ASUNCION, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- Lanus manager Mauricio Pellegrino said Friday his team is ready and motivated ahead of its Copa Sudamericana final against Atletico Mineiro.
Pellegrino said his squad has improved as the tournament has progressed, having beaten Universidad de Chile, Fluminense and Central Cordoba in the knockout phase.
"We've gone from less to more," Pellegrino told a news conference on the eve of Saturday's clash at Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asuncion.
"We have a real hunger to grow within the group. You can't question our hunger. We have been pushed to the limit at times this season but the team has always measured up."
While acknowledging the threat Atletico can pose, Pellegrino promised his team would not forgo its trademark attacking style in the final.
"We need to win playing the Lanus way," he said. "Our focus will be on doing what brought us here and bringing out the best version possible."
Argentina's Lanus is seeking its second Sudamericana title and first since 2013 while Brazil's Atletico is aiming to triumph for the first time.
The winner of the final will earn a direct place in next year's Copa Libertadores, South America's premier club competition.
Pellegrino said the team that makes the fewest mistakes will likely be crowned champions.
"In finals it's the small details that make the difference," he said. "Both teams have clear ideas about how they want to play and whoever imposes themselves on the pitch will likely win." ■
