LOS ANGELES, California – Honduras has plenty to play for in its final Group C match against El Salvador on Tuesday at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, California.
Head Coach Fabian Coito spoke with international media on Monday in a pre-match press conference, sending the clear message that there is always something for which to play.
“It’s hard, costly to get to the national team, beyond what is at stake in a game, to not be motivated enough,” said Coito. “This match stopped being important for our future in Gold Cup but it is important for us in the search of results.”
Honduras had its quarterfinals hopes dashed in a 1-0 defeat to Curacao in their second group match.
Unable to advance to the knockout stage, Coito looks to use the match against El Salvador as a test for the future – including preparation for the upcoming Nations League.
“Disappointed? No. I’m in the first stages, still getting to know. I imagined and wished for good things, more to the idea and thought than knowledge. For now, this has been a difficult stage but good in terms of gaining information for what comes ahead,” added Coito.
For the players, it will be an immediate opportunity to leave with a better taste in their mouth.
A win won’t fix the current situation, but it will be a step towards redemption and gaining confidence moving forward.
“Obviously it was a hard hit for us. We’re conscious that the only way to pick ourselves up from this is by winning. We have a match tomorrow and we will go out to win it in an effort to pick ourselves up,” said forward Alberth Elis.
