The Lavolpe Era Has Begun with Chivas

Photo Credit: chivasdecorazon.com.mx

By Francisco Romero

Claiming to be joining the best Mexican soccer team, Argentinean head Coach Ricardo Antonio Lavolpe accepted the responsibility to take the helm for the Chivas of Guadalajara of the Liga MX (Mexican Soccer League).  

He was introduced as the new head coach last Wednesday and on Saturday he coached his new team to a 3-1 victory over Pachuca.

This is Lavolpe’s second stint as a head coach with Guadalajara; he managed the team early in his coaching career (1989) finishing with a record of 2  – 7 with 5 draws. 

This time around Lavolpe replaces Jose Luis Real who was dismissed two days after losing 4 – 0 to rival Aguilas del America.  The move was questioned as Real was dismissed with four games remaining in the regular season schedule. 

Lavolpe has a long history of coaching in Mexico, in 2002 he took over the Mexican National Team and guided “El Tri” to the 2006 World Cup in Germany eventually losing to Argentina by a score of 2 – 1. 

In 2010 he coached the Costa Rica national team, but was dismissed a year later.

Chivas has been a hard place to manage, owner Jorge Vergara’s goal of being the best Mexican team has led him to hire and fire 15 coaches since he took over the team in 2002.  Lavolpe becomes the 16^th head coach under Vergara.

With the victory over Pachuca on Saturday, Chivas improves to 5 – 4 with 5 draws and back in the playoffs picture with 20 points.

Next week Chivas will host Monarcas Morelia in a crucial game, one that is a must win for Guadalajara, in order to keep fighting for a title.   Lavolpe has his work cut off, as he will try to finish the last three games with victories in hopes of being retained as the head coach.