'No sulking faces with me' - New Chivas manager Gabriel Milito outlines expectations and culture for Rojiblancos

Chivas continue their preparations for the Apertura 2025 under new Argentine head coach Gabriel Milito, who has made one message clear: no room for complaints, only collective effort.

“No sulking faces with me. Everyone must give their best for the team. Believe, believe. We’ll work hard this preseason. Let’s see if by year-end we rewrite history,” he told Chivas TV. “This club is huge. We’re new here but we understand the moment we’re entering. The club’s immediate future depends on us. We came to make that happen—for you and for the institution.”

Culture has been a concern for Chivas over the past decade, a club looking to rebound after a poor Clausura 2025 season.

Just a month into his tenure, Milito is focused on instilling confidence and reconnecting his players with Chivas’s storied legacy. The squad has responded well so far, winning a preseason tournament with victories over Cruz Azul and León.

“Our job is to convince the players of what they’re capable of - not just impose ideas,” Milito said. “You are good players. I need you to believe it, have confidence, and be brave.”

The Argentine coach and his staff believe they can help end Chivas’ title drought, which dates back to 2017.
“Chivas’ immediate future depends on us. That’s why we’re here - to help make it happen. But for that, we have to work really hard, guys,” Milito told his players during preseason.

Chivas have stayed busy with three friendlies so far. This Friday, they’ll take part in a quadrangular tournament, facing Santos Laguna and then playing either the final or the third-place match on Sunday. The other bracket features Cruz Azul and a Liga de Expansión side. Next, they meet Fernando Gago’s Necaxa on July 5 in a friendly before their official return on July 19 against León in Matchday 2 - since their original opener vs Tigres was rescheduled due to renovations at Akron Stadium ahead of the 2026 World Cup.