Club America's Miguel Samudio (pictured) in 2016 FIFA Club World Cup action against Colombia's Atletico Nacional. (Photo: FIFA via Getty Images)
MEXICO CITY – Since replacing Ignacio Ambriz as head coach on September 22, Club America has played 17 games in multiple competitions under Ricardo La Volpe’s guidance, posting an overall record of 8W-8D-1L.
The only setback came against Real Madrid, 2-0, in the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup semifinals on December 15. A 2-2 draw with Atletico Nacional in the match for third place followed on Sunday, with the South American champion prevailing on penalty kicks, 4-3.
As far as the Aguilas are concerned, though, there is no rest for the weary. After a long trip back from Japan, they will host Tigres in the first leg of the 2016 Liga MX Apertura final on Thursday evening.
“Since I took charge of the team, the hardworking team has strong variants,” La Volpe said at a press conference Wednesday. "The players have come battle to battle, the Copa MX, the league, entering the playoff and then the trip to Japan. The players have been doing a very strong job. Each one gives everything of themselves inside the field.”
Regardless of possible fatigue from playing three highly-competitive games in eight days in Japan and all the resulting travel, or the fact that Tigres has been out of action for nearly three weeks, La Volpe realizes expectations of capturing a 13th league title are high. There are no excuses.
“Next year, I will be asked the same thing…America is America,” expressed the 64-year-old Argentinean. “As a big team, the board and the fans want the star. The responsibility of a head coach is to take it to the maximum. This team cannot falter. Being in the final is already an achievement. We are happy because many teams would like to be here, but achieving the championship is the ultimate.”
Despite leading numerous Mexican clubs over the course of a 33-year career, La Volpe has only one league title to credit – 1992/93 with Atlante.
