LIGA MX
José Antonio ‘Tato’ Noriega reveals how Monterrey signed Sergio Canales and ‘Tecatito’
Rayados are aiming for the Liga MX title and have been ambitious in the transfer market to bolster Fernando Ortiz’ squad.
Less than one year ago, José Antonio Noriega became president of CF Monterrey. In that time Rayados have secured a first-placed finish in Liga MX Clausura 2023 and reached the semi-finals of the playoffs.
But despite that promising start Noriega, commonly referred to as ‘Tato’, went big in the transfer market to bolster the team for the new season.
Over the summer Monterrey signed two big-name players from Europe in a bid to add quality and experience to the squad. Jesús Manuel Corona, better known as ‘Tecatito’, returned to the club after a decade in Holland, Portugal and Spain, while former Real Madrid and Real Betis midfielder Sergio Canales was brought in to add guile to the Rayados attack.
Monterrey now look ready to compete for a first Mexican title since 2019. José Antonio Noriega has spoken to AS México to discuss his hopes for the season and exactly how Monterrey lured two exciting players to Estadio BBVA.
Nearly one year in the role, how are you feeling?
“I am well. Happy, excited, and motivated too, because I see many virtues in the club. We are trying to permanently grow the club in many areas, elements that will help us improve.”
Are you expecting results soon?
“It’s still early days, but I think we’ve been able to maintain... I’m going to paraphrase a line from our anthem: ‘That pride of belonging to Monterrey.’”
“We believe we are taking the right path, but we are aware that we have not achieved anything. This club intends to continue growing, winning titles and this season we are hopeful of achieving it.”
How did you complete the signings of ‘Tecatito’ and Canales?
“The first thing I would tell you is that this is the result of teamwork, securing these signings. The arrival of both Jesús [Corona] and Sergio [Canales] is the result of the work from all of us who are involved, from the coaching staff to people to whom I report on the Council.”
“We have all put in the effort, teamwork, and patience. I do not want to fail to include people from my department like Héctor Lara, who has has been very close to me and has helped me with these acquisitions.”
“The fact that we have worked together, have set common objectives and have achieved these signings shows patience and clarity, with specific and clear objectives.”
What motivated you to bring in players of the quality of Sergio Canales?
“Maybe a question more for him, as to what convinced him. But I think it’s everything, everything that CF Monterrey offers and represents.”
“[Monterrey is] a very high-level city, with many advantages for family life, and a club that is also highly competitive with first-class facilities. The values of the club, the need to seek success, to be protagonists, I think that all of this together is what convinced him.”
Was Tecatito an easier signing?
“I think so. I understand what you’re saying, it wasn’t necessary to explain much to Jesús about the city, about the club, because he lived here, grew up in this club, with this shirt.
“He won things playing for CF Monterrey, so in that sense that type of explanation was not necessary. He already knew the surroundings and knew where he was coming from.”
You had to make difficult decisions, like the departures of captain Celso Ortíz and Duván Vergara...
“Without a doubt. All of them are human beings, first of all, professionals who have offered valuable things to the institution.
“Celso had a tremendous influence in the club, winning titles, and was the captain of that team. It was not easy at all, but life is like that, football is like that, professionalism is like that. Decisions had to be made together and despite the difficulty, you do it and move forward.”
Could there still be more signings?
“I tell you with all sincerity, I always leave the door open because the regulations allow it. But the truth is that we are close to the end of the transfer window and we have a fairly complete team. We would only bring in another if there was something new, an opportunity, but it is highly probable that we will remain as we are.”
The team has an average age of 27, youth and experience, is that the key to success?
“Yes, I believe that a correct blend between these two elements is always necessary. Youth generates enthusiasm, energy, dynamism, and the experience generates knowledge, cool-headedness and many other aspects. We believe that this is the combination needed to reach our objectives.”