Necaxa: Preparing for a New Era

After their first year in Liga MX following their stint in Ascenso MX, Necaxa is preparing for a new era under the leadership of Ignacio Ambriz, a former defender for the club in the 1990s and most recently a coach for Club America.

Ambriz, the successor of Alfonso Sosa, the architect of Necaxa's promotion and who left the team after mediocre results in Clausura 2017, will focus on keeping Necaxa in the top league, with the eventual goal of becoming a contender in Mexican football and winning their first league title since Winter 1998.

The task of rejuvenating the team's playing style and tactics does not look easy, especially with the absence of Edson Puch, the Chilean who departed to Pachuca and was the top scorer in the two previous semesters, playing a key role in Necaxa's journey to the semifinals in their first tournament in the top league.

In addition to Puch, other departures include Marcos González, Roberto Salcedo, Severo Meza, Jesús Chávez, Nicolás Maturana, Jorge Sánchez, Jonas Aguirre, Fabián Espíndola, Maxi Barreiro, and Alejandro Díaz, among others.

To compensate for these departures, Necaxa sought to reinforce their squad with many players during the last Transfer Window in Cancun. For this new season, Ambriz will have the additions of Dieter Villalpando, Pablo Velázquez, Daniel Álvarez, Facundo Pereyra, Aarón Fernández, Edgar Alaffita, Miguel Ponce, Bryan Colula, Igor Lichnovsky, Luis Pérez, Carlos González, Othoniel Arce, Martín Barragán, and Víctor Dávila.

Argentinian goalkeeper Marcelo Barovero remains between the posts, providing stability and confidence to the team.

FORECAST:

Despite losing many players, notably Edson Puch, Necaxa made significant reinforcements in the Liga MX Draft. Now, under Ignacio Ambriz, the Rayos will aim to accumulate points to avoid relegation. Although it may be difficult to secure a place in the playoffs, the team can aim for a mid-table finish and, with time, become a contender.