LIGA MX
Velkjo Paunovic’s Chivas stay confirmed as LaLiga club Almería appoint Gaizka Garitano
Guadalajara boss Paunovic had looked likely to move back to Spain but changed his mind ahead of his team’s win over Atlas.
At one stage earlier in the week, it looked likely that Veljko Paunovic would leave Liga MX club Guadalajara and take charge of LaLiga side Almería, who he played seven games for in the 2007-08 season. However, in the build-up to El Clásico Tapatío against Atlas, the Serbian hinted via a somewhat cryptic post on social media that he was set to stay in Mexico.
Paunovic staying put can now be confirmed after the Spanish club revealed they had hired Gaizka Garitano as their new head coach. The former Eibar, Real Valladolid, Deportivo La Coruña and Athletic Club manager must now plot a way for his new team to make their off the foot of the LaLiga table and out of the relegation zone.
Paunovic opts to stay with Chivas before Clásico Tapatío victory
On Saturday, Paunovic, a fairly infrequent user of his Instagram and X accounts, took to social media to suggest he would be staying with Chivas for the time being. “I want to feel this bond, excitement and passion between everyone again. Today is day 1 of our ‘revival’. I’m with you, as always! Up The Chivas!” he posted.
After a difficult run of six matches without a victory, the Clausura 2023 runners-up finally returned to winning ways at the weekend thanks to a 4-1 Clásico triumph over Atlas, which moved them up into sixth spot in the standings.
Ex-Monterrey defender Montres’ struggles at Almería
Former Monterrey defender Cesar Montes, meanwhile, continues to endure a difficult start to his time in Spain. After joining Espanyol in January, he suffered relegation with the Catalan club at the end of last season. He subsequently joined top-flight side Almería but hasn’t featured in either of their last two games.
The Mexico international will hope the arrival of Garitano can help him turn his fortunes around and regain his spot in the starting eleven.