Mexico Clausura 2011 preview

Two games into the Mexican season and current champions Monterrey are bottom of the overall standings. In first place are Guadalajara's second team Atlas, who dispatched with Morelia 5-0 on the opening day of the season. Atlas finished bottom of the general table last season. Why does everything seem so topsy-turvy? Will the league revert to the normal over the next few games?

Common sense suggests that last year's top-placed team in the general table Cruz Azul, champions Monterrey and beaten finalists Santos are the teams to beat. Following behind them is a pack made up of the much-improved Tigres, America, Toluca, Pachuca, Pumas, San Luis, Jaguares and Chivas. The rest of the teams (Atlas, Atlante, Morelia, Puebla, Tecos, Necaxa, Queretaro) could spring a surprise and are unpredictable due to many having bought big in the off-season.

Here's a brief run down of teams' chances this Clausura 2011 with the benefit of two games being played:

Group 1

MONTERREY

Current Mexican champions have had a poor start after coming back late from the preseason. Nevertheless they've won two of the last three championships. On paper the most complete team in the league, the only doubt being whether they run out of gas as happened the season after being crowned champions in late 2009.

Player to watch: Humberto Suazo: Chilean, striker, knack of being in the right place at the right time. Perhaps the best player in the Mexican league. The only surprise with Suazo is that he hasn't made it in Europe. Monterrey won't mind that though.

Stadium: Tecnologico (34,000)
Nickname: Rayados
Webpage: www.rayados.com
Titles: 4 (and counting)

NECAXA

With a huge amount of arrivals (9) and departures (9), the team from Aguascalientes are a bit of an unknown quantity. A poor start (0 points from 2 games) has left Necaxa with an uphill battle to avoid relegation. Necaxa fans who won't be happy to see that Daniel Brailovsky remains the manager. Last season they wanted him out after his teams won only 10 out of a possible 33 points. Team needs to knit together quickly or else an extremely nervous tournament awaits.


Player to watch: 37-year-old Oscar "Conejo" Perez, goalkeeper, will have to be at his very best if Necaxa want to stay in the Primera Division. Last season he was crucial.

Stadium: Victoria (25,000)
Nickname: Rayos
Webpage: www.necaxafutbol.com
Titles: 3

SANTOS

After losing two consecutive finals Santos are looking for that next step and to finally lift the trophy. Fast, strong and with an attacking mentality Santos have brought in no new players. Expect them to be right up there.

Player to watch: 24-year-old Ecuadorian Christian Benitez, striker, has taken all the plaudits for his performances for Santos. Strong and direct Benitez is another candidate for the league's best player. Another try in Europe surely beckons.

Stadium: Corona (30,000)
Nickname: Guerreros
Webpage: www.clubsantoslaguna.com.mx
Titles: 3

TIGRES (UANL)

The team making the biggest signings in the off-season. Hector Mancilla, Danilo Veron combined with Lucas Lobos and Damian Alvarez looks like an intriguing prospect. Almost 29 years since Tigres last won the title, a strong run into the playoffs is demanded by fans who are sick of watching city neighbour's Monterrey lifting silverware. Four points from their first two games.

Player to watch: 30-year-old Chilean striker Hector Mancilla will be expected to be the goalpoacher Tigres were lacking. Already proven in the Mexican league, Mancilla is charged with firing Tigres into the playoffs.

Stadium: Universitario (43,000)
Nickname: Tigres
Webpage: www.tigres.com.mx
Titles: 2

CD Guadalajara (Chivas)

Despite a poor Apertura 2010, Chivas have not brought any new players. Young players are improving at differing rates but the huge problem remains in attack where, following the departures of Omar Bravo and Javier Hernandez, the team looks lightweight. Very solid in goalkeeping and defensive departments.


Player to watch: 21-year-old forward Marco Fabian has, along with Alfonso "Bofo" Bautista, Omar Arellano and Michel Vazquez, a huge responsibility to get goals this tournament. Has improved steadily since breaking into the first team.

