Guadalajara always has something at stake because of the expectations surrounding the team and the style of play it has developed under Gabriel Milito. Although Matchday 3 against Seattle Sounders will be Chivas' final game in the 2026 Leagues Cup, the Rojiblancos understand that wearing one of Mexico's most iconic crests demands honor and commitment as they look to close out the tournament on a positive note and return to Liga MX at their best.
Those were the messages from the Rojiblanco head coach and Omar Govea during their pre-match press conference. They also highlighted several positive aspects of Guadalajara's performances in the binational tournament that can help the team reach its best version in the matches ahead.
What Gabriel Milito and Omar Govea Said in Their Press Conference
Gabriel Milito
“To reach the third match without any chance of qualifying is unimaginable considering our ambitions. It's the reality we have to face, and we must approach it with a great deal of professionalism and be aware that we have to represent the club with the utmost seriousness.”
“Although we would have liked to arrive with a chance of qualifying, this will help us compete, assess performances, and allow certain players to gain rhythm. We have to have dignity and play with honor, because every time we play, something is at stake.”
“The players who participated in the U-20 Concacaf Championship arrived last night, happy to have achieved their goal of qualifying for the World Cup. Hugo Camberos is a great footballer, which is why we want him with us. He will have to earn his place, just like everyone else.”
“We have to think about tomorrow's match and Sunday's game against Santos. They are crucial matches. We have this afternoon's training session to make decisions regarding rotations.”
“We were very excited about this Leagues Cup. This team has generated that excitement through its performances. After a year of work, of course I was very optimistic heading into these results.”
“We have very good players. They give everything in every training session and every match. I'm convinced by and in love with this squad. Beyond the elimination, this team will compete to become champions in the domestic tournament.”
“I will keep trying until the last day of my time at Chivas. I wouldn't trade these players for anything. In adversity, they have brought out the best in themselves.”
“MLS teams are very organized, physically very powerful, and they manage runs in behind very well. The lesson is that we need to have a lot of control over the game and give the ball away as little as possible. That's something we know we have to address heading into next year's Concacaf competition.”
“We've done enough to deserve better results. Aside from the second half against Dallas, in the first match against LAFC we saw a truly reliable team, with a lot of quality on the ball and an aggressive, well-organized approach when defending.”
Omar Govea
“We have to be worthy of representing this club. Although there are some things we still need to adjust, I believe the match against Seattle is important for us to reach our best version. This opponent will bring out the best in us, and we want to be up to the challenge. Representing Chivas means going out there to win.”
“There has been self-criticism, and I believe it has been our responsibility. The tools the coaching staff has given us are clear; usually, what we discuss with them is what happens on the pitch. In the locker room, we know it's our responsibility. We're a little below the level we can reach, but we know we're on the path that will lead us to becoming winners. We believe in the project, the coaching staff, and the style of play.”
“We learned that football is about details, and that's what we improved when we weren't going through a good situation. Those details are what make you champions; it's about striving for excellence in every aspect.”
“Jordan (Carrillo) and Kevin (Castañeda) are players with a lot of quality. Having them as teammates raises the team's ceiling. Coming from different styles of play, it's natural that it takes time to adapt to the coach's ideas. We have to be patient; they'll give us that extra quality.”
“We have very good profiles in midfield. I think we have a complete squad. It's the coach's decision who plays, but I enjoy playing alongside all the different profiles. We've improved tremendously both offensively and defensively, and with this group we can compete at a very high level.”
