With only seven rounds left to play, an exciting end to the Apertura 2011 season is in store for fans of the Mexican Primera. Currently, just six points separate first from fifteenth in the standings, and a new league format has added a sense of welcome simplicity.
If one theme could sum up the Apertura season so far, it would be unpredictability.
Jaguares finished bottom of the general table last season and lost their first two of the Apertura. Things quickly shifted though, as they are currently sitting in first place after ten games, with a goal difference of +3.
One week Puebla wins 4-1 at Chivas, one of the favorites for the title, and the next week lose at home against Santos.
America fans have suffered from what is generally considered to be a disastrous start to the season by their team. Yet despite their much-documented struggles, America is just four points out of a playoff spot with seven games to play.
Every team, including lowly Atlas, averages over a goal per game. In comparison, there are seven teams that have scored less than a goal per game after six games of the English Premier League.
A welcome addition this season has been the new format for playoff qualification, whereby the top eight go through, simple as that. No more Group A, Group B and Group C, plus working out the best third-placed finishers as in previous years. Your team has to be in the overall top eight or it does not advance to the post-season.
Only Atlas and Tijuana appear to have little to zero chance of making the playoffs, but they have their own relegation battle to fight along with Estudiantes Tecos.
In summary, every single team still has lots to play for, which is great news for the league and even better news for the fans.
Thursday 29 September 2011
Keep It Simple, Stupid: Hire The Right Coach And Give Him Enough Time
After nine rounds of games in the Mexican Primera's Apertura tournament, one third of teams have a different manager than the one who started the season.
Six managers have been fired or forced out since the opening day of July 22nd, but the statistic says more about the way clubs are run than the quality of coaching in Mexico.
The constant hiring and firing of coaches reveals an inherent failure in the selection process as well as a lack of structure, authority, and patience within clubs.
Club América, one of Mexico's "big two," freely throws money around to buy players, as the ten million dollars for Christian Benítez this summer showed. At the same time, though, the club fails to keep faith with the coaches who sign the talent, leading to confusion amongst the playing staff. The latest victim on the América bench was Carlos Reinoso, who was out as manager following last week's loss to Jaguares.
Said Argentine striker Matías Vuoso recently: "It could be that we (the team) are not understanding each other well. We are a team that doesn't know how to play (with each other). I'm not blaming anyone because it is our fault."
Since Vuoso signed with América just over one year ago in July 2010 he has played under three different coaches, hardly an ideal situation.
The players at América brought in by different coaches have failed to gel. In short, there has been no guiding vision of where the club is going playing-wise. These problems are brought on by haphazard spending by a mish-mash of recent coaches, who all brought their own individual ideas to the table.
A manager needs time to get established and build a team. Clubs also have to improve the management selection process and get someone who fits the club's vision.
José Luis "Chelis" Sánchez seemed the perfect fit for Estudiantes Tecos when he joined in November 2010. Previously successful with Puebla, another one of Mexico's lesser known teams, Chelis took over a team at Tecos looking over its shoulder at the relegation table.
At the end of his first tournament in charge, Tecos finished third from bottom of the general table. Team ownership liked enough of what they saw, though, to remain confident in Chelis. He stayed on as manager and was charged with overseeing the influx of eleven new players over the summer, in a bid to move away from the relegation zone.
Four games into this season, he was sacked.
Again, if directors have the confidence to hire a manager and let him spend their money, they must give him sufficient time to mold the team.
A few statistics:
-Liverpool (5 European Cups, 18 English titles) has had 20 managers in 126 years. The record number of coaches fired in a five-month season in Mexico is 10 (Apertura 2005)
-Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, known in England for his ruthlessness in firing managers, has only had seven in his eight years at the club.
-So far this season, Santos, Atlas, América, Querétaro, Estudiantes Tecos, and Club Tijuana have ousted their managers.
Six managers have been fired or forced out since the opening day of July 22nd, but the statistic says more about the way clubs are run than the quality of coaching in Mexico.
The constant hiring and firing of coaches reveals an inherent failure in the selection process as well as a lack of structure, authority, and patience within clubs.
