Club América in crisis: Who is responsible for the Liga MX giants’ collapse?

Alarm bells are ringing at Club América. Mexico’s most decorated soccer club currently sits outside the Liga MX playoff positions, and with more than half of the regular season already gone, the numbers are worrying. América has collected just 11 points from nine matches, its worst record at this stage since André Jardine took charge of the team.

For a club that prides itself on competing for titles every year, the current slump has turned the atmosphere at its training base in Coapa tense and uneasy.

From historic success to mounting frustration

When Jardine arrived at América, he made an immediate impact. The Brazilian coach led the club to an extraordinary run that included three Liga MX titles, along with victories in the Campeón de Campeones, the Supercopa MX, and the Campeones Cup.

Those six trophies made him the most successful manager in the club’s history.

Today, however, the picture looks very different. The team lacks identity on the field and appears increasingly disconnected from its demanding fan base, one of the largest and most passionate in Mexican soccer.

Why André Jardine is not the main problem

In difficult moments, the easiest move is often to blame the head coach.

While the team’s tactical performance ultimately falls under Jardine’s responsibility, the issues surrounding this roster run deeper than what happens on the sideline. Changing managers would not necessarily solve them.

Much of the criticism is aimed at the club’s front office, whose decisions over the past three transfer windows have left the squad significantly weaker.

América lost several key players, including Julián Quiñones, Jonathan Rodríguez, Diego Valdés, and more recently Álvaro Fidalgo and Rodrigo Aguirre.

None of those departures were replaced by players of equal or greater quality. Some of the problems stem from poorly handled contract renewals, whether because of the length of the deals or the financial commitments involved.

Injuries and fitness concerns add to the turmoil

On the sporting side, there are also growing questions about the club’s physical preparation and medical staff.

After América’s loss to FC Juárez, Jardine revealed a lengthy list of players unavailable because of injuries or rest.

The absences included Isaías Violante, Brian Rodríguez, Henry Martín, Dagoberto Espinoza, and Cristian Borja. To make matters worse, Víctor Dávila suffered a serious injury in the most recent match.

Even among the players who are available, few have stepped up to lead the team through its difficult stretch.

Forward José Zúñiga has shown flashes but remains frustratingly inconsistent. Erick Sánchez has yet to replicate the form that made him a standout at Pachuca. Brazilian midfielder Raphael Veiga still looks short of rhythm, while Rodrigo Dourado has struggled to make an impact in either attack or defense.

The defensive unit has also become increasingly fragile, and goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón, once a pillar of reliability, has not inspired the same level of confidence.

Youth rule struggles highlight deeper roster issues

Another factor complicating América’s season is Liga MX’s youth development rule, which requires teams to give a minimum number of minutes to young players.

So far, América ranks last in the league in this category with just 306 minutes played by eligible youngsters.

All of these factors have created a difficult environment for Jardine. Still, at América, excuses rarely carry much weight. The club is currently only a couple of points away from the playoff positions, meaning the situation could change quickly.

But unless the team finds answers soon, the crisis surrounding one of Mexico’s biggest soccer institutions will only grow louder.

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