Stadium: Omnilife (45,000)
Nickname: Chivas, Rebaño, Chivas Rayadas
Webpage: www.chivasdecorazon.com.mx
Titles: 11 (leader)

UAG

New boss Jose Luis Sanchez, aka el "Chelis," couldn't bring the reinforcements he wanted but last weekend's 3-2 victory against Monterrey shows they might not need them. Tecos coaches often have problems motivating the players, especially as turnout is usually very low at the 3 de Marzo, but Chelis might just change that. Tecos have one eye on relegation. Over the last three tournaments, Tecos have had the worst defence.

Player to watch: Mauricio Cejas (25, Argentina) is charged with pulling the strings and played every game last season.

Stadium: 3 de Marzo (25,000 - crammed in)
Nicknames: Estudiantes, Tecos
Webpage: www.tecos.com.mx
Titles: 1

GROUP 2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


AMERICA

With over five years without winning a title, America fans know they only need one more to equal Chivas' eleven. America remain largely the same this time around with only two new recruits. Much more is expected of Matias Vuoso and Vicente Sanchez. One potential problem is the Copa Libertadores which usually means lots of travelling to South America. America are hoping to become the first team to win the competition. Coach Manuel Lapuente has been criticised by fans for his defensive approach and the huge Estadio Azteca was never rarely full last season. They have reached the last three playoffs and should again be in the hunt.

Player to watch: Matias Vuoso, 29-year old striker, scored ten goals in the Apertura 2010 but that didn't stop America fans booing him. Sometimes you get the impression that Vuoso is simply trying too hard at America. He remains key to America's chance in both competitions.

Stadium: Azteca (105,000)
Nickname: Aguilas
Website: www.clubamerica.com.mx
Titles: 10

ATLANTE

With Miguel Herrera back at the helm and ten new recruits in, Atlante are hoping to get enough points to avoid relegation. Still gelling together, they are somewhat of an unknown entity although Herrera is known as an attacking manager. Other teams will miss visits to Cancun if they do go down but that looks unlikely, especially after their 3-0 victory over Cruz Azul on Gameweek 2.

Player to watch: 23-year-old midfielder Christian Bermudez has been a regular for a few years at Atlante and now is the focal point of the team. After a tournament hampered by niggling injuries "Hobbit" (he's 1.63 metres tall) will be hoping to stake his claim for a place in the Mexico squad.

Stadium: Andres Quintana Roo (20,000)
Nickname: Los Potros
Webpage: www.atlantefc.com.mx
Titles: 3

SAN LUIS

The worst team in the Bicentenario 2010 tournament, San Luis followed by making the playoffs. Such deviance isn't that uncommon in Mexican football but the way the San Luis directors stuck with young coach Ignacio Ambriz and trusted him last summer in the transfer market is rare. Ambriz continues and San Luis hope to again make the playoffs although he will have a hard job balancing that task with a run in the Copa Libertadores.

Player to watch: 23-year-old Ecuadorian striker Michael Arroyo plays on the left of a three man attack and was San Luis' player of the tournament last time out.

Stadium: Alfonso Lastras (30,000)
Nickname: Gladiadores
Webpage: www.sanluisfutbol.com.mx
Titles: 0

TOLUCA

Without coach Jose Manuel de la Torre and goalscorer Hector Mancilla, Toluca are less optimistic about the Clausura 2011. Colombian Jaime Ayovi has been brought in to get the goals but is unproven in Mexico and with inspirational midfielder Antonio Naelson (Sinha) also aging, a few question marks need to be placed next to the team that has won most short tournaments in Mexico.

Player to watch: 34-year-old attacking midfielder Antonio Naelson (Sinha) may make a comeback in the Mexican team but his responsibility with Toluca has grown in the off-season. New boss Sergio Lugo will be counting on him to bring a bit of flair and fight to a Toluca side that have a number of doubters.

