Cruz Azul issue ultimatum to Ricardo Ferretti: win or leave

There is no turning back for Ricardo Ferretti at Cruz Azul. La Máquina has no option but to beat Atlanta United on Saturday - if they don’t, they will be dumped out of the Leagues Cup and the coach will likely lose his job. It’s as simple as that. One of the most successful coaches in the history of Mexican soccer finds himself between a rock and a hard place in the Leagues Cup.

According to information from TUDN, the Cruz Azul board would have suggested to ‘Tuca’ that if he wants to continue on the Cruz Azul bench, he has to get the team into the next round of the tournament. His team will be up against Atlanta United, who were thrashed 4-0 by Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami - the unbeaten leaders of Group J who are safely through to the round of 32.

Cruz Azul’s limited options of progressing

Inter Miami lead the group on 6 points and will advance to the next round. Cruz Azul are second, on zero points and with a goal difference of -1 while Atlanta United bring up the rear in last place, also on zero points but with a goal difference of -4.

Ferretti’s team have to win either within the regulation 90 minutes or, if the game ends level, via a penalty shootout to qualify for the next phase. If the game does end in a draw, the winners of the shootout will gain an extra point and finish second in the group, behind Inter Miami. The good news for Ferretti is that he will now be able to count on Willer Ditta, who was absent from the first game due to problems with his visa.