Team Imbalance Has Caused Azul Defense To Crumble

Cruz Azul have allowed more than two goals a game this season; defender Joaquin Beltran blames a lack of cohesion between the units.

Apr 10, 2009 9:01:19 PM

More On :  Cruz Azul
Joaquin Beltran - Cruz Azul (Mexsport)
Cruz Azul have not shown the level of play it did in 2008, and in Clausura 2009 they have joined Necaxa as the team with the worst defensive record. Up to Jornada 11 Cruz Azul had received 23 goals, but defender Joaquin Beltran said that the whole team had responsibility in obtaining that record.

“Making an analysis of all the games we’ve played it seems to me that there’s a clear explanation of this situation. A balance hasn’t been found from our strikers to our ‘keeper. The decisions that we’ve made as a group haven’t been the right ones,” Beltran said.
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Despite the general slump, Cruz Azul have been able to perform during games only to have a mistake cost them the game.

“On the contrary, we admit that we haven’t found a way to function well defensively that’ll let us play better and get results," Beltran said. "It’s something that’s affected us all tournament so that we don’t find a balance.”

Ronald Raldes, a Bolivian defender, has been called in to help with the defense problem at Cruz Azul, and Beltran finds it as a positive addition.

“Without a doubt a player of his international experience is always welcome and he’s a reference for his national team. To me it always seems nice when someone comes to the team.  He’s a player that will make the competition for the central defense grow, and we’ll try to adapt him to the team as soon as possible for the good of the team.”

Andrea Martinez, Goal.com

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