Stadium: Nemesio Diez (25,000)
Nickname: Diablos Rojos (Red Devils)
Webpage: www.deportivotolucafc.com
Titles: 10

ATLAS

A split dressing room and financial problems combined with poor performances in the Apertura 2010 when the team finished bottom of the general table. It's all change this time out though as the directors have brought in a number of interesting signings. Colombian centre back Wilman Conde already looks a shrewd signing while Chilean goalkeeper Miguel Pinto and giant Honduran centre forward Carlo Costly could both prove valuable. Looking over their shoulder at relegation Atlas should've bought enough quality players to see them safe. Top of the league after two games, they could be a surprise package if they can keep the dressing room united. Nice to see the directors stick with Mexican coach Benjamin Galindo and back him in the transfer market.

Player to watch: 20-year-old attacking midfielder Edgar Pacheco can play in a variety of positions. A Guadalajara native with a passion for the club, Pacheco could be key in helping the new foreigners integrating in the team. Obviously has a good relationship with Galindo and is very enthusiastic.

Stadium: Jalisco (60,000)
Nicknames: Zorros (Foxes), Rojinegros
Webpage: www.atlas.com.mx
Titles: 1

PACHUCA

More consistency is required from a team that was until two tournaments the most successful in short tournaments. The oldest club in Mexico only lost to Monterrey because the northern team finished ahead of them in the general table so their quality is clear. The disaster at the World Club Championship can't of done Pachuca's confidence. A tighter defence is required to stop them leaking goals like last term. The loss of Dario Cvitanich as principal goalscorer could cost them at the other end too.

Player to watch: 26-year-old Colombian Yulian Anchico has already started the season well and is Pachuca's most important signing of the off-season.

Stadium: Hidalgo
Nickname: Tuzos
Webpage: www.tuzos.com.mx
Titles: 5

GROUP 3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CRUZ AZUL

The Mexico City team finished top of the general table last season but went out at the first stage of the playoffs. Unfair perhaps, but that's the nature of the game in Mexico. Without a title since 1997 and one of Mexico's "big four," Cruz Azul fans demand a title. The team has lost 3 finals in the last 6 tournaments. It's hard to know what more they can do but they've again spent money on reinforcements, Chileans Hugo Droguett and Waldo Ponce being the highest profile. One of the favourites again but lost 3-0 to Atlante in jornada 2. Only time will tell whether that was just a hiccup but on paper they have perhaps the best team in the league.

Player to watch: Christian "Chaco" Gimenez (29, midfielder, Argentina): Cruz Azul's best player in the last tournament provides the midfield magic that strikers Javier Orozco and Emanuel Villa feed off.

Stadium: Azul
Nickname: La Maquina
Webpage: www.cruz-azul.com.mx
Titles: 8

JAGUARES DE CHIAPAS

The team from the southern state of Chiapas qualified for the liguilla last time out and will be hoping for the same this season. With the Copa Libertadores also on their agenda there could potentially be a problem balancing the two competitions especially with the losses of Danilinho and Carlos Ochoa to Tigres. "Profe" Cruz' likes to line up with three men in the centre of defence with two wingbacks which is now rare in the Modern game. It served Jaguares well in the Apertura 2010 though as they had the second best defence. The most noticeable recruit is Damian Manso from Pachuca. Four points from the first two games bodes well.

Player to watch: 24-year-old Colombian striker Jackson Martinez recovered from injury for the second half of the Apertura 2010 and was the main reason Jaguares made it to the playoffs. A good tournament from Martinez will be crucial to Jaguares' chances.

Stadium: Victor Manuel Reyna (25,000)
Nickname: Jaguares
Webpage: www.soyjaguar.com
Titles: 0

UNAM

Pumas will be relying on youth team products again in the Clausura 2011. Last time out they scraped into the playoffs and then put out top placed team Cruz Azul and went on to the semi-finals. Now without veteran goalkeeper Sergio Bernal, repeating the feat may be difficult. They've made a decent start with four points from their opening two games.

Player to watch: Martin Bravo (24, striker, Argentina), alongside Dante Lopez, has the big responsibility of getting Pumas the goals they lacked last season.