Club América, one of Mexico's "big two," freely throws money around to buy players, as the ten million dollars for Christian Benítez this summer showed. At the same time, though, the club fails to keep faith with the coaches who sign the talent, leading to confusion amongst the playing staff. The latest victim on the América bench was Carlos Reinoso, who was out as manager following last week's loss to Jaguares.
Said Argentine striker Matías Vuoso recently: "It could be that we (the team) are not understanding each other well. We are a team that doesn't know how to play (with each other). I'm not blaming anyone because it is our fault."
Since Vuoso signed with América just over one year ago in July 2010 he has played under three different coaches, hardly an ideal situation.
The players at América brought in by different coaches have failed to gel. In short, there has been no guiding vision of where the club is going playing-wise. These problems are brought on by haphazard spending by a mish-mash of recent coaches, who all brought their own individual ideas to the table.
A manager needs time to get established and build a team. Clubs also have to improve the management selection process and get someone who fits the club's vision.
José Luis "Chelis" Sánchez seemed the perfect fit for Estudiantes Tecos when he joined in November 2010. Previously successful with Puebla, another one of Mexico's lesser known teams, Chelis took over a team at Tecos looking over its shoulder at the relegation table.
At the end of his first tournament in charge, Tecos finished third from bottom of the general table. Team ownership liked enough of what they saw, though, to remain confident in Chelis. He stayed on as manager and was charged with overseeing the influx of eleven new players over the summer, in a bid to move away from the relegation zone.
Four games into this season, he was sacked.
Again, if directors have the confidence to hire a manager and let him spend their money, they must give him sufficient time to mold the team.
A few statistics:
-Liverpool (5 European Cups, 18 English titles) has had 20 managers in 126 years. The record number of coaches fired in a five-month season in Mexico is 10 (Apertura 2005)
-Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, known in England for his ruthlessness in firing managers, has only had seven in his eight years at the club.
-So far this season, Santos, Atlas, América, Querétaro, Estudiantes Tecos, and Club Tijuana have ousted their managers.
Santos Vs. Morelia: Possible Repercussions Of Shooting In Torreon
Most Mexican football fans have now seen the video footage of players and officials fleeing the field of play Saturday evening at Estadio Corona in Torreon. It was the first time the complicated battle between drug cartels and authorities visibly entered the world of Mexican football. The sound of gunshots halted play between Santos Laguna and Monarcas Morelia in the 40th minute, and sent players and fans fleeing for safety. If there is a positive, the cause of the confrontation had absolutely nothing to with the football match. The incident actually occurred outside of the stadium when narcos in a pick-up truck accidently drove up to an army checkpoint, producing a brief firefight.
The big questions now concern the negative impact of this event. What are some of the potential repercussions for the Mexican game that was riding a wave of success following Chicharito’s success, the Gold Cup, the U17s World Cup win and the U20s finishing third place in their recent World Cup?
1) Less people will go to games
One of the best things about going to a Mexican football stadium is the diversity of the fans. Whole families head to the games with kids in tow. Women make up a large percentage of attendees. Teenagers can afford to go with their friends - something that certainly has been lost in, say, the English Premier League. Opposition fans even sit side by side with no segregation.
The safety of the stadium has now been rocked. Nightclubs in many Mexican cities, especially in the north, are a lot less busy these days due to high profile attacks inside and outside them. A similar thing could happen in football.
2) Players will not come
With its high wages, Mexican football has pulled some of South America’s best talents to its domestic league. Chilean Humberto Suazo and Ecuadorian Christian Benitez are the highest profile current examples. Benitez cited the situation in Torreon as one of the reasons he moved from Santos to America (Mexico City) in June. Two players left Guadalajara clubs for foreign ones because of extortion threats in late 2010. Then there is the sad case of Salvador Cabañas, shot in the head in a Mexico City nightclub in January 2010. There will come a point where these quality players who add so much to the league simply decide it isn’t worth the risk.
