Carlos Salcedo brands Cruz Azul “embarrassing” after Apertura 2023 loss to Querétaro

Cruz Azul’s disastrous Liga MX Apertura 2023 campaign continues after they suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Querétaro on Sunday. La Máquina took the lead through Carlos Rotundi in first-half injury time but completely collapsed in the second period, with centre-back Carlos Salcedo scathing in his criticism of his team at full-time.

Cruz Azul “can’t believe” Apertura 2023 struggles

“In all honestly, it was embarrassing. We are very sorry. None of us can believe what is happening, but in the end, it is what it is, this is life, this is soccer, these are the difficulties that everyday life presents. We have to figure out a way to improve because we’re in a really tough place at the moment,” fumed the 47-time capped Mexico defender.

When asked if the team’s problems were on an individual or collective level, he responded: “Both. Knowing my teammates, it’s going to be a long night for everyone, because you get to your room and start thinking about what’s been happening week after week. But that’s the reality. We’re going through a shitty period right now and we have to deal with it. We have to be honest with ourselves about what’s going on.”

Salcedo was forced off the field through injury with the score at 1-1, seconds before Querétaro went ahead for the first time. “My left leg is really swollen around my shin, we’ll see how it evolves this week.”

La Máquina face uphill battle to reach Liga MX playoffs

Now more than halfway through the tournament, Cruz Azul find themselves second bottom of the standings, level on points with basement boys Puebla. The nine-time Liga MX champions have won just one of their opening nine Apertura 2023 games and will have to turn things around drastically if they are to have any chance of making the end-of-year playoffs.