Stadium: Olimpico Universitario (70,000)
Nickname: Pumas
Webpage: www.clubpumasunam.com
Titles: 6

QUERETARO

Avoiding relegation is the name of the game for Queretaro this season. The owners have gambled on Argentine coach Gustavo Matosas who has never coached in Mexico before. A total of eleven players have been brought in to avoid the drop. So far they've managed just one point and crucially lost to fellow strugglers Atlas in jornada 2. Matosas needs to get the new players to gel quickly or hope Necaxa have a really terrible tournament. Interestingly, Queretaro have never made the playoffs.

Player to watch: Carlos Bueno: The vastly experienced Uruguayan striker comes to Mexico after stints with Paris Saint German, Sporting Libon, Boca Juniors, Real Sociedad and la U de Chile. With that pedigree comes responsibility and Queretaro know Bueno has to starting firing immediately.

Stadium: La Corregidora (40,000)
Nickname: Gallos Blancos
Webpage: www.clubqueretaro.om
Titles: 0


MORELIA

Coach Tomas Boy threatened to resign after the team didn't make it to the playoffs last time out and a spot in the postseason is a must. The defence was good overall but this time more goals are required. The team's cause was not strengthened by the 5-0 defeat by last season's worst team, Altas. They managed to draw against Chivas at home but much more is required.

Player to watch: Mauricio Romero (28, Argentina, defence) is the rock of the Michoacan team's defence. His fighting spirit and leadership will be vital, especially if internal difficulties erupt within the squad.

Stadium: Morelos (40,000)
Nickname: Monarcas
Webpage: www.fuerzamonarca.com
Titles: 1

PUEBLA

Battles between the directors mean Puebla have been making as much news off the pitch as they have on it over the last few months. One point from two games doesn't look good either. The team seems to have lost the discipline that they acquired under Chelis. Puebla came top of the cards league last year but a lot of work is needed if they are to get anywhere near the top of the general table. Ten new signings in all.

Player to watch: Nelson "Pipino" Cuevas (30, striker, Paraguay) was sensational when he played in Mexico for Pachuca but awful when he made the move to America. Back in Mexico for a second stint, Puebla are hoping the brilliance returns.

Stadium: Cuauhtemoc (48,000)
Nickname: La Franja, Camoteros
Webpage: www.pueblafutbolclub.com.mx
Titles: 2

Potential changes in Mexican football

Recently, the biggest selling sports daily Record has run a campaign entitled “For a better Mexican game” culminating in a mini-magazine highlighting problems and solutions in the game. For people in Europe a lot of things in the Mexican game are strange and difficult to grasp. I thought it'd be interesting to put together a brief resume of what Record thinks.

Here’s a few of the main problems Record points out:

Youth team setups – Result-driven short, six month tournament means that young players aren’t given enough playing time and are cast by the wayside.

Multi-ownership of teams – Collusion is highly possible. Televisa own America, San Luis and Necaxa; TV Azteca Morelia and Jaguares.

Owners’ council – Club owners make up a council that is vital in managing the game and making key decisions. Most also have other high-powered positions outside of football meaning that the few that take most interest have a massive say.

Draft – Players are treated like objects. Deals are done between the directors so it suits them, not necessarily the player.

Promoters/Agents – Influential in some clubs. Criticised for bringing in expensive foreign players who aren’t that good.

Gentlemen’s agreement – Players whose contract expires still belong to their club. The player doesn’t have freedom of movement. If he tries to leave, it’ll be difficult for him to find another club.

Lower leagues – Bascially not organized or good enough.

Competition system – Two championships each year decided by a playoff. Age old concern is that a team that doesn’t play very well and finishes 8th in the league can have a few good games and end up champion. Short competitions make medium and long term plans to construct a team less likely.

No players’ union

Television pays very little – Only makes up 20 percent of clubs’ revenue, compared to over 50 percent in the Premier League. Only Chivas and Monterrey have been able to negotiate better deals.

