Fernando Ortiz irritated by Óscar Jiménez question

Last night, Fernando Ortiz suffered the most humiliating defeat since he took the América coaching job. The Águilas crashed to a 0-3 defeat at home to Pachuca on a night where goalkeeper Óscar Jiménez was booed by the fans after committing two specific errors. But Tano was in no mood to start pointing the figure at individuals, telling reporters afterwards that he will analyze the situation in the cold light of day.

The first question in the Argentinean coach’s post-match press conference was about Jiménez. Uncharacteristically, Ortiz looked annoyed by the press and raised his voice to get his message across. “I never speak about individual performances. I don’t know why I am being asked about something that I’m not going to answer. Secondly, I was generally pleased with how the team played, they looked to get a result in the way they always do” he said.

A few minutes later, when the mood was calmer, Ortiz explained that he will analyze what happened with Jiménez once the hysteria had died down. “The fans have every right to demonstrate as they want. I am the coach, until someone else comes to manage the team. I am calm, I know the decisions I have to make for the good of the institution,” he assured.

To conclude, the coach accepted responsibility by taking the blame for the result. “I am responsible, but at the same time I am satisfied that the team went looking to win the game. When the team shows that it is willing to take the game against a difficult team, I like it,” he said. “The score didn’t reflect what happened out on the pitch. Pachuca are a side that will punish you for the slightest mistake or lack of concentration, and that’s what they did to us tonight”.

Difficult outlook for América

The defeat is a bitter pill for América, who must now focus on the next two games - neither of which will be easy. First, they must visit Tigres next Saturday, followed by the Clásico Nacional against Chivas at Akron stadium.