“Our best version is still a long way off,” Olímpico head coach Leo Costa said after his squad secured a victory in the Liga Nacional.
Costa acknowledged the challenge of facing a talented and experienced opponent that features a core group of players familiar with each other’s systems.
Overcoming Preseason Setbacks And Roster Shortages
Olímpico entered the match dealing with significant early-season hurdles, including two key injuries to Corum and Vergara, who occupy the same position. Those absences left the team with a notably short rotation, forcing players to log heavy minutes under demanding tactical conditions. In previous fixtures, the physical toll led to cramps and muscle tears among available personnel, making stamina a primary concern for the technical staff.
Costa pointed out that the team’s preparation was far from ideal due to various unexpected obstacles. While acknowledging that squads typically require five or six games to reach peak operational form, he noted that Olímpico had to navigate its early schedule without a complete preseason tune-up. Despite those limitations, the team demonstrated the character the coach expected, executing a cohesive game plan against a top-tier opponent.
Defensive Improvements And High-Tempo Tactics
Defensive execution remains a primary focus for Costa, who evaluates performance through the lens of pace and opponent possessions rather than raw points allowed. Although post-match statistical breakdowns were still pending at the time of his remarks, the coach observed visible progress in defensive efficiency compared to earlier outings.
The tactical identity Olímpico aims to establish relies heavily on physical conditioning and sustained pressure. The team wants to play a fast-paced, vertical style of basketball during the first eight seconds of the shot clock, combined with aggressive pick-and-roll defense. That system demands that players execute step-out coverage on screens, crash the offensive glass with four players, and initiate defense from a high block. According to Costa, maintaining that aggressive tempo requires a deep roster capable of absorbing high physical wear.
Learning From Early-Season Results
Reflecting on the club’s opening fixtures, Costa drew a sharp distinction between match outcomes and team development. Rather than viewing the initial defeats as purely negative setbacks, the coach framed them as vital learning experiences for a completely overhauled roster. With new players and a new coaching staff still adapting to one another, every contest served as a building block toward the performance delivered against Boca Juniors.
The victory provides Olímpico with momentum and validation for its ongoing developmental process, though the coaching staff remains focused on expanding squad depth to sustain their preferred style of play over a full 40-minute contest.
Worth a look
