Defensive struggles torment Liga MX favorite América

Coach worried that players not fully focused

The hysterical criticism does not upset Herrera because he knows it comes with the territory. América’s front office and its fans insist that Mexico’s most storied franchise contend for every trophy, and a loss in the Finals (as happened when Monterrey defeated the Aguilas to win the Apertura 2019 tournament) is regarded as failure.

And a two-game losing streak? Fuggedaboutit!

It’s not the first time “El Piojo” has faced ultimatums since returning to the América bench in 2017. This despite winning a second Liga MX title with the club. (Herrera led the Aguilas to a Liga MX title in 2013 during his first stint as head coach). So he won’t panic … though he has no qualms about throwing players under the bus. Of course, sometimes this is necessary to get the locker room’s attention.

This past week, Herrera called out certain players for “lacking commitment,” but did not name names. Naturally, reporters had a list at the ready: forward Roger Martínez, defenders Paul Aguilar and Emanuel Aguilera, midfielder Gio dos Santos and striker Henry Martín all featured in stories the next day.

There might be other suspects, but those will do. Martínez looked like he had regained his form of 2018-19 through the first three games, but his productivity dropped considerably the past three games. And the Colombian was deservedly criticized for his ejection against Monterrey last weekend.

Aguilar, 34, is on his last legs and he was forced into action at right back after starter Jorge Sánchez tested positive for Covid-19. The veteran has been burned badly on several occasions over the past two games, including on the Rayados’ game-clinching goal when left back Sebastián Vegas dribbled past him like he was a Long John Silver impersonator (Monty Python fans know what I’m talking about).

Gio was acquired with much fanfare a year ago but has yet to live up to expectations and Henry Martín is a frequent scapegoat (though rarely to blame).