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Sebastián Coates, captain of Nacional, spoke at a press conference this Wednesday, four days before the final of the Uruguayan Super Cup against Peñarol, and said he was “very excited” for that match. “Playing in a final, and having it be classic, is nice for every player. We are going to prepare it in the same way as always, working and trying to minimize all the details that define the matches, so that they are for us,” he expressed.
Asked about the supposed favoritism that the tricolors have, he was clear: “I think we are not favorites. In these games there are no favorites. We would make a mistake if we go with that mentality. That always has to be shown on the field, not outside.”
“What I expect from the classic is very similar to what it has always been: very disputed, perhaps with a lot of strong legs because it is the first game of the year. Both teams are going to try to win and we hope it is a nice spectacle and that people enjoy it. Let them go with the mentality of enjoying the game and that there is no violence,” he said about the duel with Peñarol.
“What happened is already there. We enjoyed it a lot and we continue to enjoy it, but now another tournament starts. In this case we have another Super Cup and we have to deal with it by working and being professional, trying to make it go our way,” he commented, and avoided giving opinions on Peñarol’s game.
His captaincy and the decision to continue playing
In relation to his way of leading, which was questioned at some point in the 2025 season due to poor results, he was convinced: “My way of being did not change if Ebere’s shot went in or not. I was always the same way and I made mistakes every day. In this case we were three captains: Mauricio [Pereyra]Luis [Mejía] and I, who had all the support of my colleagues.”
“When decisions were made, the entire team was consulted. Many people gave their opinion on the forms of leadership and I share some opinions, and others I don’t. My intention will always be to defend the group behind closed doors, without airing things about the club,” explained Coates, who after the final of the Uruguayan AUF League 2025 flirted with the possibility of retirement.
Asked about the reasons that led him to continue playing, he said that he is “enjoying everyday life, going to Los Céspedes and being with his teammates.” “Maybe the day I don’t enjoy it so much, it will be a reason to quit football. After the final, perhaps the first few days with the euphoria I thought about quitting, but I felt like I was missing something and decided to continue,” he argued.
Maxi Olivera’s sayings about Maxi Silvera
In reference to Maximiliano Olivera, captain of Peñarol, and the comments about Maximiliano Silvera for his arrival at Nacional, he did not avoid responding. “I’m not going to be hypocritical: obviously I heard him and I know what he said. I have my opinion about that, and it wasn’t just Maxi; several who are part of the football world spoke about this situation,” he said.
“Sometimes you have to be careful with what is said and what is generated outside. We are all colleagues and workers. Each one makes their decision and each one is free to say what they want, but it seems to me that, in a certain way, we have to take care of the statements because of the violence that can be generated based on what is said,” he expressed.
About Silvera, he spoke with him “because now he is another of everyone’s companions.” “At all times I made myself available in case he needs anything, and I think he is very clear about it. He has been very clear in the conference he gave in his presentation and the times he had to speak. It seems to me that we have to focus on another issue, which is on the field and playing. He is training in the best way and it is going to help us a lot,” he concluded.
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