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Liga MX: Champs Monterrey, northern mates off to slow start

By Thomas Buckley

Monterrey coach Antonio Mohamed led the Rayados to the Apertura 2019 title but his team appears to be suffering a championship hangover and is winless through four games of the Clausura. (Photo by Alfredo Lopez/Jam Media/Getty Images)
Monterrey coach Antonio Mohamed led the Rayados to the Apertura 2019 title but his team appears to be suffering a championship hangover and is winless through four games of the Clausura. (Photo by Alfredo Lopez/Jam Media/Getty Images) /
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Monterrey, Santos, Tigres
Rodolfo Pizarro had dreams of playing in Europe but has apparently settled for a new start in MLS with David Beckham’s expansion club Inter Miami. (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images) /

Rodolfo Pizarro forces way out of Monterrey

The bigger distraction, however, was the saga of midfield playmaker Rodolfo Pizarro. The 25-year-old was in limbo as he sought to fulfill his dreams of playing abroad. His $17 million-dollar buy-out clause was too rich for European clubs, but Pizarro insisted on a move away from Monterrey as the Clausura started.

The Rayados rejected a few offers and acquired Argentine midfielder Matías Kranevitter from Zenit San Petersburg to fill Pizarro’s spot on the pitch. Pizarro appeared destined to another season in Liga MX but faced the likelihood of lots of bench time. This week, however, new MLS club Inter Miami swooped in and paid the buy-out clause and is expected to complete the acquisition next week. Monterrey is left holding the bag. They’ll have to pay the taxes on the transfer and watch Pizarro walk away.

It will be up to coach Mohamed to manage the locker room going forward. It’s possible that Pizarro’s departure could be a case of addition by subtraction as his petulance was clearly a distraction. Kranevitter will have to fit in quickly and youngster Charlie Rodríguez is likely to be asked to move into a more attacking role.

The loss of Pizarro should not be a long-term detriment as the Rayados still have plenty of firepower. Striker Vincent Janssen – acquired early last season – will be more comfortable in Liga MX and can be expected to develop a smoother partnership with Rogelio Funes Mori. Ake Loba was added last month and he will add speed and punch to the offense.

Monterrey came from way off the pace last season to claim the eighth and final playoff spot so they won’t be discouraged by the slow start. Once the Rayados finish recharging their batteries, they will no doubt begin to climb the ladder.

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