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America: The Eagles Have Landed
America's new players, including Daniel Montenegro and Adolfo Rosinei, were presented to the media a day before America's Apertura opener.
Jul 29, 2009 11:57:38 AM
America was supposed to count on its youth system to bring forth better talent. The talent though has not impressed head coach Jesus Ramirez and America were once again forced to bring in outside talent.
America picked up five players for the Apertura season; two of them foreigners and the rest are domestic players. With America’s recent success in past tournaments lot’s of players would turn down an offer to play at a club like this. Daniel Montenegro thinks diferent and says that playing for Las Aguilas is like playing in the Real Madrid of the America’s.
“I came here to collaborate to the team and not to play individually because one person can’t win you games. The important thing is the group and we have to keep in mind that America is a big club,” Montenegro said in a press conference.
America is a big club and with a big club comes pressure. Past America newcomers have crumbled under the pressure when they were expected to do great. It could be that or just the altitude and the pollution that some players like Rosinei find it a bit though to adapt to.
“I am starting to adapt to the differences between Brazil,” Rosinei admitted. “I am working hard to be in the same shape as the other players. I think the adaptation to the altitude is a bit difficult because during the training I told the trainer that I had a slight headache. I think that is normal though especially at these heights.”
Even with the adaptation problems signs seem to indicate that both of these foreigners will not be featuring in America’s first game against San Luis. They are yet to receive the proper passport that would allow them to play.
The Mexican reinforcements, except for Arnhold Rivas, will also miss out on the opening of America’s season. Fernando Lopez and Israel Martinez are not yet physically ready to make an appearance for Las Aguilas. Martinez is suffering from tendinitis in his knee and Lopez is still in rehab from his knee surgery earlier this year.
America will also go with out star goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. Ochoa was given time off after having a good performance and helping El Tri win the Gold Cup Even with out their reinforcements America played an honorable role in the World Football Challenge. Jesus Ramirez has faith that if the team brings the same energy they did in the offseason America would no doubt be at the top of the table.
“The truth is that after the work done in Cancun and the games that we played, it does give you faith. If we maintain that same level here in Mexico then we will surely be in one of the top spots in the table,” declared Ramirez.
Sylvestre Adame, Goal.com
For more coverage of las Aguilas del America, visit Goal.com's Mexican soccer section.
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