Introduction
Despite being the leader of the Apertura 2025 tournament with seven consecutive victories, Cruz Azul under Nicolás Larcamón still has areas for improvement as the season progresses. The team’s performance, though impressive, exhibits certain weaknesses that need addressing.
The Need for Balance
Ex-Cruz Azul player and current TUDN analyst, Humberto Valdés, highlights the need for balance in Cruz Azul’s gameplay. While the team excels offensively, their defensive capabilities are lacking.
“Cruz Azul’s attack is formidable, but their defense leaves much to be desired. They need to strike a balance between attacking and defending,” Valdés explains to El Economista.
Coaching Philosophy and Impact
The offensive playing style was introduced by Iván Alonso, who brought in Nicolás Larcamón as the head coach. Under Alonso’s Apertura 2024, Cruz Azul boasted the best offense and second-best defense. However, under Vicente Sánchez’s Clausura 2025 management, their offensive ranking dropped to seventh while their defense improved to third.
Since Larcamón took over midway through Apertura 2025, Cruz Azul ranks third in offense and second in defense. Yet, individual errors persist, such as risky plays by goalkeeper Kevin Mier and defender Willer Ditta.
Experts’ Opinions
Humberto Valdés and ex-Cruz Azul player Óscar ‘Conejo’ Pérez both agree that there hasn’t been a significant change in team dynamics since Vicente Sánchez’s management.
“There hasn’t been a drastic shift; both coaches rely heavily on individual talent,” Valdés notes. “Under Anselmi, the team played more mechanically.”
“Larcamón’s approach is similar to Sánchez’s; it prioritizes organization and tactical defense, with forwards capable of causing damage,” Pérez adds.
The Task of Consistency
Ex-Cruz Azul player and technical staff member Óscar Pérez emphasizes the importance of consistency for Cruz Azul, as they still need to face strong title contenders like Tigres, America, and Monterrey.
“Maintaining consistent performance from players is crucial,” Pérez states. “Cruz Azul must keep up this winning streak while ensuring player satisfaction and rotation.”
Larcamón himself acknowledges that current success is insufficient for the club’s high expectations, aiming to reclaim the Liga MX title.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are Cruz Azul’s current strengths and weaknesses? The team excels offensively, ranking third in goals scored, but struggles defensively, conceding 10 goals so far.
- How have the coaching changes impacted Cruz Azul? Experts like Valdés and Pérez note minimal differences in team dynamics, with both Sánchez and Larcamón focusing on individual talent rather than mechanical play.
- What is the significance of balance in Cruz Azul’s gameplay? Balance refers to maintaining a strong offense while improving defensive capabilities, ensuring the team remains competitive throughout the season.
- Why is consistency crucial for Cruz Azul’s success? Consistency in player performance and team management will help Cruz Azul sustain their current winning streak and remain strong contenders for the Liga MX title.
