New Cruz Azul head coach Ferretti: Liga MX club’s fans must be patient

Ricardo Ferretti has asked Cruz Azul’s fans for patience after being unveiled as the Liga MX club’s new head coach.

Ferretti has replaced Raúl Gutiérrez at the helm of the nine-time Mexican champions, who are 13th in the Clausura 2023 regular-season table, one place outside the playoff spots.

Cruz Azul “can’t go from hell to heaven” right away - Ferretti

“As things stand, we’ve been through highs and lows in recent times,” the 69-year-old told reporters on Thursday. “From winning the Copa [por México, a preseason friendly tournament] to the start we’ve had to the Clausura, which hasn’t been good enough.”

He added: “What I’ve found is a group of lads who are aware of what’s happened and are committed to performing more consistently. But we can’t go from hell to heaven [immediately].

“I’m not a magician, I’m a committed guy with feelings and experience, and I promise that when the team crosses that white line, my players will go all out for the win with discipline and determination.”

Ferretti to make Cruz Azul bow this weekend

Ferretti’s first game as Cruz Azul boss will be on Saturday, when La Máquina host Juárez - one of the new coach’s former clubs - on matchday nine of the Clausura 2023 tournament.

Ferretti has also had spells as head coach of Mexican clubs Pumas, Chivas, Tigres, Toluca and Morelia, as well as three stints as interim Mexico boss.

He has won seven Liga MX titles as a coach, with five coming during a particularly successful tenure at Pumas.