Report: Vicente Sánchez threatens to miss CONCACAF Champions Cup final for Cruz Azul amid contract demands

In the lead-up to the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup Final against the Vancouver Whitecaps, Cruz Azul are facing internal turmoil as manager Vicente Sánchez has reportedly threatened not to take the bench unless key contract demands are met.

According to ESPN, tensions escalated after it became public that Cruz Azul does not plan to renew Sánchez’s contract beyond the current season. Although the Uruguayan coach’s deal runs through December 2025, he is pushing for an immediate extension - both for himself and for his long-time collaborator and fitness coach, Rubens Valenzuela, whose contract expires on May 31, just one day before the final.

Sánchez has also demanded that bonuses and performance-related incentives be paid in full prior to the final, emphasizing solidarity with Valenzuela and highlighting the uncertainty surrounding his own status. Despite leading the first team for months, Sánchez technically remains under a contract intended for the U-23 squad and has received no formal assurances about his future with the club.

Initially, the club and Sánchez had agreed to revisit his position after the final, with a meeting scheduled for June 2 to evaluate the team’s performance and coaching methods. However, the situation has taken a turn following reports that Cruz Azul has already begun talks with other managerial candidates—a revelation that reportedly angered Sánchez and may have influenced his recent change in stance.

Adding to the drama, the Uruguayan manager posted a brief but pointed message on Instagram:

“Heads held high. Let’s go all together for the Concachampions Final – 1.06.2025.”

The post, later shared by Cruz Azul’s official account, appears to reaffirm his commitment to the final while underlining ongoing tensions behind the scenes.

As speculation intensifies around the future of Cruz Azul manager Vicente Sánchez, the club’s fitness coach and key member of his staff, Valenzuela, has spoken out on social media, responding to reports that questioned the coaching staff’s methods.

According to ESPN, one of the reasons the club has opted not to extend Sánchez’s tenure beyond the CONCACAF Champions Cup Final is that his training model is considered outdated. Valenzuela, whose contract expires on May 31 - just one day before the final - took to X (formerly Twitter) to defend his work and address the rumors.

"We would never ask for a renewal. That’s not our place. That’s something you earn, and it’s up to the executives to decide whether to offer it or not. They have every right to do what they think is best for Cruz Azul," Valenzuela wrote.

He continued, offering a pointed reflection on the criticism:

"I always welcome feedback. I’m the one who apparently designs obsolete training sessions, has poor or no methodology, bad game plans, and doesn’t use technology… among many other faults."

Valenzuela’s remarks came after reports emerged that Cruz Azul leadership is moving in a different direction following the Champions Cup Final against Vancouver Whitecaps on June 1. The statements reflect a growing sense of frustration within Sánchez’s staff, who have led the team through the tournament while facing uncertain futures and, reportedly, without the full support of the club’s hierarchy.

The situation adds further tension to Cruz Azul’s preparations for the continental final, where they aim not only to win silverware but to secure a place in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.

Cruz Azul are set to face the Vancouver Whitecaps on June 1 at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, with the CONCACAF Champions Cup title and a ticket to the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup on the line. The club hopes to end the season on a high note after falling short in domestic competition, including a painful elimination at the hands of Club América.