Some of the above problems are grave. Multi-ownership of clubs, the lack of leadership at the top level of the game and a criticism of the competition system aim a dart right at the heart of the game and rightly so. Others may be slightly exaggerated. For example, it could be argued that Mexico has produced quite a strong national team over the last 20 years and has players playing in Europe that other countries admire jealously.

Thankfully, Record also produced some solutions to the problems:

1) Longer tournaments

Only one champion per year so it means more to win it. Playoff (liguilla) system remains but group system would change (see number 2). Coaches could plan better and wouldn’t be fired so quickly. Young players would get more chances. Teams could buy two Mexican players and also sell two maximum. The same goes for foreigners.

2) Divide Mexico in two zones

Add two teams to make 20 in total in the top division. Create two big divisions, with ten teams in both, based loosely on where the teams are based (similar to MLS).
North: Chivas, Monterrey, Tigres, Santos, Atlas, Estudiantes, Leon, Necaxa, San Luis and Morelia
South: America, Cruz Azul, Pumas, Atlante, Veracruz, Puebla, Toluca, Pachuca, Queretaro and Chiapas.
-Every team would play the other twice
-Four best from each zone would advance to the playoffs.
-Champions and runner-up would play in the Concachampions
-One team relegated automatically each year with a playoff between the team with second least points and the runner-up in the Liga de Ascenso.

3) Copa de los Campeones

A cup between September and December to be played by teams that have won a Mexican title in their history. Big prize of 2-3 million dollars to be given to winner. Final would be played December 25. Three best teams go on to Copa Libertadores.

4) No Multi-ownerships

Owners would be forced to sell if they own more than one club.

5) Tighter foreign restrictions

Only four per club. Three would have had to have played a minimum number of times for one of their national teams (Under-17s up). Idea is to stop foreigners coming that aren't of top quality.

6) Separate the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) and the league

Similar to the Premier League and the Football Association in England.

7) Improved infrastructure

Invest in upgrading existing stadiums to increase attendance. Improve facilities in the youth teams.

8) TV companies get more influence but pay more

9) Improved refereeing

10) Better scheduling

These ideas are the thoughts of Record. It’d be great to hear some opinions about them. I’ll be posting my thoughts at a later date.

Monterrey crowned Mexican champions

Monterrey won the Mexican title for the second time in a year after an enthralling final against runners-up Santos that showcased the very best elements of Mexican soccer.

In front of a full Estadio Corona, Santos won 3-2 Thursday after an end-to-end game in which both teams attacked in incessant waves. With Ecuadorian Christian Benitez and Colombian Darwin Quintero on fire in the striking department, it looked like Santos would break the curse of their Argentine manager Ruben Omar Romano who before the game had lost his three previous finals in Mexico. In contrast, Monterrey coach Victor Vucetich faced an uphill task in maintaining his 100 percent record in his four previous Mexican finals.

Up in the northern city of Monterrey on Sunday for the return leg, the atmosphere seeped through the TV set as the preview to the game commenced and the sun set against the backdrop of Monterrey’s famous La Silla (Saddle) mountain.

The game started at break neck speed with an intensity that you rarely see in the Mexican game. It was reminiscent of watching the English Premier League with tackles flying in and the ball rapidly transferred from one end of the pitch to the other. Both teams fought fiercely in the middle of the park although in the first half it was Monterrey who increasingly looked the more likely to score, with Humberto “Chupete” Suazo nailing one left footed shot against the underside of the crossbar early in the encounter. It was a warning for Santos that the diminutive Chilean was in the mood to cause havoc.

On 28 minutes he started doing just that. Suazo played a neat one-two on the edge of the box before drilling the ball first time into the bottom left corner of the goal. It wasn’t really a chance but Suazo had opened the scoring from nothing. On the other hand Benitez, the Mexican league’s top scorer, was finding it hard work against a physically strong Monterrey defense.

The overall score stood at 3-3 at halftime but Monterrey continued to press forward while Santos were pressed further and further back. You felt at some point that Benitez and Quintero would create something but it was Monterrey who grabbed their second on 71 minutes, Jose Maria Basanta leaping high and nodding in from a corner kick.

