América must avoid errors and stay humble to be champions - José Enrique Rodón

Former players who were champions with Club América eagerly await the team led by the Brazilian André Jardine achieving a 14th title in history. One such player, who emerged from the youth academy, defender José Enrique Rodón, advised the team to shield itself from mental errors both on and off the field in order to realise their aspirations.

A more mature América chasing title

“It’s true, they already know it, they’ve lived it, they’ve played it, they’ve been eliminated, they’ve made many mistakes. I see América more mature in that aspect. They start playing short passes, they start frustrating the opponent, suddenly they play a deep ball. What this América needs to be a champion is patience and to avoid errors, because the more mistakes you make, the closer you are to being eliminated,” Enrique Rodón stated. Here’s what else he had to say.

What sets this América apart from previous ones?

“This América has punch; it has a forward line that shows up in every game, a midfield that creates and distributes, a lot of game volume, and a defense that is 70 percent solid. But, most importantly, they shouldn’t stop doing what they’ve been doing until now.

“We know it’s a different playoff, a playoff where América must show why it’s the top seed and the style of play it brings. In other years, Solari made mistakes twice, last year with Tano in the game to enter the final, he also made mistakes in the substitutions, but that’s a different situation. So, all América has to do is be humble, have a lot of game volume, and do what they’ve been doing, have punch. We know that all teams will play against them with everything and will sit back, so don’t get frustrated, be alert in dangerous plays, and watch out for counterattacks.”

Is this América better than the one under Tano and Solari?

“Not necessarily. The issue is that all the teams that have passed through have had a lot of game volume, but the playoff is another tournament, a mini-tournament of a high level, and whoever makes a mistake loses. But this América makes us dream, has us excited, has a lot of oomph. Keep watching closely, and I’m sure they will reach the final.”

Capi Tena said this América has the makings of a champion; do you agree?

“Certainly, from every angle. I mean, the league, if it hasn’t been stolen, has facilitated the points. It has had great players who have matured, Henry Martin, after the injury, showed up as if he never stopped playing. Other players have matured. This América has the makings of a champion, but they must remain humble.

“In nine tournaments, América has been the overall leader, but only won once. Does that pressure weigh on them? No, I say that at América, match by match, you know how they play against you. If you don’t prepare 200 percent, they’ll run over you. For me, it’s not pressure, but América is the favorite. Teams have everything to gain and nothing to lose, while América has everything to lose against these rivals.”