​Chivas Guadalajara have been transformed after frustrating decade Strong appointments have built platform for success On the brink of capping off turnaround with CONCACAF Champions League title
In the 11 seasons they went without winning the league title, between the 2006 Apertura title and the 2017 Clausura, Guadalajara had to endure the sight of arch-rivals Club America overtaking them as Mexico’s most decorated club.
Nursing their wounded pride, Chivas embarked on the road to recovery in September 2015, laying the foundations for one of the most glorious periods in their recent history, a period they are now hoping to cap with an international title.
Ahead of the second leg of the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League final against Toronto FC, and with one eye on the FIFA Club World Cup in the United Arab Emirates later in the year, we look at the secrets to Chivas’ recent success.
The Almeyda factor
Finding themselves closer to relegation than the league title, Guadalajara turned to Matias Almeyda for salvation. The Argentinian arrived in the middle of the 2015 Apertura season and made his presence felt immediately.
Putting his faith in the club’s youngsters and listening to what his players had to say, he filled the dressing room with fresh belief, as reflected by a four-match winning streak, one of those victories coming in the national clasico against America.
Almeyda secured his first trophy less than two months after arriving at the club, with an Oswaldo Alanis goal giving Guadalajara victory over Leon in the Apertura Copa MX final on 4 November 2015.
Continuity and a successful transfer policy
The Guadalajara directors had complete faith in their Argentinian coach and, with an eye on the medium term, began signing experienced players to complement the talents produced by its youth set-up, a hallmark of the club, which fields only Mexican players.
Brought in from Pachuca, goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota quickly made himself indispensable, while Carlos Salcido enjoyed a new lease of life in taking over as the leader of the back line. Adding to the spine of the side was Rodolfo Pizarro in midfield, with Alan Pulido also being brought in to spearhead the attack.