The major news this week involves a few managerial changes.
After just three seasons as the northern powerhouse’s manager, Miguel Herrera was fired by Tigres following another dismal playoff performance.
Despite having one of the highest payrolls in the league, “Los felinos” struggled to a fifth-place finish in the Apertura 2022 by scoring only 24 goals in their 17 games during the regular season.
After being eliminated in the quarterfinals, the divisive coach reportedly sealed his demise. “Piojo” claimed during the post-game press conference that the team’s failure to win was due to an ageing roster.
The players were incensed, and his remarks once more demonstrated the manager’s reluctance to take accountability for outcomes.
Instead, “it was the referee,” “it was bad luck,” or “the team is getting old” are Herrera’s typical explanations for poor results.
Under Herrera, the Tigres went 26-13-12 but never showed the offensive ferocity that was supposed to be his calling card.
Fans had hoped that the team would depart from the staid, traditional approach favoured by “Tuca” Ferretti, who oversaw the Tigres with an iron fist.
But during his 11-year reign, “Tuca” captured five Liga MX championships, three Liga MX Champions Cups, a Concacaf Champions League, and a Copa MX.
After four seasons as the Camoteros’ manager, Puebla announced Nicolás Larcamón’s departure on the same day.
Despite having a very small payroll, the Argentine manager “La Franja” took them to the playoffs each of the four seasons. The teams of Larcamón were unrelentingly aggressive, attacking with speed and flair, striking on the break, and playing stingy defense.
After each of the past two seasons, there were rumors that one deep-pocketed team or another was trying to pry Larcamón away from Puebla, but the 38-year-old manager insisted he was happy where he was.
Larcamón insisted he hasn’t spoken to Tigres, despite some wags jumping to the conclusion that Tigres had planned the moves to bring him into the San Nicolás de los Garza headquarters in the suburbs of Monterrey.
Another report suggested that Diego Cocca, the former Atlas coach, and Tigres were finalising the terms of their contract.
