Claudio Bravo came to the defense of Gabriel Maureira, Colo Colo's 19-year-old goalkeeper, who conceded five goals in the defeat against Coquimbo Unido. The longtime Chile captain offered him advice in his role as an ESPN commentator.
According to La Tercera, Maureira took over in goal for Colo Colo a couple of months ago following Fernando de Paul's injury. Since then, he has alternated good performances with less impressive ones. ADN Radio reported that the match ended 5-1 in the latest round of the Liga de Primera.
"It's tough when you concede five goals. But if you look at it as a learning experience, every situation in which you concede involves analysis, work and improvement," Bravo said. He then added: "Don't dwell on the feeling that you've conceded five goals and everything becomes an uphill struggle."
The former Barcelona and Betis goalkeeper made his advice more specific on the technical side. "If you take this on board properly and look at it as a chance to learn, to improve, to analyze whether I should have come out or not, whether I should have stayed back or held another position, I think that helps you improve," he explained, according to ADN Radio. "If you dwell on the mistake, I think it will affect you for the rest of your life."
Bravo also came through the ranks at Colo Colo and has known the pressure of playing in goal for the club since he was young. He therefore drew on his own experience: "They're the same people I dealt with who supported me back when I conceded five goals against Temuco."
He was referring to the defeat on May 2, 2003, at Germán Becker Stadium, when Colo Colo, coached by Jaime Pizarro, lost 5-1. Hugo Droguett, Elton Troncoso twice, Juan González and Luis Aravena scored for Temuco. Juan Pablo Úbeda pulled a goal back in the 44th minute.
The support comes amid competition for Colo Colo's goalkeeping spot following the arrival of Cape Verdean Vozinha. Bravo said he trusted the club to support its young goalkeepers: "Knowing the people at Colo Colo, I think there's no doubt in that respect with the two young lads."