3) Players will leave
It is generally agreed that Mexico has an embarrassment of youth talent. European clubs are fighting over various players from the U17 and U20 national squads. The general consensus in Mexico has been that these players should stay and gain experience in the Primera Division before moving to the other side of the pond. The youngsters may push that little bit more forcefully after witnessing the proximity of the shootout on Saturday to a football stadium.
4) Impact on Santos Laguna
"We will not reduce our efforts to bring happiness to families and to contribute to society," said Santos President Alejandro Irarragorri, who has been widely praised for his role in speaking to the crowd inside the stadium after the shooting had died down.
Admirable words but Santos could now face a really hard time. The first tasks are to keep going, rearrange the game against Morelia, and play the next home game against Chivas on September 10 without any further incidents.
In the medium term, it will be difficult to attract players, fans are unlikely to attend the stadium in the same numbers, and one or two players may think about leaving. It is not just the events on Saturday but a series of violent acts in Torreon and the state of Coahuila as cartels battle it out for control of drug routes.
Captain Oswaldo Sanchez, who went to protect his family as bullets were being fired, said he is not scared of the situation. Others might be.
5) People power
Football is part of the fabric of Mexican life. The shooting outside the Estadio Corona was widely denounced on social networking websites. Many were appalled at the scenes of parents carrying their kids over the pitch and people crying. Hopefully there will be a real effort on the part of society in general, and authorities, to keep this kind of incident far outside the world of football.
The big questions now concern the negative impact of this event. What are some of the potential repercussions for the Mexican game that was riding a wave of success following Chicharito’s success, the Gold Cup, the U17s World Cup win and the U20s finishing third place in their recent World Cup?
1) Less people will go to games
One of the best things about going to a Mexican football stadium is the diversity of the fans. Whole families head to the games with kids in tow. Women make up a large percentage of attendees. Teenagers can afford to go with their friends - something that certainly has been lost in, say, the English Premier League. Opposition fans even sit side by side with no segregation.
The safety of the stadium has now been rocked. Nightclubs in many Mexican cities, especially in the north, are a lot less busy these days due to high profile attacks inside and outside them. A similar thing could happen in football.
2) Players will not come
With its high wages, Mexican football has pulled some of South America’s best talents to its domestic league. Chilean Humberto Suazo and Ecuadorian Christian Benitez are the highest profile current examples. Benitez cited the situation in Torreon as one of the reasons he moved from Santos to America (Mexico City) in June. Two players left Guadalajara clubs for foreign ones because of extortion threats in late 2010. Then there is the sad case of Salvador Cabañas, shot in the head in a Mexico City nightclub in January 2010. There will come a point where these quality players who add so much to the league simply decide it isn’t worth the risk.
3) Players will leave
It is generally agreed that Mexico has an embarrassment of youth talent. European clubs are fighting over various players from the U17 and U20 national squads. The general consensus in Mexico has been that these players should stay and gain experience in the Primera Division before moving to the other side of the pond. The youngsters may push that little bit more forcefully after witnessing the proximity of the shootout on Saturday to a football stadium.
4) Impact on Santos Laguna
"We will not reduce our efforts to bring happiness to families and to contribute to society," said Santos President Alejandro Irarragorri, who has been widely praised for his role in speaking to the crowd inside the stadium after the shooting had died down.
Admirable words but Santos could now face a really hard time. The first tasks are to keep going, rearrange the game against Morelia, and play the next home game against Chivas on September 10 without any further incidents.
In the medium term, it will be difficult to attract players, fans are unlikely to attend the stadium in the same numbers, and one or two players may think about leaving. It is not just the events on Saturday but a series of violent acts in Torreon and the state of Coahuila as cartels battle it out for control of drug routes.
Captain Oswaldo Sanchez, who went to protect his family as bullets were being fired, said he is not scared of the situation. Others might be.
5) People power
Football is part of the fabric of Mexican life. The shooting outside the Estadio Corona was widely denounced on social networking websites. Many were appalled at the scenes of parents carrying their kids over the pitch and people crying. Hopefully there will be a real effort on the part of society in general, and authorities, to keep this kind of incident far outside the world of football.
