Paunovic doesn’t want Chivas to relax despite latest results
The Guadalajara-based team advanced to the Copa Sky final after defeating Atlas 1-0 and they will play Cruz Azul in the final.
Chivas started a new era under sporting director Fernando Hierro and head coach Veljko Paunovic. The Guadalajara-based team has started to excite their fans with the latest results at the Sky Cup prior to the start of the Clausura 2023 in January. Chivas defeated Atlas 1-0 on Tuesday night to advance to the final of the tournament and they will play Cruz Azul on Friday 30 December.
Paunovic doesn’t want players to relax
The Serbian manager doesn’t want his players to relax after the latest results during the pre-season tournament because the real test will start in January. Paunovic is aware that Chivas has not achieved anything just yet under his tenure, but he likes how the team is responding to his playing style in a short period of time.
“What I can say is that since I arrived the team has shown great compromise, they want to work and they are convinced that we can achieve great things. It’s been hard for us to work these days because during the pre-season we have to make a lot of sacrifices and everyone is on the same page,” said Paunovic after the 1-0 win over Atlas.
“What I want to say is that it is important for fans to get excited. We have to keep working hard to keep our fans happy and give them reasons to believe we can achieve the title. We are starting a process and I am glad that the players have understood my philosophy in a short period of time. We won’t stop and we won’t let anyone relax because we haven’t won anything yet.
“We are building a team and we need the support of the fans to improve our trust in each other. In football trust is very important and it is transmitted through the fans. When you win the process is faster and each player adapts quicker to the philosophy. We want to be humble with our work because we haven’t achieved anything yet,” concluded the Serbian Manager.
Following their participation at the Sky Cup, Chivas will start the Clausura 2023 tournament by going on the road to play against Monterrey on January 7. The Guadalajara-based team will play their home opener on matchday 3 against Toluca on 21 January. Chivas are aiming to win the title for the first time since 2015 when Matias Almeyda was the head coach.