Gerardo Flores in action for Mexico against Senegal at Miami’s Marlins Park.
THE NEWS
TOLUCA, State of Mexico –Toluca’s Gerardo Flores admitted that his team must avoid making any errors against Gremio if they are to have any chance of winning their Copa Libertadores match, Wednesday. The defender said that they will have to significantly improve on their recent performances in the Liga MX in order to achieve a positive result against the side from Porto Alegre, Brazil.
“It is an intense tournament … there is no room for error. We have to prepare well for each match, and Gremio is a great team. We have to make the most of our home advantage and have confidence that we can get the result we need,” said Flores.
30-year old Flores, who has played 10 times for the Mexico national team, added that Gremio is a complicated opponent and that Toluca will have to play very well to win.
“Like with all Brazilian teams, we will have to be very focused because they have very dangerous players. However, if we show strong defensive solidarity and convincing attacking combinations, I think we will have every chance of winning the match,” he said.
Finally, the former Monterrey and Atlas wing-back refused to be drawn on the influence that Paraguayan referee José Santurnino Cardozo might have on the result. The tendency of South American referees is well documented and not something to worry about, said Flores.
“We don’t have to think about (the refereeing). We know how this tournament works. I have played in the Copa Libertadores twice previously, and if the ball is allowed to run a little bit more than in Mexican soccer, so be it. It is the same for both teams. We have to play with a mentality of winning and we mustn’t get distracted by this,” he said.
The match will take place at Toluca’s Nemesio Diez stadium at 8pm, Wednesday. Pumas begin its Copa Libertadores campaign against Ecuadorian side Emelec on Thursday.
