Background and Significance of Ignacio Ambriz
Ignacio Ambriz, a seasoned football manager with 60 years of experience, is back at the helm of Club León, one of Mexico’s most successful teams in Liga MX history with eight titles (tied with Tigres).
Ambriz previously led León to their latest Liga MX title in the Apertura 2020 season, making his return highly anticipated by fans and the club alike. His prior success with León, marked by an entertaining and offensive style of play, has made his comeback a significant event for the team.
Ambriz’s Vision and Priorities
At his presentation, Club León’s president Jesús Martínez Murguía emphasized the importance of reclaiming León’s distinct identity, stating, “We want to return to that identity of having a protagonist team. There are six games left in the Apertura 2025 tournament, but this must be a project with a vision. I have full confidence in ‘Nacho’ to turn things around.”
Ambriz acknowledged the pressure and responsibility that comes with his return, saying, “In every team, there is expectation. The pressure will be there, and we can’t be intimidated. We are people hired to deliver good results. I feel that we have a very good team, but I don’t have a magic wand to say that tomorrow everything will be perfect. It will take some time and effort, but as long as I see commitment and attitude from the players, the rest will follow.”
Ambriz’s Coaching Career and Achievements
Ignacio Ambriz began his coaching career in 2003 with Puebla and later served as an assistant to Javier Aguirre in European clubs. His career gained prominence when he took charge of Atlético de Madrid in the Champions League after Aguirre’s expulsion. Ambriz returned to Mexico in 2010, coaching Atlético de San Luis, Chivas, Querétaro, América, Necaxa, and finally León.
While he had success with America winning the CONCACAF Champions League in 2016 and Necaxa winning the Copa MX in 2018, his time with León from 2018 to 2020 brought him the most attention due to their entertaining and offensive style of play, which led them to the Guardianes 2020 title.
Ambriz’s Recent Coaching History
After León’s 2020 triumph, Ambriz moved to Huesca in the Spanish second division but returned to Mexico to coach Toluca starting in 2022. Although he reached the finals of the Apertura tournament that year, Toluca suffered a heavy 2-8 global loss against Pachuca.
Ambriz had a brief stint with Santos in 2024, winning only five out of 31 possible matches, which was his last experience before returning to León for the Apertura 2025 season closure.
Ambriz’s Evolution and Approach
Reflecting on his growth since 2018, Ambriz stated, “I have changed; it’s not the same as six years ago when I was a bit more daring in many things about my personality. I make mistakes, have had failures, and through my character, I’ve managed to get back on track. With what I have studied, I believe I am a calmer person with a very clear idea that my technical staff should serve the club and players.”
Ambriz addressed past differences with León’s leadership regarding contract renewal due to high economic demands, as reported by ESPN in 2021. Martínez Murguía clarified that these issues are part of the past, and both parties have open communication.
León’s Current Situation and Ambriz’s Impact
As of 11 games into the Apertura 2025 season, León finds itself outside the Liguilla and playoff positions. They have only managed to win three matches, with their last victory coming in game 7 against Querétaro (3-0).
Despite their struggles, León is just one point behind Pumas for the final playoff spot. With six games remaining, Ambriz will aim to guide León into the decisive stage by facing Toluca, Santos, Atlas, Pumas, América, and Puebla.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Ignacio Ambriz? Ignacio Ambriz is a 60-year-old Mexican football manager with extensive experience, having coached various teams in Mexico and Europe.
- Why is Ambriz’s return significant for León? Ambriz previously led León to their latest Liga MX title in the Apertura 2020 season, and his return is highly anticipated due to his successful tenure marked by an entertaining and offensive style of play.
- What are Ambriz’s priorities upon returning to León? Ambriz aims to reclaim León’s distinct identity and establish a long-term project with the club.
- What is León’s current standing in the Apertura 2025 season? León is currently outside the Liguilla and playoff positions, having won only three matches in 11 games.
- How will Ambriz impact León’s performance in the remaining games? With his experience and focus on reclaiming León’s identity, Ambriz aims to guide the team into the decisive stage by facing strong opponents in the upcoming matches.
