Atlante's Cruz Sympathetic To Necaxa's Plight

Atlante manager Jose Guadalupe Cruz said he feels bad for Necaxa ahead of their weekend clash; but he doesn't feel bad enough to roll over and let Necaxa have their way.

May 1, 2009 1:45:52 PM

More On :  Atlante, Necaxa
Jose Guadalupe Cruz - Atlante (Tomás Fregoso)
Atlante manager Jose Guadalupe Cruz said he felt bad for Necaxa.

Los Rayos, up next on Atlante's schedule, are in a do-or-die position. The club is close to the Primera A Division and might be left with a one-way ticket to the second division before too long.

But while Cruz said he sympathizes with his counterparts, he does not feel bad enough for them to change his approach to the game.
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"This is a business and we have work to do," Cruz said, "and because of that we're convinced that we will come out and fight for this game like we do every other."

Atlante have nothing left to play for this season. Los Potros admittedly gave up on the Clausura 2009 season and focused their efforts on the CONCACAF Champions League.

Necaxa, on the other hand, have everything to play for. Los Rayos' dismal standing in the league may result in relegation but a win over Atlante would help their fight to stay up top. Cruz said such a fight is one that he does not want to go through anytime soon.

"It's always complicated because you understand their situation perfectly," Cruz said. "Those of us who have been in a situation like that know how difficult it can be in all aspects of life, not just in footballing terms."

Cruz said he has friends on the team that in a perfect world would not be doomed to a second-division fate.


"There are familiar people over there in Necaxa who used to be here in Atlante before, people who I would not want to see in that situation," he said.

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For more coverage of the Clausura 2009 season, visit Goal.com's Mexican Football section.

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