LIGA MX
Néstor de la Torre warns that Chicharito will not be Chivas’ savior
In a chat with AS México, the former Guadalajara sports director warned that Chicharito will need service in front of goal - an area in which Chivas are lacking.
Néstor de la Torre believes that the mere presence of Chicharito Hernández is no guarantee that Guadalajara will figure among the candidates to win the upcoming Clausura 2024. For the former Chivas sports director, the 35-year-old striker should not be considered as the savior of the Rebaño Sagrado as his excited fans already suggest.
In a conversation with AS México, De la Torre explained that he feels Guadalajara management have got one step ahead of themselves because Chicharito will requires someone to service him with a regular supply of balls - an area in which has been a perennial problem for the team.
Chicharito the finisher
Regarding Hernández’s arrival, he said, “It’s a very mediatic contract. I think that Guadalajara are generating big expectations - they’ll benefit through marketing, advertising will greatly benefit. And speaking in terms of football, and when you look at Chicharito’s style of play, he’s an expert at finishing off moves - he is always in the right place at the right time; that’s already more difficult for him due to his age...”
He continued “Chicharito also needs accomplices, he needs partners - players who can generate opportunities for him. Guadalajara does not have those kind of players... and Chicharito can’t generate chances on his own. His job is to finish off moves. So that’s going to be an issue for Guadalajara. They don’t have a creator, and that’s an area in which Guadalajara have been struggling with for a while”.
When asked whether there was too much expectation being placed on the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Los Angeles Galaxy player, he replied: “The reality for me is that Chivas currently don’t have anyone to generate chances - even if they have a finisher, it will make no difference. That’s why I believe that they need to reinforce the midfield going forward. They need to make differences in that area to supply a center forward and give him the mobility he needs, otherwise it is going to be difficult - not only for him but for any other player,” he assured.
Regarding the hopes of the Chivas fans who hope that this player will change the outlook of the team, De la Torre concluded, “I am not saying that he can’t or won’t. This is his hometown club, he has mental strength... he is no longer the lightning quick Chicharito of old, and nor has he arrived at the best time - he’s been recovering from an injury and needs playing time to build back his rhythm. And as I say, he also needs support from those around him, I can’t emphasize that enough”.