Siboldi refuses to compare the Liga MX and the Concachampions

Tigres are sharpening their claws to begin a new participation in the 2024 Concachampions - a tournament to which they will give due importance, but without comparing it with the domestic competition, as coach Robert Dante Siboldi was keen to stress. The Uruguayan considers this new opportunity in international competition, in some ways, as a chance for revenge. It’s his second stab at the trophy since his arrival at the royal club and begins this week against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Different competitions

Siboldi says the Concachampions is a completely different competition to the Liga MX. “Personally, I do not compare one with the other. They are different tournaments, an international one in which you face teams that are ewither champions of their leagues or the best sides. We cannot compare an international tournament with a domestic one. The Liga MX is important when we play in Mexico. As this one, at an international level is as well for me. We want to take part in the Club World Cup. We’re always thinking of being in the top competitions - we hope that we can achieve that and participate. It’s important for what it represents for the club and the fans, we are excited and committed to play a good role”, he said ahead of the Vancouver game.

He continued, “There is always revenge, whenever a tournament like this is repeated it can be revenge, but the reality is that we are taking it as the start of a new tournament, with great enthusiasm, confidence and the hopes of reaching another final”.

The Uruguayan highlighted the image he wants his team to give in this competition, and trusts that whoever is plays will give their best. “What we want as a club is a competitive team, a protagonist, that always seeks to win games and go out to have control of the game, improving every day in all aspects. Every match is always a test and an exam and we always try to give our best. It’s clear that the team is committed, very excited to compete in these two tournaments, we have a squad to face both tournaments and play an important role. The aim, as always, is reaching the final. To achieve that, I have to give the best I have, and know that the team that goes out there shows that it wants to win. We’ll be counting on players who don’t always get much of a chance to play and looking for solutions so that together, we can achieve our objectives”.

Vancouver not up to rhythm

Team captain Guido Pizarro also spoke ahead of the opening game, giving his thoughts on the Canadian rivals who, even though they might not be up to competition pace (the new MLS season has yet to start), will still pose a threat.

“It is the same team with the same coach, the backbone of the team will be the same. They will have the advantage of playing at at home which will make it difficult for us. They have played a few friendlies so they’ll be prepared. Their coach’s idea is fairly straightforward. So we are expecting to face a competitive team. Tomorrow’s game will be difficult and we must be at our best. to get a result,” he told reporters. “They are a dynamic team, they have been demonstrating for a long time how dynamic they are in the MLS,” Pizarro continued. “Personally, we know the importance of the game, what we have to do, impose our conditions and tomorrow will not be the exception”.

This will be the fourth meeting between the two teams - they met in the 2017 CONCACAF Champions Cup with Tigres beating the Canadians home and away (2-0 and 1-2). The most recent meeting, in last summer’s Leagues Cup, ended in a 1-1 draw. The first leg will be played at Starlight stadium with the return set for next week at Estadio Universitario.