Chivas Vs. Pumas: Battle of Youth and Class
Two of Mexico's "grandes," Chivas and Pumas, face off on Saturday night in what can legitimately be described as one of the most exciting games for the neutral Mexican football fan for some time. One big reason for the excitement is the amount of young Mexican talent displayed on both the Chivas and Pumas rosters.
Champions in the Clausura 2011, Pumas are riding on the crest of a wave following last season's glory, which delicately blended youth and experience. In the offseason, the institution had the confidence in the youth to shed experienced heads like Leandro Augusto, Jehu Chiapas, Israel Castro, and Dante López. A year ago, Pumas also lost some of their best, established young players in Efraín Juárez and Pablo Barrera, while six-months ago long-time goalkeeper Segio Bernal hung up his gloves. In their places have come youth products who have patiently waited for their chances: Alejandro Palacios, Javier Cortés, David Cabrera, Luis Fuentes, Eduardo Herrera, and Aaron Sandoval.
The general consensus is that the 1993 Copa América was the golden age of the Pumas youth system, with legends like Jorge Campos, Hugo Sánchez, and Claudio Súarez all starting in the final against Argentina. The word seems to be that the Pumas cantera (literally meaning "quarry") is back to producing real gems.
Guadalajara Chivas has long produced quality talent, partly because they have to. Only Mexicans play for Chivas, and it is well-known in Mexico that other clubs tend to inflate the price for players when Chivas are sniffing around.
Five of the starters from the Under-20 team's match against England on Thursday belong to Chivas, including the much-hyped Erick "Cubo" Torres. Amongst the Under-17 World Cup winners was Carlos Fierro, as well as two other Chivas players. Aside from Omar Arellano (who started his career with Chivas but moved to Pachuca with his father), all the Chivas players likely to start against Pumas will have come from the club´s youth system.
The ultimate recent success of Chivas players succeeding in Europe is Javier "Chicharito" Hernández. He's not the only one, though. Carlos Salcido, "Maza" Rodriguez, and Carlos Vela are all currently plying their trade across the Atlantic.
Even before Jorge Vergara took over the club in 2002, Chivas reformed their youth system. Vergara has strengthened the system and is adamant that new "signings" come in the form of promoting youth players into the first team squad, rather than bringing in outsiders.
There is also the real possibility that a number of the players involved on Saturday will be playing in Europe in the near future. Neither Chivas nor Pumas are against selling players to European clubs once players have established themselves in the first team.
But this is not just a game to spot up-and-coming talent. Both Pumas and Chivas are considered challengers for the Apertura 2011 title, along with Mexico´s other two "grandes," América and Cruz Azul, and Monterrey.
The difference in philosophy between Mexico´s four grandes is vast and enhances the Mexican league. On one side, América and Cruz Azul tend to spend big and buy players already established elsewhere. América splashed out on a deal worth almost 10 million dollars to bring Christian Benítez from Santos, and Cruz Azul rarely field homegrown talent.
On the other hand, Pumas and Chivas are gambling on their youth structures to provide them with the next big star, some of whom will be on display Saturday night.
Champions in the Clausura 2011, Pumas are riding on the crest of a wave following last season's glory, which delicately blended youth and experience. In the offseason, the institution had the confidence in the youth to shed experienced heads like Leandro Augusto, Jehu Chiapas, Israel Castro, and Dante López. A year ago, Pumas also lost some of their best, established young players in Efraín Juárez and Pablo Barrera, while six-months ago long-time goalkeeper Segio Bernal hung up his gloves. In their places have come youth products who have patiently waited for their chances: Alejandro Palacios, Javier Cortés, David Cabrera, Luis Fuentes, Eduardo Herrera, and Aaron Sandoval.
The general consensus is that the 1993 Copa América was the golden age of the Pumas youth system, with legends like Jorge Campos, Hugo Sánchez, and Claudio Súarez all starting in the final against Argentina. The word seems to be that the Pumas cantera (literally meaning "quarry") is back to producing real gems.
Guadalajara Chivas has long produced quality talent, partly because they have to. Only Mexicans play for Chivas, and it is well-known in Mexico that other clubs tend to inflate the price for players when Chivas are sniffing around.
