'Never count this team out' - Club América's Sebastián Cáceres expresses confidence in Andre Jardine to get team back to its best

At Club América, the issues are mounting just as the Clausura 2025 enters its final stretch. Las Águilas lost their hold on the top spot last weekend, remain winless in their last five matches, and are now dealing with fresh injury concerns. Brian Rodríguez and Diego Valdés both went down midweek in the loss to Rayados, joining Henry Martín on the sidelines. Martín has been out for over a month with an Achilles injury.

Picking up on head coach André Jardine’s postmatch message - “we’ve been through worse and still won titles” - defender Sebastián Cáceres strongly backed his manager during Friday’s press conference, ahead of América’s crucial Matchday 17 clash against Mazatlán FC.

“There’s no better example than what we lived through last tournament. If that doesn’t show what this team is capable of, then something’s wrong. You should never count this team out, no matter the situation - that’s part of our identity,” Cáceres said, referencing América’s dramatic run to the Apertura 2024 title, where they secured a historic three-peat after advancing through the Play-In stage - under even more difficult circumstances than they face now.

“We’re going to fight for what’s left — the four-peat. We’re doing everything to make it happen. In terms of our play, we haven’t done badly, but the results just haven’t come. It’s a matter of fine-tuning some details,” added the Uruguayan center-back.

Meanwhile, head coach André Jardine — once seen as untouchable — is now facing growing criticism in light of América’s poor run. The team has failed to score in four of its last five matches, prompting scrutiny of Jardine’s decisions. Cáceres, however, delivered a firm defense:

“Criticizing André is the easiest thing to do, but thanks to him, we won a three-peat. Those who criticize him have short memories. We’re with him, we’re in his boat, and we support whatever he decides,” he stated.

At Club América, the message from within is clear: there’s no panic. The team remains confident in its pursuit of a fourth consecutive title.

But the results tell a more complicated story. After a strong start to the Clausura 2025 that saw Las Águilas lead the league for much of the campaign, they now sit third in the table.

The recent dip in form, combined with a growing list of injuries, has led some to question whether the team is in trouble. Inside the locker room, though, the mood is steady. Players view the current stretch as a setback, not a crisis.

There is also firm backing for head coach Jardine. The squad continues to support his leadership, and players have been vocal in defending his decisions.

“It’s a tough moment - winless matches, elimination from the CONCACAF Champions Cup, injuries - but like André Jardine said, we’ve been through worse,” said the Uruguayan center back. “Not too long ago, last tournament, we almost didn’t even make it to the Play-In, and the team always managed to push through when it was needed and when things looked critical - and this time won’t be any different.”

“Criticizing André is the easy thing to do, but I believe we achieved a three-peat thanks to him. Those who question him have short memories. We’re in his boat, and we’ll support whatever he decides.”

América will host Mazatlán FC this Saturday with a clear mission: Get back to winning ways, restore confidence, and lock in a top-three finish.

They currently sit third with 31 points, and could climb to second if they beat Mazatlán and Cruz Azul stumbles against league leaders Toluca. However, a draw or loss could see them drop to fifth place, adding even more pressure ahead of the Liguilla.