Mayhem ensued in the stadium and around Monterrey. The city has been in the press for its increasing role in the drug war, but Sunday it was a welcome change from the negativity.

What was to come brought even more reason to celebrate. Just as Santos were throwing men forward in search of the goal to take the tie to extra-time, Suazo produced the night’s truly memorable moment.

Picking the ball up just over the halfway line, 29-year-old Suazo slalomed past three Santos defenders at pace before lifting a delicate chip over Santos ‘keeper Oswaldo Sanchez. Think Brazilian Ronaldo when he was at PSV or Barcelona. Suazo’s goal was sublime and a fitting end to the game – 3-0 to Monterrey.

Santos could have no complaints on the night, although they can count themselves unlucky to have finished second in both championships this calendar year. Monterrey produced a team performance that will go down in history. It was the best this reporter has ever seen from a Mexican side.

The star was obviously Sauzo and European clubs will undoubtedly be casting a few envious glances. If he leaves it will be to the detriment of Mexican soccer. The same goes for Santos’ Benitez who has excelled. The only sad thing is that neither of them is Mexican. Oh, and the fact that coach Vucetich turned down the post of national team boss earlier this year.

Monterrey and Santos prepare for final

Billed as the “Battle of the North,” Santos and Monterrey lock horns Thursday in the 1st leg of the final of Mexico’s Apertura 2010 in a final that is delicately balanced on paper.

For Santos, the memory of last years final still hurts. Captain Oswaldo Sanchez and coach Ruben Omar Romano have both said this week that being just one penalty kick away from winning the title six months ago and then losing has made the team stronger and more united.

A physically strong team from the unfashionable city of Torreon, Coahuila, Santos finished the regular season just two points behind Monterrey, having let in one goal less than their northern rival. Monterrey scored one more over the 17 games.
The statistics indicate there will be little in the game and Monterrey’s coach Victor Manuel Vucetich has said that the sides know each other very well.

Both teams have quality in abundance all over the park and were by some way the superior side in their respective semi-finals. October 23, Monterrey got the better of Santos in Torreon 2-1, although Santos had the vast majority of the possession giving little indication about how this series will play out. At home though, Santos are particularly strong and have only lost twice this calendar year.

On the bench though, it’s Monterrey who have the edge. Vucetich has won every final he’s participated in while Argentine Romano has lost three finals in Mexico.
Regular followers of Mexican soccer will know that the Mexican league’s two best strikers will be on display in this final: Santos’ Christian Benitez and Monterrey’s Humberto “Chupete” Suazo.

Ecuadorian Benitez has taken the league by storm this year scoring 14 goals in the regular season. He’s gone on to net two in the liguilla. Alongside him, striking partner Darwin Quintero has hit form at just the right time and has three goals in the playoffs. Between the Ecuadorian and Colombian Quintero, Santos has a fearsome strike force that need only the slightest of opportunity at goal to make the opponents suffer. Strong and fast, the pair could be the best in the country.

Rivaling them though are Monterrey’s Humberto “Chupete” Suazo and Aldo de Nigris who scored 16 between them in the regular season. The classic little and large combination, Suazo feeds off de Nigris’ physical presence. It’s been a big surprise that Chilean Suazo never made it when he tried his luck in Spain. Without any doubt though, Monterrey have been the beneficiaries.
With such attacking talent on display the game should be a good show of what the Mexican league can offer at its best.

The Beer Cup

Also gaining a lot of interest around this game is who the clubs are owned by. Monterrey is backed by FEMSA and Santos by Grupo Modelo. Between them, the two companies make up 90 percent of Mexico’s beer market. FEMSA produces beers like Tecate, Dos Equis and Sol; Grupo Modelo makes Corona, Modelo and Pacifico.
The games sub context is therefore a battle of the breweries.

Santos v Monterrey - Thurs, Dec 2, 2010 @ 8 p.m. in Torreon

Monterrey v Santos – Sun, Dec 5, 2010 @ 6 p.m. in MTY