LIGA MX
André Jardine reveals the key to beating Tigres
Ahead of tonight’s first leg at Estadio Universitario, América’s coach warned that the both games against UANL will be closely fought.
André Jardine joined his players on Media Day to give his thoughts on the 2023 Apertura final against Tigres. The América coach warned of the dangers that his team will encounter in both legs. He added that his team must be focused - especially in defence. Tigres ended the regular phase as the second top scorers on 32 goals (five goals behind Jardine’s América) and added another seven during the Liguilla, underlining their threat as a highly effective side in front of goal. Jardine however is hopeful that his team will prevail.
“It’s never easy against Tigres. You have to be completely focused and you have to be at your best,” the Brazilian coach told reporters. “We will also need to pay extra attention to their forwards. They are a very dangerous, forceful, attacking team and are also very well organized. As for us, América has its own identity - we must take the game to them, remain focused and give our best version”.
Final, finely balanced
Jardine pointed out that both teams have outstanding, creative players. In terms of team quality, there is little between them, which means it is difficult to pick a favorite at this stage.
“Both teams have highly experienced players - players who have starred for their national teams, played in Liguillas and experienced both sides of the coin: victories and defeats. It’s very difficult to reach two consecutive finals. For me, both teams have had a great campaign,” he continued. “There is not very much, if anything, between, in every department. There is no player who is superior to another. You have to respect history, it’s going to be close as there is a great balance in quality”.
Difficulties in the semis
The coach also addressed another issue - the booing that his players were subjected to at the Azteca after the 0-2 defeat to Atlético de San Luis in the semi-final return leg. Jardine was quick to point out that the semi-final was an extremely difficult contest - especially in the first leg, when both teams had to play on a heavily water-logged pitch.
“These Liguilla ties are 180-minute matches; we won 5-2 over both legs. Handling the return leg was not easy at all and many players were struggling because some periods of the game were very intense. In San Luis, there was three days of rain, the field was very heavy... It was a difficult game because we had to reserve strength for the return,” he concluded.