SAN LUIS POTOSÍ -- Guillermo Cantú took over the presidency of FC Juárez at the beginning of this Clausura 2020 as part of the strengthening project of the border franchise in the Liga MX. The arrival of the former head of the National Teams was the most hierarchical reinforcement for "Los Bravos", as recognized by Darío Lezcano, Paraguayan forward who has scored four goals in the current championship.
"The arrival of the reinforcements made us stronger. Without a doubt, the head of the team, like Memo Cantú, has been important. He knows how Mexican soccer moves, how to manage the team, how to manage a coach, an institution. He surely spoke with the coach for the reinforcements."
Lezcano sees the former member of the Mexican Soccer Federation as a manager close to the squad, who cares about them both personally and professionally.
"Memo is a manager close to us, he goes to training sessions, he talks to us every day, he tells us how we can improve and we appreciate that."
Since the arrival of the executive, the sporting situation of FC Juárez has changed. During the Apertura 2019, until Matchday 8, the border team had only six points, two home victories against Toluca and Monterrey. In the current tournament, Juárez has achieved 11 points so far, resulting from three victories, two draws, and two losses.
In addition to the Guillermo Cantú factor, Lezcano believes that reinforcements were necessary in various areas to be fighting for the playoff spots from the beginning of the tournament.
"The key was that we were lacking players who could help us more. Now we are united as a team. For this match against Atlético de San Luis, Diego got injured but we will try to replace him. We are focused and we have all decided to make it to the playoffs."
"Last year we just got promoted, but I feel that the coach did a good job despite everything. We caught the rhythm, the confidence, that's why we are where we are right now. This is just the beginning but we have to give everything."
Although Bravos' defense has conceded one more goal in the same eight games of the current championship compared to the previous tournament, it has seen an improvement in its forward line. In the Apertura 2019, the border team only scored four goals in the first eight matches of the championship, while in the current tournament they have already scored 14 goals, placing themselves among the top three most attacking teams in Clausura 2020.
In this matchday 8, FC Juárez will visit an old acquaintance from the Ascenso MX, Atlético de San Luis, at the Alfonso Lastras field, where they will seek to extend their unbeaten away record.