Gonzalo Jara was the player chosen to accompany Jorge Sampaoli in the pre-match press conference of the match against Mexico for the second match of Group A of the Copa América. The center-back referred to the team's desire to win the tournament, his role in 'La Roja', and praised his teammates. Check out the statements here:
Nerves in the debut and victory to consolidate qualification: "I don't know if it's nerves. We knew that because it was the debut it was difficult, also because of the home crowd. Ecuador was a team that closed the spaces for us, but we came out on top. Match by match, we will improve. Mexico is difficult, a team with rhythm and we know how they play."
Is Chile more of a contender to win the Copa?: "I believe that as the matches go on, each team will grow. It won't be easy for us, there is a tough group. We will go step by step, and we know what we are capable of."
Comfort of playing with Medel: "I have played many matches where I play with Gary, but I believe that the style of play we have is fundamental. Both he and I, the full-backs and the defensive midfielders we play with, know what needs to be done. As a team, there is coordination, and it is a system that we have known for a long time. I think it's more of a collective effort."
Winning the Copa América: "It has been talked about a lot. Each one of us wants to achieve it, but we must be cautious. When we talk about it, it's because we have the desire and conviction, but it's not easy. This is one of the most difficult tournaments, because each national team is strong, and one cannot deny the desire to achieve something."
Appreciation for being a starter in Chile: "When I come here, I prepare myself differently. The confidence of the coaching staff is important, and training at 100% with the national team. There is a different style of play, different teammates, and that helps me a lot. It goes hand in hand with performance."
Personal projection in the Copa América: "It has been good for me to play because I haven't had continuity in my club team. You get in shape through training. You gain rhythm, and the intensity is very beneficial for us."
Uruguay's complaints about support from the fans: "We cannot control what people say or support. If a comment came out from him (Arévalo Ríos), I won't say anything. I will close the topic and leave it as an anecdote."
Fitness of Valdivia: "He is fit to play. He is a player who has the ability to beat opponents. That is Jorge's talent, setting up the forwards one-on-one. We have to support him as a team. We have seen him doing well."
Alexis Sánchez: "The quality he has is fundamental. He is also important for us. His way of playing can inspire you, and he puts his desire at the disposal of the team."
Check out the schedule of daily matches on AS, all the results of the matches (both in the group stage and the final stage), as well as the latest news, the best photo galleries, and the videos (goals, match summaries, technical details, great plays, analysis by Menotti...) of the 2015 Copa América.