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SOCCER

Cristian Calderón: “América don’t scare us”

América and Chivas will face each other in the Clásico Nacional this Saturday at the Estadio Azteca.

MéxicoUpdate:
Cristian Calderón festeja su gol en contra del Cruz Azul
Jose Luis Melgarejo

Club América head into the Clásico with an undefeated run and 28 points out of a possible 30. Cristian “Chicote” Calderón says that he isn’t fearing América ahead of Saturday’s clash.

“Well, obviously it’s exciting to take on an América side that’s top of the table. We’re not afraid to face América, who haven’t lost in 10 games, but that’s what we’re working for, to face teams like América and Tigres, who are always up to the task. It’s going to be a good game, it’s going to be a good Clásico, which will leave a good taste in our mouths and even more so for the Chivahermanos,” he said.

“I think that despite the results we’ve had, Chivas have always been seen as victims in recent seasons and we know that’s not the case. We have also achieved good results at tough grounds against strong teams. The team has been getting on very well, it has been adapting to the coaching staff’s instructions. We’re in good form going into this Clásico. We’ll give it everything, we’re going to leave our souls on the pitch. It’s a Clásico and what better way than to get the three points there,” he added.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 03: Cristian Calderon #26 of Guadalajara Chivas plays a bouncing ball against the Los Angeles Galaxy during the Leagues Cup Showcase 2022 at SoFi Stadium on August 03, 2022 in Inglewood, California.   Harry How/Getty Images/AFP
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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 03: Cristian Calderon #26 of Guadalajara Chivas plays a bouncing ball against the Los Angeles Galaxy during the Leagues Cup Showcase 2022 at SoFi Stadium on August 03, 2022 in Inglewood, California. Harry How/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==Harry HowAFP

“I think it’s already been shown that Chivas can fight any team toe-to-toe. We know it’s not easy. There are difficult games, but in the end that’s what Chivas works for, they work to win. We’ve had some bad results, we turn the page and think about what’s next. Today it’s América and we’re thinking about winning. We know it won’t be easy, but we know perfectly well that we can do it,” he continued.

Biggest club in Mexico

“I think that Chivas is the biggest club in Mexican football, and I think it makes us different to have a squad of Mexican players. You can always see the great team that we are on the pitch. Perhaps many have doubted us, but within the club there is no doubt about what a great team we are. Being a squad with only Mexican players is something extra to everything that can make Chivas different,” he said.

Waiting for his chance

“I’m happy to be at Chivas, who wouldn’t be happy to be at Chivas. Maybe it hasn’t been what I expected, having little game time, but being here, defending this shirt, makes me happy, satisfied and content because I know I’ve left everything on the pitch. Maybe not for as long as I’d like to play, but when it’s been my turn to play, I always want to do well and do well for the team. I want to leave my mark on Chivas and Mexican football. We hope that in time I can do that, that’s what I insist on every day.

“Yes, maybe sometimes it’s sad or you could say frustrating not to play, not to be involved, but that’s how it is, it’s not every weekend that you’re going to play and you have to wait for your chance. I came in against Toluca for a while, I did well, then I started against Tijuana. I played again against Puebla, and now I’m coming on.”