'The numbers speak for themselves' - Vicente Sánchez on his future as Cruz Azul manager after CONCACAF Champions Cup triumph

Vicente Sánchez guided Cruz Azul to a commanding 5–0 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps in the Concacaf Champions Cup Final, but Sánchez’s future at the helm remains in doubt.

Over recent weeks, speculation swirled regarding his status, with multiple reports indicating that Cruz Azul’s sporting director Iván Alonso is not fully convinced by the Uruguayan coach, regardless of results.

Sánchez, however, pointed to the numbers.

“The numbers speak for themselves. It’s been a semester of hard work and results. I value what we’ve achieved, and I’m grateful to God for the opportunity,” he said after the final.
He added, “The fans chanting my name - that means a lot. They feel represented by what they see on the field. I don’t know what the future holds. I live day by day, and the decision isn’t mine.”

Under Sánchez, Cruz Azul posted 17 wins, eight draws, and only two losses, and clinched international qualification for both the 2025 Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 Club World Cup. In the aftermath of the final, it has been reported that Necaxa’s Nicolás Larcamón has already reached an agreement with Cruz Azul to take over next season.

Still, Sánchez expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity he was given.

“I’m thankful to Víctor Velázquez for trusting me. We gave that trust back with a title,” he said.“This club is once again on top of international competitions. It’s been a rewarding, demanding semester. Nothing beats giving back to those who believed in you. I’m just enjoying the moment. Today, I’m happy.”

"I don't like to talk about the future. I focus on the present, and today, I'm very happy to be a champion with Cruz Azul, putting the club at the top internationally. That was the goal," Sánchez said, when asked about his future with the club.

The emphatic win earned La Máquina their seventh title in the tournament, tying Club América as the most decorated club in the competition’s history. It also marks Cruz Azul’s first international trophy since 2014.