Chile don't need young players, says coach Sampaoli

Chilean national football team coach Jorge Sampaoli brushed away fears his players are getting old and need to be replaced in the lead up to the 2015 Copa America to be hosted by the country.

"We have a team that doesn't need urgent renewal, working with youth should be done gradually," Sampaoli, whose current squad includes five players over 30, was quoted as saying by Xinhua Thursday.

"This group has what it takes to play in this Copa America and the next one in 2016," said Sampaoli, calling his players "consolidated."

He pledged to be "attentive," should the need arise to retire one of the players and bring in a younger player.

Chile, who are currently preparing to host the regional championship, play a friendly match against Venezuela at home Friday.

Asked about the return of the 31-year-old attacking mid-fielder Jorge Valdivia, who announced July to retire, the coach said, "The contribution Valdivia can make is to provide his talent for the good of the team. He was called up because of his consistent play with his team (Palmeiras). I hope he can contribute to us what he's contributing today to Palmieras."

"Obviously, we haven't found a player with capabilities similar to Jorge's, and if we had, he'd be vying with Jorge for the position," he added.