Benjamin Mora clarifies Atlas’ recruitment situation
Atlas’ coach was pleased with his team’s effort and performance but admitted they were punished by Monterrey for one small lapse at the back.
Atlas left BBVA Stadium empty-handed after losing to Rayados on Sunday night. Stefan Medina’s 11th-minute strike was all that separated the two teams on the whistle, bringing up Atlas’ first defeat of the new season. Coach Benjamín Mora reflected on the game in his post-match press conference, telling reporters that he was satisfied with his team’s performance and felt the game could have gone either way.
“The final result doesn’t always reflect how well or badly you played,” he explained. “We tried to assert ourselves in a difficult stadium, against a powerful rival and I thought we did a good job, we were very solid. The first half we piled forward during moments when we could have kept possession of the ball and we lacked clarity in some situations. Perhaps a 0-0 or 1-1 would have been a fairer reflection of the game. But you cannot afford to drop your guard against a team like Monterrey and once you go behind it’s difficult to get back into the game. I terms of performance and courage, I was pleased with what we did”.
Close game
As for the move that lead to the goal, Mora added, “For me, the game was defined by one key episode - a centre Julio [Furch] couldn’t clear clear and it took his team mates by surprise. They had not time to react and cover Medina. But Monterrey don’t forgives those lapses at the back, and that was the difference”.
The coach hinted that Atlas could still bring in more reinforcements but the most important thing is to work with the players they have on board.
“I am a firm believer that the team should work as a team, it’s not about individuals for me. If we bring in a reinforcement, it will be a player who fits in with the rest, based on union and collaboration. We are aware of our situation, we’ve only played two games - but good ones. We have to continue working collectively and keep working on strategic movements - I am not worried about that situation,” he said.
Atlas will have the chance to get back to winning ways on Thursday when they travel to Santos Laguna in Week 3 of the Apertura 2023.