Ortiz shuts down talk of Vidal's comments, keeps focus on Superclasico against the U

Fernando Ortiz doesn't like talking about things he can't control, and social media falls squarely into that category. He made that clear at the press conference ahead of Sunday's Superclasico against Universidad de Chile, when reporters pressed him about Arturo Vidal's comments on his streaming channel.

The Colo Colo captain had been blunt a few days earlier: "the title has to be ours, there's no other way," he said, adding that Colo Colo "isn't going to lose two or three games in a row" and will win "most of the games" left to secure the club's 35th title. Big words, the kind that make headlines and, sooner or later, land on the coach's press table.

Ortiz didn't take the bait. He chose to keep his distance with an answer straight out of the cautious coach's playbook.

"I don't consume anything on social media. I don't know if Arturo Vidal said that, he has his own opinion, maybe he has a crystal ball. I don't take my focus from Sunday's game."Fernando Ortiz

And in case there was any doubt the topic was closed, he stuck to the same line when reporters pushed further.

"I don't watch social media. I already said it, when he's standing next to me giving instructions, he can say whatever he wants. I'm not the kind of coach who chases after what people say or don't say."Fernando Ortiz

Uncertainty between the posts

Beyond the back and forth with Vidal, the Argentine coach also had news to share about the goalkeeping situation. Asked about the chances of Vozinha being called up, he explained that the Cape Verdean goalkeeper "is in full competition" with the other keepers on the roster, and added an interesting detail: Fernando de Paul is back training with the squad, adding more competition for the spot. Ortiz clarified that he hasn't confirmed the matchday squad yet, but acknowledged that Vozinha has a strong chance of making the list for the Superclasico.

As for the opponent, the coach avoided piling extra drama onto the match, without downplaying its importance either. "Every game is important," he repeated, making clear his approach doesn't change whether the rival is the U or anyone else.

There was, however, a curious moment about the other side of the rivalry. Ortiz addressed the absence of Lucas Assadi, the Universidad de Chile midfielder who was transferred and won't be available for the Superclasico. "Too bad he's leaving and we won't get to enjoy him, because he's an interesting player. It would have made for a nicer spectacle," he admitted, before closing with a line that sums up his philosophy these days: Colo Colo will keep doing what it's been doing, "regardless of who I put out on the field."