Agustín Arce on Chile's tour: "These games will help us gain experience for the World Cup qualifiers"

The bags are almost packed at Juan Pinto Durán. The Chilean national team is still ironing out the final details before boarding a flight to North America, where three tough tests await: friendlies against Canada, the United States and Mexico, the very hosts of the last World Cup. That alone gives you an idea of the level this tour is going to demand.

In the middle of camp, midfielder Agustín Arce stepped up to the microphones and made clear how the group sees things: these matches aren't just a routine stop before the World Cup qualifiers, they're a chance to test themselves against high tempo national teams.

The games coming up are going to be very intense, they'll help us gain experience for the World Cup qualifiers.Agustín Arce

The Universidad de Chile midfielder went further, laying out how he expects each of these matchups to play out. For him, the key will be how La Roja responds to the physical style that defines these opponents.

That intensity, that style of play they have, they're going to bring it no matter what in these friendlies. We'll need to set up in the best way possible to come away with the wins.Agustín Arce

Córdova's mark

But the interview didn't stay strictly tactical. Arce, 21 years old and born in Lampa, also opened up about his relationship with interim coach Nicolás Córdova, whom he'd already worked with on the under 20 national team that competed in last year's U20 World Cup held in Chile.

The midfielder admitted things weren't easy at first. In fact, he acknowledged his fitness level wasn't where it needed to be when the new coaching staff began the first training microcycles, but that focused work with Córdova helped him take a step forward that he himself notices in his game.

He's helped me a lot in terms of my game. When we started the microcycles, my intensity wasn't very good, but with Córdova I've improved quite a bit and I think it's shown. I'm really happy with the work he's doing.Agustín Arce

With that testimony in mind, it's clear where part of La Roja's preparation for this tour is headed: it's not just about results against World Cup caliber opponents, but about making the most of every training session to be in better shape for the upcoming qualifiers.