Cruz Azul has confirmed its intention to compete seriously for the Leagues Cup, despite having struggled to make an impact in the tournament historically. The team, currently managed by Joel Huiqui, aims to secure one of the few remaining titles under president Víctor Velázquez. In recent years, Cruz Azul has claimed success in the Liga MX, the Concacaf Champions Cup, and the Campeón de Campeones, but the Leagues Cup remains elusive. Ahead of their match against New York City FC, Huiqui emphasized that this competition is among the key objectives for the season. He outlined clear goals for the team, including the Liga, the Campeón de Campeones, the Leagues Cup, and the Concacaf, followed by the league's closing stages. According to Huiqui, these four challenges must be approached with the utmost seriousness. Despite rumors and social media speculation suggesting otherwise, Huiqui insisted that Cruz Azul takes the Leagues Cup very seriously and views it as an opportunity to solidify their identity within the squad. “The tournament is important for us,” he stated. “We aim to give our best performance and improve upon what we have done before.” Andrés Gudiño, the goalkeeper who has been part of the team’s resurgence, reflected on his journey through both good and bad times at the club. He credited his teammates and coaches while emphasizing the unity and health of the current group. However, the team faced a setback in their latest match against Chicago Fire, which ended in a 2-1 defeat, eliminating them from the Leagues Cup. Despite controlling much of the game, Cruz Azul failed to capitalize on several scoring opportunities. The loss was particularly painful for fans, given the team's high expectations. The match featured intense moments, especially with the presence of Robert Lewandowski, who played a pivotal role for Chicago Fire. After a scoreless first half, Chicago Fire took the lead in the second half with a goal from Puso Dithejane at the 67th minute. Cruz Azul responded quickly, equalizing through Nicolás Ibáñez in the 80th minute, giving them hope of advancing. But Chicago Fire had the final say, with Dithejane scoring again in stoppage time to seal the victory and eliminate Cruz Azul from the tournament. This result marked a significant blow for Huiqui and his players, highlighting the need for improved consistency and finishing ability in crucial matches. Despite this setback, Huiqui expressed confidence in the team's transformation. He noted that the club has moved beyond its previous reputation of being a "cold-hearted" team, often associated with dramatic comebacks and failures. Through internal discussions following a previous match, Huiqui shared insights from his playing days, emphasizing how the team has evolved. He pointed out that the change came primarily from within the dressing room, where players have shown a consistent desire to win regardless of the outcome. This mindset allows the team to dream big and pursue the Leagues Cup title. Huiqui highlighted the hunger and drive of players like Agustín Palavecino, who exemplify the determination present throughout the squad. He believes that each player understands the importance of winning and pushes others to strive for more. While acknowledging there is still room for improvement, Huiqui feels the team is close to becoming the entity they aspire to be. He emphasized the importance of unity within the dressing room and the readiness of substitutes to step in when needed. For Huiqui personally, leading Cruz Azul represents a blessing, and he expressed gratitude towards Víctor Velázquez and the players for their unwavering support. He stressed that the team has consistently backed the coach's vision and the club's values. As the team prepares for future challenges, the focus will remain on learning from past mistakes and continuing to grow stronger.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
MX
