Gago explains his decisions at the start of the match

April 19, 2026 - 12:08

Fernando Gago, head coach of Universidad de Chile, addressed the media in the wake of a tense goalless draw against Everton. The result leaves his team's position in the tournament on precarious ground, amplifying scrutiny on his tactical choices.

The post-match press conference focused heavily on Gago's initial team selection, particularly the inclusion of certain players from the opening whistle. The manager provided a detailed explanation for his decisions, emphasizing a strategic approach tailored to the specific challenges posed by the opponent.

He outlined that the chosen starting eleven was intended to establish immediate control of the match's tempo and to execute a specific defensive structure. Gago acknowledged the high stakes of the encounter, stating that every selection was made with the overarching goal of securing a positive result to aid their qualification campaign.

Despite creating several opportunities, Universidad de Chile was unable to find a breakthrough, leaving them with a single point from the fixture. Gago expressed disappointment with the scoreline but stood by his pre-game planning, asserting that the foundation laid by his starters was crucial, even if the ultimate objective of a win was not achieved. The team now faces increased pressure in their remaining matches to keep their tournament hopes alive.