Five of the starters from the Under-20 team's match against England on Thursday belong to Chivas, including the much-hyped Erick "Cubo" Torres. Amongst the Under-17 World Cup winners was Carlos Fierro, as well as two other Chivas players. Aside from Omar Arellano (who started his career with Chivas but moved to Pachuca with his father), all the Chivas players likely to start against Pumas will have come from the club´s youth system.
The ultimate recent success of Chivas players succeeding in Europe is Javier "Chicharito" Hernández. He's not the only one, though. Carlos Salcido, "Maza" Rodriguez, and Carlos Vela are all currently plying their trade across the Atlantic.
Even before Jorge Vergara took over the club in 2002, Chivas reformed their youth system. Vergara has strengthened the system and is adamant that new "signings" come in the form of promoting youth players into the first team squad, rather than bringing in outsiders.
There is also the real possibility that a number of the players involved on Saturday will be playing in Europe in the near future. Neither Chivas nor Pumas are against selling players to European clubs once players have established themselves in the first team.
But this is not just a game to spot up-and-coming talent. Both Pumas and Chivas are considered challengers for the Apertura 2011 title, along with Mexico´s other two "grandes," América and Cruz Azul, and Monterrey.
The difference in philosophy between Mexico´s four grandes is vast and enhances the Mexican league. On one side, América and Cruz Azul tend to spend big and buy players already established elsewhere. América splashed out on a deal worth almost 10 million dollars to bring Christian Benítez from Santos, and Cruz Azul rarely field homegrown talent.
On the other hand, Pumas and Chivas are gambling on their youth structures to provide them with the next big star, some of whom will be on display Saturday night.
Mexican Primera Division, Apertura 2011: Preview And Predictions
After Mexican national teams took the spotlight by winning the Copa America and the Under-17s World Cup, it is back to domestic action as the Apertura 2011 gets underway this evening.
It promises to be an intriguing season. What effect will 10 million-dollar man Christian Benítez have on a Club América side desperate for a trophy? What will be the role of the plucky U-17 World Champions who stole headlines all summer? How will unknown quantities Puebla, Tijuana and Estudiantes Tecos fair? Can Adolfo “Bofo” Bautista find the back of the net? Then there is Guadalajara Chivas, floating precariously between genius and disaster.
One thing is for certain: it promises to be a rollercoaster ride and should be much easier to follow for the neutral now that the top eight teams in the general table automatically qualify for the playoffs.
Here are some brief predictions. All opinions are my own. Please throw in your two-pesos worth in the comments section.
Tigres
A strong line-up from last season´s top finishers in the general table. Potential champions.
Monterrey
The CONCACAF Champions League winners are the best team in Mexico and can now rely on César Delgado too. Favourites.
Pachuca
Wise-signings such as Elias Hernández should see Pachuca in the playoff mix.
Santos
The loss of Christian Benítez would hurt any side and although Santos are no mugs without him, they can expect to be in the mid-table dogfight.
Cruz Azul
Mexico´s nearly team should, once again, be right in the mix this season. Whether the club can lift some silverware is another matter altogether.
Toluca
At the start of a rebuilding process. Can´t see anything special from Mexico´s Red Devils.
Chivas
With a disrupted preseason due to players being all over the world with various national teams, the start is vital for Chivas. Start the season without main striker Erick “Cubo” Torres, who is at the U-20s World Cup. Mid-table.
Atlante
Will be difficult for the Cancun-based team. “El Hobbit” Bermúdez stayed at the club although it´s difficult to see them doing much this Apertura 2011.
América
Personally can´t wait to see what América do. Coach Reinoso is known for his attacking mentality and with Christian Benítez now at the club, they promise exciting football. Just don´t mention that leaky defence … Playoff prospects.
Morelia
Hard to see the team reach the final like in the Clausura 2011, especially with the loss of the dangerous Elias Hernández. Still should be in the playoff hunt with Tomás Boy steering the ship.
Puebla
The dark horse following 18 new signings. Luis García and DaMarcus Beasley could set the league alight. If Sergio Bueno can get the team playing, the playoffs beckon.
