Fansided

Struggling Cruz Azul begins post-Caixinha era

By Thomas Buckley

Pedro Caixinha was fired by Cruz Azul on Sept. 2, 2019, after the Cementeros dismal 2-4-2 start to the Apertura 2019. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images)
Pedro Caixinha was fired by Cruz Azul on Sept. 2, 2019, after the Cementeros dismal 2-4-2 start to the Apertura 2019. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images) /
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Cementeros fire Caixinha, Cruz Azul looking for new coach
Tijuana’s Angel Sepulveda comes away with the ball after outdueling Cruz Azul midfielder Igor Lichnovsky during their 7th round match in Tijuana. The Xolos won 3-2. (Photo by Gonzalo Gonzalez/Jam Media/Getty Images) /

Needlessly causing controversy

Making matters worse were irresponsible comments Caixinha made before the Matchday 7 contest at Tijuana. The irascible coach committed a big no-no. He criticized an opposing team’s player, calling Xolos midfielder Lolo Miranda a partier. Tijuana players were furious and, as a result, the game was intense and physical, with plenty of yapping and trash talk.

The Cementeros forged a 2-1 halftime lead but were left a man down after a rash tackle in midfield by fullback Adrián Aldrete. When former Cruz Azul player “Cubo” Torres snuck home the winner in minute 90+3, the writing started to appear on the wall. Caixinha’s penchant for making things more difficult was becoming an issue.

Cruz Azul then put on a lackadaisical performance at home against the Chivas – a game Caixinha had insisted was a “Classic,” resulting in derision from commentators and fans – holding on for a tie. But the die had been cast.

Cruz Azul fires Caixinha
Cruz Azul president Ricardo Peláez must pick up the pieces after the Caixinha experiment fell flat. (Photo by Mauricio Salas/Jam Media/Getty Images) /

Executive president Billy Álvarez – whose position was confirmed last week after a lengthy lawsuit challenging his control of the club –scolded Caixinha and reportedly ordered Peláez to sack the coach.

The Cementeros have 10 days until their next match (at last place Veracruz on Sept. 13), giving them plenty of time to find a replacement and take the reins for the home stretch.

Several names have been floated in the media, including Antonio Mohamed, who won a title with Peláez at América and also led Tijuana to a championship. Cruz Azul academy product Francisco Palencia has also announced his readiness to coach the Cementeros. “Paco” has Liga MX experience as a general manager (Chivas) and as a coach (UNAM and Lobos BUAP).

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