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LIGA MX

Santos Laguna confirm Nacho Ambriz appointment

The Guerreros welcomed their new coach, who takes charge of his ninth team in the Liga MX.

Ciudad de MéxicoUpdate:
The Guerreros welcomed their new coach, who takes charge of his ninth team in the Liga MX.
Felipe GutiérrezEFE

After suffering a disastrous start to the tournament, which led to Pablo Repetto’s departure, Santos Laguna have hired a new coach. Ignacio Ambriz takes the reins of the team as from today. Since the weekend, various outlets have been reporting that Nacho would be the one to take the controls, but it was not until Monday afternoon that the news was confirmed.

Through their social media accounts, the Laguneros announced the the arrival of the Mexican strategist, who will take charge of his ninth Liga Mx team. The 59-year-old coach’s last post was with Toluca. He parted ways with the Red Devils at the end of October - much to the disappointment of fans, to be replaced by Carlos María Morales.

Ambriz tasked with turning Santos’ fortunes around

A brief club statement announced Ambriz’s arrival: “With hope, pride and in full communion with our fans, we welcome Nacho Ambriz to lead the Warriors. His vision and professionalism will ignite the spark of battle in every heart. Welcome home! #FirstGuerreros”.

The coach replaces Pablo Repetto, who was incapable of delivering results after three seasons leading the team. Saturday’s 0-3 home defeat to Tigres was the final nail in the coffin for the Uruguayan coach. Nacho left Toluca back in October due differences with the board of directors. Despite rumors of a dispute regarding severance pay, he was free to sign with the Comarca team.

Ambriz has enjoyed a lengthy career both in Mexico and Spain. He started out as Javier Aguirre’s assistant with Mexico’s national team in 2002, then took over from Hugo Fernández at Puebla tasked with saving the team from relegation, which he did. He has coached numerous Liga MX teams, including: Atlético San Luis, Chivas, Querétaro, América, Necaxa and León. In 2021, he crossed the Atlantic to take charge of Spanish second division side Huesca. He was dismissed after just 12 games following a poor run of results. He led América to victory in the 2016 CONCACAF Champions League and has two domestic titles - the Copa Mexico won with Necaxa in 2018 and a league title - the Torneo Guard1anes 2020 with with León.

The CDMX-born coach has a tough job on his hands at Santos. Results are needed immediately. The Santistas, who have won just one game in the Clausura 2024, have lost four and drawn one during the current campaign and occupy 15th position in the general table. Santos’ next game is away to Pumas on Sunday - Ambriz’s first game in charge.