Hernán Cristante and Robert Dante Siboldi are examples of this group, and now one of them will become the champion next Sunday. In fact, out of the 18 teams that will compete in the next semester, nine already have a change in technical direction. From this group, all of them have less than two years in their positions, like the scarlet coach, who has been with the Red Devils for a year and nine months and this will be his first final; on the other hand, the Uruguayan strategist has been with the Warriors for seven months.
It will be a different final, despite the many coincidences of its two protagonists on the bench. Cristante, just like Siboldi, was a goalkeeper in his professional years and both were guarantees in front of the goalposts; with a sober profile, without eccentricities, they built an untouchable career, especially in Mexican football. In fact, soccer brought them together at some point, when they were part of Gimnasia y Esgrima, where Hernán was the starter. Those were the 80s. Quite a distance. In Liga MX, the Argentine immortalized himself wearing the colors of Toluca on his chest, while the Uruguayan wandered between Atlas, Cruz Azul, Puebla, Tigres and even Gavilanes de Nuevo Laredo, from the Second Division.
Hernán and Robert Dante are similar even in their behavior. In the technical area, both live the game with intensity, yes, but attached to their own. The former has had more controversy with referees, the latter has hardly mentioned them in press conferences.
Even in their clothing, both follow similar parameters: Cristante prefers complete tailored suits, while Siboldi leans towards blazers that accompany a look of jeans and a tucked-in shirt.
In terms of tactics, they use a 4-3-3 formation that can easily transition to a 4-4-2; regarding their resources, they are more balanced than offensive, but they have an attack that they develop for the sake of results. They are part of the new school.
What counts in Toluca
Experience
In addition to an extensive career as a footballer in national football, Hernán Cristante has begun to build a similar trajectory as a coach. In early 2014, he served as an assistant for Veracruz. He spent six months in the Port, only to return two years later to the technical areas, as the head of Coras. Six months later, he arrived in Toluca.
Identification
It goes without saying who Hernán Cristante is for Toluca. Among league titles, Concacaf titles, and Champion of Champions titles, the Argentine adds to his career, not to mention the more than 12 years he spent at the scarlet institution. Now, as the coach of the Diablos, he has fully consolidated his image as one of the main emblems of the institution.
His leaders
Toluca has different standout individuals. They are a versatile, fast, and decisive team. Rodrigo Salinas has confirmed this semester that his level could earn him a call-up to the national team sooner or later, while the orchestrator is none other than an old acquaintance seeking revenge: Rubens Sambueza, as well as Ángel Reyna and Luis Quiñones.
What counts in Santos
Experience
Siboldi's journey began several years ago in the lower ranks of Cruz Azul, even making sporadic appearances as an interim coach. Several years later, he landed at Santos Laguna, also as a developmental coach, until a few months ago when he was given the opportunity to take charge of the first team with good results.
Identification
Although he did not play for Santos Laguna, Siboldi has rooted himself after his arrival in the youth teams. The positive results obtained have identified him with the cause of the Guerreros. In his favor, he has knowledge of the verdiblanca academy, from which he has taken advantage of Jesús Angulo, a left-back with potential, who is now a starter at just 20 years old.
His leaders
Talking about Santos throughout this semester means talking about Djaniny Tavares, the first African scoring champion in Mexico. With 14 goals, the Cape Verdean is the main offensive weapon of the Guerreros, and the most decisive balls go through him. Similarly, both Brian Lozano and Julio Furch have become his best partners.
The fact
The final against Santos Laguna will be the 11th for Toluca, since the introduction of short tournaments in 1996.
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