Universidad Católica forward Justo Giani says the squad is focusing exclusively on their upcoming Copa Libertadores away match against Cruzeiro in Belo Horizonte.
Speaking ahead of the team's departure for Brazil, the Argentine attacker emphasized that looking too far ahead in the tournament would be a mistake.
“Thinking beyond [Wednesday], starting to do math and such, that is the error,” Giani said. “I think we have to think about going to Brazil to do a good job.”
After a recent loss to Boca Juniors, the squad has worked internally to address tactical lapses. Giani noted that the team used that defeat as a learning opportunity to prepare for the high-stakes international fixture.
“With the things that were seen, the errors we saw internally against Boca Juniors, which were worked on, we will go to Brazil to try to do our job,” Giani stated.
Avoiding distractions
Giani also addressed recent external criticisms regarding refereeing decisions and red cards issued to opponents in recent matches.
Rather than engaging with the controversy, the striker prefers to ignore outside noise. “I try not to look much, but if I did, I wouldn't get so angry with the referees and wouldn't argue so much. I spend my time arguing; I have been given yellows just for complaining,” he admitted.
He added that the team maintains a strict focus on their performance regardless of external commentary. “When we win, people will talk, and when we lose, people will talk. This is how it is, and we know that,” Giani said.
On a personal note, Giani reflected on his evolving role within the squad. While acknowledging he lacks the pure goal-scoring profile of teammate Fernando Zampedri, he highlighted his ability to contribute to the buildup play.
“Perhaps my characteristics are not those of a goalscorer, like 'Toro' [Zampedri] is. I prefer to drop back and create the game a bit more, but I have also found a facet of myself that I have always liked: arriving in the area and trying to convert,” he explained.
He credited the team's high-quality midfielders for creating the necessary opportunities for him to find the net. Following the Brazil trip, the club will immediately shift focus back to domestic competition against La Calera.