ETO Fixes Your Team: Chivas
Chivas has had a rollercoaster year and after showing signs of life before the last season was canceled and during the Copa GNP, they have had a horrible start to the new season failing to win or score in three games. ETO will now take to the task of fixing El Rebano in three steps:
- A Coach that aligns with the team and Pelaez
- Cut Losses
- Creative Midfield
Head Coach
The issue Chivas have is that Pelaez made many splashy signings, but none of them were in line with Tena’s game plan.
While the name on everybody’s lips right now is Vucetich, his arrival may not be the best for Chivas. Past accolades aside, he is coming off a stint in Queretaro where in 46 games, he won 19, drew 8 and lost 19 with his team scoring 63 goals and receiving 64. While Chivahermanos are hoping he brings his mythic Midas Touch to Chivas he may have lost his touch with his last Liga championship coming 10 years ago and only winning the 2016 Copa MX since then.
My choice for Chivas new coach is Frank de Boer. Yes, the ex Atlanta United manager would be a great fit in Guadalajara and make an immediate impact in Liga MX as well as get Chivas international attention. Taking away a dismal five game spell at Crystal Palace, deBoer averages 1.67 point per game and in 55 games ahead of Atlanta, he won 31 games, drew 5, and lost 19, with his teams outsourcing the opposition 91 goals to 66. His preferred 4-3-3 attacking formation would work well with Chivas current players and his experience with youth may help Chivas’ young players develop fully.
Cut Losses
As we previously mentioned, Pelaez went on a shopping spree before last season making splashy signings and bringing back JJ Macias. Most if not all his signings however, have so far flopped. Antuna has been a shadow of what he did for Mexico in the Gold Cup, Macias has yet to score this tournament, and El Chicote Calderon has only played in four games. While Calderon and Antuna cost around $19 million together, their current collective value is around $8 million. Now, how much of this is lack of form and how much is the previous coaches strategy remains to be seen, but players will have to be sold to make room for the new coaches request in the transfer market even if for now it is at a loss to the team.
Creative Midfield
Pelaez knew this was an area of need last year when he signed Victor Guzman, unfortunately for both the player and club we all know what happened there. Chivas lack creativity relying heavily on inaccurate crosses and wing play.Their successful crossing percentage is a dismal 28% and this does not play to JJ Macias’ strengths. El Rebano have only scored one header goal and one goal from outside the box since last tournament. If rumors are true, El Pocho might be available for a renegotiation to return to Chivas and would be the best option. If not a shock move for Cruz Azul’s Roberto Alvarado may work well, but Pelaez’ ex team would want a King’s ransom for their starlet.
The sensible move would be for Xolo’s youngster Marcel Ruiz. At only 19 he has already played 20 matches for Xolos and Queretaro scoring 3 goals and assisting once. Though a full transfer might not be available due to his recent move from Queretaro, a swap or loan to buy deal may be reached as Xolos needs experience to improve as well.
