match is valid for the first round of group G.

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