WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL A

March 5, 2026

Gio Urshela

Hiram Bithorn Stadium

Team Colombia

Workout Day Press Conference

Q. On the subject of that game with Puerto Rico, how important is this game for you? Due to the great competition that this group is facing, you as a veteran of this group, how is the team mentally?

GIO URSHELA: We have a positive mentality. We know it's not going to be an easy game. We're also in Puerto Rico's house. We know that it's going to be one of the most energetic games. It's one of their first.

The team, we're in a good mental state. We have a lot of players that have been in a very good mood, and they're really happy to represent Colombia. So that will help us a lot.

Q. If we could do a simple X-ray of the strengths of this team, of Colombia, so people can see, what are your strengths?

GIO URSHELA: We've got the combination of veterans with young guys, people with a lot of experience, and this is our third Classic already, and there have been many that have already been in the previous Classics. So it's a team with a lot of experience that contributes to the team.

Q. Obviously I'm going to ask you about Panama. It's not the first game you're going to have, and it's not going to be the last. Have you seen anything? What reference do you have about the Panama team?

GIO URSHELA: Yes, we faced Panama several times, and even in the qualifiers. I know a lot of players and coaches, we know their potential. We have to move forward fighting. Every game is important.

The first, second, third, fourth -- all games will be important. They're all very important to us. Panama is a team that's going to -- how can I say? It's going to put up a fight.

Q. How would you describe the mix of experience of Big Leagues with the youth and the prospects in this Colombian team compared to the previous Classic that you've been in?

GIO URSHELA: As I said before, there are a lot of players who have been in the previous Classics, and that will help us, as I said. There's a lot of young guys who will play in their first Classic. So this experience will help us a lot.

We have an idea, these are short tournaments, and these are tournaments where you have to think quick, and you can't let them go ahead too much against them. That's going to be the most important thing.

Q. From what you've seen with Panama that's bringing a little bit more of a mix of youth and experience, what do you think is Colombia's key with trying to beat that team?

GIO URSHELA: First, we need to score runs. If we score runs, whoever scores more runs is one who wins. You don't have to have too much of an advantage. You don't need the game to have too much of an advantage -- I mean, these are short tournaments where anything can happen, as I said.

Q. Considering the group that you're in, speaking as a coach, what real possibilities do you see with Colombia? You guys have never gone past the first round, but you've played well. How do you think of Colombia's chances, considering the group that you're in is not necessarily the strongest one?

GIO URSHELA: We have a lot of confidence, which is the most important thing. We trust us a lot. I believe that we will be able to make the objective. The team is really excited. They're really happy for this new Classic edition, and we're here to give our all and to try to reach that goal.