'Trust, minutes - he’s had them' - Chivas' Gerardo Espinoza responds to Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez's criticism following team's elimination from Play-In

Chivas manager Gerardo Espinoza had a clear response to Javier “Chicharito” Hernández’s recent remarks after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Atlas eliminated Chivas from Play-In contention:

“Those are evaluations that will be made. I believe there has been a lot of trust in Javier,” Espinoza said post-match. “He’s featured in almost every match. As far as I remember, this is the only game [vs. Atlas] he didn’t play. Trust, minutes- he’s had them."

The decision to leave Chicharito on the bench in a must-win Clásico Tapatío drew immediate attention. Despite Pumas losing to Tigres, Chivas failed to capitalize, officially falling short of the postseason.

Earlier in the week, Hernández had addressed his role in an interview, hinting at frustration with his limited minutes: “Hopefully they dare to trust me,” he said, referencing both his recent form and the significance of the upcoming match against Atlas.

The 35-year-old striker has struggled to make an impact since returning to Chivas. He was left out of the squad just twice this season — on Matchday 1 against Santos Laguna and Matchday 15 versus Mazatlán. Of the 15 matches he was available for, he appeared in 11, starting seven and scoring once.

With expectations high for both the team and its marquee signing, Chivas now head into the offseason with questions looming over both Espinoza’s choices and Chicharito’s future.

Chicharito appears to be living his final days as a Chivas player, and all signs point to a potential return to MLS, where he had a solid stint with LA Galaxy.

Nearly two years after rejoining the Red and White side, who welcomed him back as a club idol, the striker was unable to deliver the results fans hoped for, scoring just three goals in 34 matches since his return.

Espinoza is also unlikely to remain at the helm. His previous lack of a strong resume and his recent results aren't enough to lead a club like Chivas.

What remains to be seen is whether Hernández will stay and fight for a comeback or quietly step aside.

“They went too far with Chicharito,” said Jorge Pietrasanta from the Fútbol Picante panel. “It’s good they didn’t qualify, I’d rather watch Pumas.”

Meanwhile, coach and analyst Mario Carrillo defended Chicharito: “It really bothered me that they’ve completely ignored Hernández. I’m not surprised by the elimination.”

For Marc Crosas, former Barcelona player and current TUDN analyst, the striker could have contributed more on the field than off it. “The best player has to play. Is Wilke better than Chicharito? Is Armando González better than Chicharito? In the few minutes he’s played, I think he’s contributed much more than the others.”

During the same debate panel, another point was raised by Alejandro de la Rosa: “Cade Cowell ended up playing as a striker - Chicharito hasn’t earned his spot. If he has to go to San Diego FC, then let him go, and wrap him up with a bow.”

Emmanuel “Tito” Villa, former Cruz Azul player, stated that Espinoza should have strengthened the locker room, stood firm in his decisions, and that clearly something happened between Chicharito and Espinoza. “You can’t make enemies of your players.”

Espinoza, who is Mexican, took over in Week 11 of the current tournament, replacing foreign coach Óscar García. He managed to win just one match - last week’s game against Puebla. That string of poor results ultimately cost Chivas a spot in the Play-In.

Espinoza openly admitted the failure of not reaching the final phase in his first semester in charge of Guadalajara.

"At the end of the day, everyone interprets words based on how they feel and what they’re going through," he said. "It is a failure, because we didn’t achieve the goal of reaching the final phase. Chivas should always be there. It was a period of hard work - we came in with little time and tried to give our very best."