In the Mexican league, it is becoming frequent for the teams that invest the most in their squads to occupy the top positions
How many times have we heard that "money doesn't buy happiness," but we should also add that it leaves you on the corner, which, when it comes to football, would be something like "money doesn't guarantee titles, but it gets you closer to them." In recent tournaments in Mexico, it is increasingly common to see that those with more money tend to be the ones fighting for the top positions, although there are exceptions, as there are in various situations in life, and it is not exclusive to football.
Today, it is constantly growing the debate about which team has the best squad or the best coach, in the tables of sports programs on television, radio, digital platforms, or in reports in print media. At least those teams with more money are getting closer to either of the two established approaches. Within the irregularity and the unpredictability that is usually present in our Mexican football, this is starting to become more constant.
Today, Cruz Azul with a squad cost of 61.3 million euros (according to Transfermarkt), America with the same figure, and Monterrey with 71.8 million euros dominate the top three places in Liga MX; institutions with high purchasing power despite their budget differences. It is strange not to see Tigres with a value of 59.4 million euros; but as I mentioned above, there are always exceptions, and without that sufficient budget, we find Puebla among the top four with a squad valued at just over 19 million euros.
But when talking about the top three, each with their own style on the field, they meet characteristics and requirements that make their fans think they have the best squad or the best coach. In terms of squad quality and depth, it seems that La Máquina and Los Rayados have a slight advantage over Las Águilas, and below them is Tigres, which seems to have fallen behind because, although they have quality players, they lack bench depth, which is a major limitation, in addition to the fact that the team has grown older.
Perhaps León, with a squad value of over 46 million euros, can come close to these four. It is the current champion that has diminished that quality due to the departure of some players, but it is a team that will compete until the end, and once in the playoffs, many will want to avoid them.
The curious thing about the top four teams in the table is that they have changed coaches, and with new coaches, they are having very good numbers and performances. This throws away the theory that a team will dominate its system and therefore achieve better results and play better the more continuity it gives to a coach.
Juan Reynoso, with Cruz Azul, went from being a last-minute lifesaver to an almost indestructible ship. América took a risk with Solari and so far it is going better than expected by both themselves and others, with a team that shows progress week after week, but it will face its biggest test in the playoffs, as their ghosts of eliminatory matches with Real Madrid in the Champions League and Copa del Rey could resurface. Monterrey brought back Javier Aguirre, an old wolf. Their fans will think they have the best coach, and each one will have valid reasons to believe so. Some may think that the young Larcamon is the best so far because he has achieved a lot with little, it's all about perspectives.
Everyone has the right to believe that their team has the best squad in the league and is led by the best coach, but it is increasingly common that those who have more money are getting closer to the possibility of winning titles, while those who have less see their chances diminish. There was a time in Mexican football with a diversity of teams that could be champions, but nowadays, the trend seems to be leading us to a privileged group who will enjoy the glory. Just look at the last five years, where we will find some exceptions, but most of the time those with greater purchasing power have won, and although money is not a guarantee of winning titles, it must be acknowledged that it puts them in a better position. Period.