Atlas
Rúben Omar Romano is a top manager but as long as Atlas sell their best youngsters (Edgar Pacheco, Darvín Chávez) and buy in sub-standard foreigners, they won´t do anything in a strong Primera División.
Estudiantes Tecos
Shrewd signings from coach Chelís in the offseason. A team looking to move away from relegation with a vastly experienced squad following a poor showing in the Clausura. Mid-table.
Pumas
Reigning champions Pumas have lost experienced duo Leandro and Israel Castro. Playoffs. Another final is unlikely.
Jaguares
New strikers brought in but unlikely to make a serious impact.
Querétaro
Favourites for the drop. Bottom place.
San Luis
Strong preseason and, while not having the attacking flair of other teams, will be difficult to beat. Another team that could surprise.
Tijuana
An unknown quantity. Leandro Augusto, Colombian striker Dayro Moreno and Jose Sand are proven performers. Mid-table.
It promises to be an intriguing season. What effect will 10 million-dollar man Christian Benítez have on a Club América side desperate for a trophy? What will be the role of the plucky U-17 World Champions who stole headlines all summer? How will unknown quantities Puebla, Tijuana and Estudiantes Tecos fair? Can Adolfo “Bofo” Bautista find the back of the net? Then there is Guadalajara Chivas, floating precariously between genius and disaster.
One thing is for certain: it promises to be a rollercoaster ride and should be much easier to follow for the neutral now that the top eight teams in the general table automatically qualify for the playoffs.
Here are some brief predictions. All opinions are my own. Please throw in your two-pesos worth in the comments section.
Tigres
A strong line-up from last season´s top finishers in the general table. Potential champions.
Monterrey
The CONCACAF Champions League winners are the best team in Mexico and can now rely on César Delgado too. Favourites.
Pachuca
Wise-signings such as Elias Hernández should see Pachuca in the playoff mix.
Santos
The loss of Christian Benítez would hurt any side and although Santos are no mugs without him, they can expect to be in the mid-table dogfight.
Cruz Azul
Mexico´s nearly team should, once again, be right in the mix this season. Whether the club can lift some silverware is another matter altogether.
Toluca
At the start of a rebuilding process. Can´t see anything special from Mexico´s Red Devils.
Chivas
With a disrupted preseason due to players being all over the world with various national teams, the start is vital for Chivas. Start the season without main striker Erick “Cubo” Torres, who is at the U-20s World Cup. Mid-table.
Atlante
Will be difficult for the Cancun-based team. “El Hobbit” Bermúdez stayed at the club although it´s difficult to see them doing much this Apertura 2011.
América
Personally can´t wait to see what América do. Coach Reinoso is known for his attacking mentality and with Christian Benítez now at the club, they promise exciting football. Just don´t mention that leaky defence … Playoff prospects.
Morelia
Hard to see the team reach the final like in the Clausura 2011, especially with the loss of the dangerous Elias Hernández. Still should be in the playoff hunt with Tomás Boy steering the ship.
Puebla
The dark horse following 18 new signings. Luis García and DaMarcus Beasley could set the league alight. If Sergio Bueno can get the team playing, the playoffs beckon.
Atlas
Rúben Omar Romano is a top manager but as long as Atlas sell their best youngsters (Edgar Pacheco, Darvín Chávez) and buy in sub-standard foreigners, they won´t do anything in a strong Primera División.
Estudiantes Tecos
Shrewd signings from coach Chelís in the offseason. A team looking to move away from relegation with a vastly experienced squad following a poor showing in the Clausura. Mid-table.
Pumas
Reigning champions Pumas have lost experienced duo Leandro and Israel Castro. Playoffs. Another final is unlikely.
Jaguares
New strikers brought in but unlikely to make a serious impact.
Querétaro
Favourites for the drop. Bottom place.
San Luis
Strong preseason and, while not having the attacking flair of other teams, will be difficult to beat. Another team that could surprise.
Tijuana
An unknown quantity. Leandro Augusto, Colombian striker Dayro Moreno and Jose Sand are proven performers. Mid-table.
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