Colombia manager Néstor Lorenzo has spoken to the media ahead of his country’s World Cup qualifier against Peru, and was asked about Daniel Muñoz’s sending off during this summer’s Copa America.
The Crystal Palace defender received a straight red after elbowing Uruguay’s Manuel Ugarte during their semi-final clash.
Canal Rcn have reported comments made by Lorenzo during his pre-match press conference when asked about Muñoz being sent off. The Colombian coach said the Crystal Palace player was aware that he was in the wrong for striking out at Ugarte and he hopes this doesn’t happen again.
However, Lorenzo is aware that with football being as emotional as it is, there’s no guarantees on that front.
“Emotional control is something very personal, we have worked a lot in the lead-up to and during the Copa America on those issues, but it is something unpredictable, they are reactions.
“Just as we like it when Muñoz anticipates, goes up, scores, makes a double recovery, continues and scores a goal, he also has those reactions, he knows he was wrong. We hope it doesn’t happen again, but no one has a guarantee of a reaction at a time like this in a match,” said the Colombian boss.
Journalist Pipe Sierra has also had his say on Munoz’s actions during the semi-final and he believes the 28-year-old cost his country this summer.
“Daniel Muñoz has been very irresponsible, he is one of the best in the National Team, but his irresponsibility has cost us many things,” said Sierra.
Colombia managed to hold on to their 1-0 lead over Uruguay despite Muñoz’s first half dismissal, but it did rule him out of the final against Argentine.
In the absence of the Crystal Palace right back, Colombia managed to take the World champions to extra time, but lost to a late Lautaro Martinez goal.
