MONTERREY, Mexico - Despite winning a third straight CONCACAF Champions League just hours earlier, Monterrey and head coach Victor Manuel Vucetich were back at training on Thursday, preparing for Saturday's Liga MX Clausura encounter against Cruz Azul.
There is no rest or time to celebrate when the desire to capture more silverware remains as the main objective of a football club. Strict adherence to that philosophy goes a long way in explaining Monterrey's extraordinary success.
Vucetich made it clear at a press conference that he is not content to settle this year for the CONCACAF trophy solely, he wants to be Mexican champion as well.
"We seek to be champions (of Mexico), not just reach the Final," said Vucetich. "The intention to be champions is very firm. If we succeed or not is another situation, the goal remains that."
Monterrey (23 points) currently sits ninth in the league table, one place outside the playoff picture, heading into the final weekend of league play. Eighth-place Queretaro (24 points), however, will be relegated at the end of the season. Under that scenario, Liga MX rules preclude the club from participating in the Liguiila.
Regardless, the Rayados will automatically finish in eighth with a draw, if Queretaro loses to visiting Puebla, also on Saturday. If Monterrey loses and 10th place Pachuca defeats host Jaguares on Friday, both teams will finish with 23 points. Unless there is a dramatic swing in goal difference, Vucetich's side will advance to the knockout stage.
The 57-year-old coach reiterated his confidence in the squad in advance of Cruz Azul's visit, while expressing a sharp sense of the challenge ahead.
"This is the team we always have and we always rely on this roster," added the former Pachuca chief, who has been with Monterrey since 2009. "We know that the team has the potential to be able to excel at any time.
"We always talk about the situation and that we have not had the time of other teams, we've had periods of short rest and preparation."
Facing sixth-place Cruz Azul at the Estadio Tecnologico will not be easy. La Maquina has won four-consecutive league games, posting shutouts in the last three.
"It's a team that is closing well and playing good football," said Vucetich. "We measure ourselves against this type of team because it gives us a real parameter."
And that comment perfectly demonstrates the reason why Monterrey continues to succeed. Rather than lean on past triumphs for future results, it is constantly on the lookout for ways to improve and, most importantly, win.
