After the Copa Sudamericana draw between São Paulo and O'Higgins, Paraguayan goalkeeper Carlos Coronel took a moment to share his thoughts on the current state of Chilean football—and his outlook is surprisingly optimistic.

Coronel, who has faced La Roja while guarding Paraguay's goal, knows firsthand how tough they can be. "It's very difficult to play against Chile because of all the history and tradition they have," he said. Despite recent struggles, the keeper believes brighter days are ahead: "Chile has a beautiful history and will surely soon be back up there with the best. I really like the way they play."

The comments come as Chile works to rebuild its reputation on the international stage, and Coronel's vote of confidence carries weight. He also had kind words for his São Paulo teammate, Chilean forward Gonzalo Tapia. Though Tapia has seen less time in the starting lineup lately, Coronel praised his dedication: "Tapia is a great player; the way he gives of himself is something different. He is always working and ready for when the opportunity comes."

For fans of Chilean football and South American soccer alike, Coronel's remarks are a reminder that talent and tradition run deep—and that La Roja's comeback may be closer than it seems. Whether you're cheering from the stands or sporting your favorite team's gear, there's plenty of reason to stay hopeful.