Siboldi: “Tigres and Pumas are equal in terms of greatness”
The Uruguayan coach pointed out the importance of the match for Nahuel and Gignac who are both in search of personal records.
The debate continues about whether Tigres is now a bigger club than Pumas - as Brazilian midfielder Rafael Carioca has suggested. Joining the discussion was Tigres coach Robert Dante Siboldi, who believes his side is now on a par with the club from the capital. The Uruguayan coach pointed out that both clubs have the figures and other factors which puts them among the elite of Mexican soccer, and hopes his words will help to stop any controversy on the issue.
“I rarely comment on which team is great. The ones which I consider to be important have earned their status through their achievements, for their history, their fans, the club... Pumas is important for what UNAM represents, but also for the fans and their achievements. Just like us, we have the support of UANL, of Cemex, our fans who always accompany us whether we play home or away. And what it represents for the state and for Mexico. For me Tigres is one of the big teams and I think we are equal,” he confessed.
The Uruguayan also mentioned the benefits of being able to play at altitude at a later time rather than at noon. However, he said that he is wary of Pumas in spite of their irregularity. He also showed support for coach Antonio Mohamed, who is still in the process of adapting to the team who have registered just one win in the first five games.
“It’s hard to play at 12 noon, especially in CU, or Ciudad Victoria, Azteca, it was deadly. Playing at 6pm helps a bit, let’s hope it’s cooler, pleasant, not so heavy, but the conditions are the same for both of us and it’s not a determining factor. I spend more time thinking about what we can do than on the weather. It is logical, we all know the ‘Turk’, he always plays in one way and puts his stamp on every team he coaches, with the tools he has,” Siboldi said.
“He will be in the process of uncertainty until he manages to stabilize the team, which is understandable. It happens to all of us, he has good players, and great coaching staff. He’s at that moment where the team needs to find defensive solidity and be more forceful in attack, which is what they have lacked. [In the last game, a 4-1 defeat to Juárez] the result was deceptive because they had their options. You don’t have to get carried away by the result, it’s deceptive, you have to be focused, intelligent in managing the ball and possession, be forceful. We know that we’re going to have to defend, they are a dangerous side. They have good technical ability and are difficult to contain. It will be a good test to know where we are, where we are going,” he added.
For Sunday’s game, Siboldi said he has decided on his squad defined with Diego Reyes now cleared to play but not match-fit. Ozziel Herrera however, is expected to make the list.
“The squad is decided, and the starting XI has been decided. We are convinced that those who start will perform well and those on the bench will have the opportunity to demonstrate what they can do. Diego has been discharged, he played soccer for two days, he is fine, he is not at his best, but he is picking up the pace that he is losing. He’s in the list,” he said.
Important game for Nahuel and Gignac
The coach ended by accepting how important this match will be for two key members of the squad: Nahuel Guzmán and André Pierre-Gignac. The Rosario-born player is shaping up to break the record for the foreign goalkeeper with the most clean sheets. He is currently equalled with Federico Vilar (139). While ‘Dedé’ wants to extend the scoring streak against his favorite victims - he has scored a total of 17 goals past Pumas.
“It’s a privilege to be able to be at this moment and that they have that chance. Individual achievements are important, but the team is what matters most. We have always said and talked about it, individuals will shine based on the team’s game. It is good that there is this type of motivation for them, to achieve those achievements They are extras that help motivate and be able to face a very difficult rival like the one on Sunday”, the coach concluded.