Arias Takes Blame For Clasico Loss

Chivas lost to America over the weekend in the Mexican Clasico, and it has had its repercussions. The Chivas manager, Raul Arias, admits that America was superior and accepted responsibility for the loss.  

Despite missing the chance to gain points to move closer to the Liguilla in a tight race for the second spot of group one, the manager admitted that Chivas would still for a place in the final eight.

“Well it was a difficult game. We came up against a good team, motivated, and I think that to be fair, even if it hurts, America was superior to us. They came up with more plays for goal. There are things that we can’t defend ourselves from and in the end we ended up hurting. It was an important game, the scene was spectacular, and it’s something that will stay with me for life because of what it symbolized to the fans and teams,” said Arias to the media after the team practice on Tuesday.  

“If I’ve had criticism while winning imagine [what I’ve had] losing. I think that today I feel proud of the team with unconditional commitment. It was an open game…We were at a disadvantage because we played with three strikers and there was much space in the midfield. It was abnormal and we were at a disadvantage because America dominated that better.”

Criticism pointed at the style of play has been misdirected. Under Arias Chivas have lost the past two consecutive game. According to Arias all the people at the club had some responsibility in the loss.  

“I think it’s been exaggerated. We’re all responsible here from the kit manager to the gardener we all have some responsibility, but I’m the most responsible because I manage the team. But this is a process and it takes time. There isn’t a magic want that can change things from one day to another. The team has had injuries, suspensions and eight players that did not participate in the preseason. It’s difficult, it hasn’t been easy but we’re not going to back off.”  

The manager also asks for the team to move on from the significant game to the upcoming fixture. Chivas currently sit in third place of group two with 15 points. San Luis is second with 17 points and Atlas is behind by just one point.  

“The reality is that we lacked that extra ‘punch’. We lacked determination, we lack for the team to find its form. So we can’t complain and we can’t stay stuck on the last game. I think that what’s coming next will be just as difficult. Morelia is one of the best teams of the tournament, so despite all the pain and significance that comes with losing to America what happens next is what we should be worried about.”

Andrea Martinez, Goal.com

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