Garnero admits gap to Colo Colo is "almost impossible" but leaves door open for Universidad Catolica

Fourteen points. That's the gap separating Universidad Catolica from league leader Colo Colo in the Liga de Primera. By any mathematical measure, it looks like a nearly insurmountable margin, but in Daniel Garnero's words there's still a sliver of hope left before his side hosts Palestino this Saturday in a direct battle for the coveted "Chile 2" spot.

The Argentine coach doesn't dance around the question when asked about the standings. He knows Colo Colo's lead is massive and that much of what's left for his team no longer depends on itself. But he's not ready to shut the door completely either, and he summed up the moment with a line that captures the Cruzados' situation well.

"Since it doesn't depend on you, obviously as long as the numbers allow it, this is soccer and nothing is impossible, anything can happen. Is it a long shot? It's a long shot. Is it almost impossible? It's almost impossible. But at some point it would have happened"Daniel Garnero

Beyond the math, the coach prefers to lower the anxiety and focus on what's right in front of him. He doesn't talk about chasing Colo Colo as a weekly mandate, but about regaining solidity match by match. "I want to win the next game. And after that, obviously, we're in a situation where you depend on what happens elsewhere. But our goal is to gain more security, more confidence, to get the squad back to its best level, and then whatever happens, happens," he explained.

A tough trip to Chile 2

The next test won't be easy. Palestino is in good form and will host the match, something Garnero isn't downplaying at all. "We're going to play in a tough place, the opponent plays well and is on a good run. We're going to need a really strong performance to bring back all three points," warned the coach, aware that a slip-up would leave the Cruzados even further behind in the fight to break into the top spots.

The growing list of physical setbacks isn't helping either. The recent injury to Eugenio Mena, who underwent meniscus surgery, added to a string of absences that's been hitting the squad hard. Garnero called it outright a "sporting misfortune," in the middle of a relentless schedule and a medical staff stretched thin.

In that context, Gary Medel's name comes up with caution. The defender has been gradually working his way back into training after overcoming physical and personal issues, and the coaching staff doesn't want to rush his return. "Hopefully it's as soon as possible, but what we're going to do is make sure he's at a perfect ten. We don't want Gary, by wanting to be back sooner, to rush things. Once he's at a perfect ten, that's when we'll put him back on the field," Garnero concluded, making clear that the priority is protecting the veteran midfielder rather than forcing his comeback.