Atlas fights for permanence in First Division

Atlas plays tonight against Querétaro. Three points would automatically secure the salvation for the team directed by Gerardo Espinoza, who has shown a different face in the last two matches.

But not only the players have something at stake. Espinoza has to show his cards to prove to the management that he is the right person to take charge of the team next semester and stop being the interim coach.

They have spoken to him, they have been honest with him, and they will look for at least a couple more options for the bench to be prepared, but Gerardo is the favorite for now. The connection with the fans, the empathy with the group, and the process he has at the institution are very strong credentials. The possibilities are many.

In fact, the sports director, Fabricio Bassa, acknowledged in an interview with La Afición that 'Loco' is his number 1 candidate and gave the reasons why he should be in charge of the project.

"I'm a big fan of Gerardo, of the person, and then the professional. The Mexican is undervalued in Mexico, they have something very good, but sometimes someone from abroad is brought in who doesn't work even half as much as another person, who understands what Atlas is, who loves Atlas. He is my main candidate to take charge of this project."

Why Espinoza?
"He is a very good coach, he loves the club, he is my candidate. Since I came here, I realized that Gerardo is the best coach that Atlas has, I have no doubts. Sometimes what is from home is not valued as much as what is from outside. He is worried, planning, and concerned. I hope he becomes Atlas' coach for what is coming, but not just as an interim coach", he said.

However, they understand that results will not come magically. The management has learned the lesson about choosing reinforcements. They also cannot neglect Gerardo in that regard.

The list started with over 60 candidates and was later reduced to five. In fact, they have already talked to some players, including the forward, Mauro Zárate. To demand results, they must provide the tools, Bassa understands.

"We must surround Gerardo with things, that's what is being built, a structure of a sports psychology plan designed around the coaching staff that will take action from now on. Sometimes we give a Ferrari to someone else and we give a 'Fi