In the post-match press conference, Argentine coach Gabriel Milito was cautious despite his team's decisive 3-0 victory over River in the first semifinal of the 2024 Copa Libertadores. Milito emphasized that "today's difference means nothing" and preferred to maintain caution ahead of the return match.
The coach, who is close to competing in his first international tournament final in his career, stressed the importance of not losing focus for the upcoming match against River, acknowledging the complexity of playing at the Monumental stadium and understanding the mentality of the rival coach, Marcelo Gallardo.
Despite the victory, Milito pointed out that his team has room for improvement and expressed that the Copa Libertadores demands a playstyle like the one they showed, with intensity and effectiveness in goal attempts. He highlighted having taken "the first step" towards the final and valued the joy of the supporters, but emphasized the need to maintain concentration.
With this significant victory bringing him closer to the Copa Libertadores final, Milito made history by becoming the first coach to defeat Gallardo while managing four different teams, including Argentinos Juniors, Estudiantes, Independiente, and now Brazil's Atlético Mineiro.
