'We’re becoming more and more like the league up north' - Toluca's Antonio 'Turco' Mohamed criticizes Liga MX for not having promotion-relegation

Despite finishing as leaders of the Clausura 2025 with 37 points, Toluca manager Antonio Mohamed criticized Liga MX's competition format. His club will have over 15 days of rest before their quarterfinals match in the Liguilla - something Mohamed is not happy about, as he believes the team will lose the strong rhythm they had at the end of the tournament.

The Argentine coach also voiced his disagreement with the number of teams that make the playoffs. “For me, only seven teams should qualify. The top seed should go straight to the semifinals, and the other six compete. I’m not in favor of 10 or 12 teams," he said.

He added, "Every day, we’re becoming more and more like the league up north [MLS]. There’s no relegation, there’s nothing, everything’s too similar. I think differently - six teams should qualify, or eight at most, not 10. And having to wait 15 to 18 days to play again? It’s not serious. But well, I’m sure they’ve thought it through in detail.”

Toluca have established themselves as one of the strongest contenders to win the Liga MX title in this Clausura 2025 and to put an end to América’s dominance - winners of the last three championships. After finishing with the best offense, scoring 41 goals in 17 matches, and with Paulinho claiming back-to-back scoring titles with 12 goals, the Diablos will have just over two weeks to prepare for their quarterfinal match, with their opponent still to be determined.

This long break didn’t sit well with Mohamed, who knows how Mexican football works and understands that a great regular season means nothing if there isn't a title won at the end. For that reason, he didn’t hold back in criticizing the league’s organizers.

“There are many contenders. América, Cruz Azul - those are teams that have been working the same way for a long time. But well, we’re going to be right there. We have the advantage of finishing at home, and before reaching the final, they have to beat us. That’s an advantage for us, knowing that we advance with a draw,” said Mohamed when asked about Liga MX's contenders.

The Diablos will face the winner of the Play-In matchup between the victor of FC Juárez vs. Pumas and the loser of Monterrey vs. Pachuca. The first round will be played this weekend, meaning Toluca will have to wait until May 7 or 8 to return to action.