Chile coach Eduardo Berizzo doesn’t feel that Inter Milan forward Alexis Sanchez is to blame for the team’s blunt attacking display against Chile.
The Roja coach made clear speaking in a press conference, as reported by FCInterNews, that the team’s attacking issues were collective against Colombia, rather than just a matter of Sanchez.
Sanchez started for Chile against Colombia yesterday night.
This was the 34-year-old’s first competitive match since the end of last season at Marseille.
Sanchez has had some fitness issues since signing for Inter on a free transfer at the end of last month. These were largely the result of the veteran forward not having had a full preseason.
However, the fact that Sanchez not just started, but played every minute of Chile’s match yesterday was certainly a positive sign.
Less positive, however, is the fact that the 34-year-old was not able to get on the scoresheet. In truth, Sanchez did not create much danger in general, despite his reputation and obvious talent.
Chile Coach Defends Alexis Sanchez Despite Misfiring Attacking Performance
Chile’s coach Berrizzo does not feel that the problem was Sanchez.
Whilst the former Arsenal and Barcelona man may not have been able to go out and win the match all on his own, the problems went far deeper than his form, in the view of the coach.
“You have to create the conditions to score, but at an international level that’s not easy,” Berizzo commented.
“You don’t usually get many opportunities, and then with those that you do you have to be clinical.”
“Today, for example, Alexis had the ball at his feet following a cross from Ben Brereton,” he noted.
“Sooner or later the goals will come, but it’s not just about the player’s name. The entire team has to work on the attack.”
“Sanchez is certainly a player capable of scoring goals,” Berizzo said. “But we have to put him in a position to be dangerous.”
“So I’d say that the problem is with the team, and not with the individual.”
