Cruz Azul is in a sporting crisis with three consecutive defeats in Liga MX, while Raúl 'Potro' Gutiérrez's debut as head coach of the women's team has sparked controversy. La Máquina sits 12th in the table with just six points, seven behind leaders Club America, and seeks a reaction against Necaxa.
Why is Cruz Azul in crisis?
According to a report by Record MX, the team managed by Joel Huiqui has lost three straight games to Atlante, Xolos, and Atlas. This poor run coincides with an injury plague that has hit key squad members. Gonzalo Piovi, Carlos Rotondi, Willer Ditta, Agustín Palavecino, Amaury García, and José Calero have had physical problems, mainly muscular, forcing constant rotations.
The absences have prevented the team from finding continuity and partnerships on the pitch. This is compounded by the noise surrounding the future of Erik Lira, who is in final negotiations to join Monaco. With only eight goals scored and ten conceded this season, the need for improvement is clear. You can check the current squad status on our injuries page.
What controversy did Potro Gutiérrez cause?
Raúl Gutiérrez began his tenure as head coach of Cruz Azul Femenil on August 23rd, as confirmed by Record MX. However, his first training session at La Noria was marked by controversy. The manager presented himself to the squad holding a sign with the word "BELIEVE," a gesture intended to motivate but met with skepticism.
The reaction on social media was predominantly negative, with fans questioning the message's effectiveness. One user commented, according to the publication, "When they bring the word 'Believe,' it's because they have no idea how to make the team work." Gutiérrez will make his official debut this Saturday, August 29th, when the women's team visits FC Juárez.
How do injuries affect the team?
The Cruz Azul crisis isn't explained by bad results alone. The accumulation of casualties has severely limited Joel Huiqui's options. Key players in different lines have been out, forcing constant adjustments to the starting lineup. Even Alan Montes has had discomfort.
This situation has revealed a lack of squad depth. The club is still analyzing the possibility of adding a reinforcement, but the market is closed. Huiqui faces his first major test as manager amid this perfect storm. The next test will be this Friday against 11th-placed Necaxa, a key match to end the streak of four straight losses.
What's next for La Máquina?
The immediate outlook for Cruz Azul is complicated. After the 0-2 defeat to Atlas on August 23rd, the team urgently needs points. Their recent record of one win and four losses in the last five games demands an immediate change. The visit to Necaxa represents an opportunity to start turning things around.
All attention will be on how Huiqui handles the crisis and whether the team can recover its injured players. Continuity in the tournament depends on a quick reaction. Fans can follow the team's progress and check upcoming fixtures on our fixtures calendar and the standings table.
