André Jardine, head coach of Club América, expressed the club’s unwavering ambition to succeed on the international stage ahead of their crucial second leg clash against Olimpia. Jardine highlighted the persistent pressure within the organization to excel beyond Mexican borders, with the primary goal being to conquer the CONCACAF tournament.
“There is a unified desire within the club to see América achieve success in an international tournament, and more than that, we’re all on the same wavelength when it comes to wanting to see América compete in a Club World Cup. It hurt us deeply not to qualify because the team deserved it,” the Brazilian tactician stated.
The disappointment of missing out on the Club World Cup still resonates at Coapa, but Jardine sees it as a source of motivation. “We’re going to try; another tournament has begun, and we will approach it match by match with faith, hunger, and a commitment to reach our objective,” he emphasized.
Discussing the challenge ahead against the Honduran side, Jardine warned that the matches will not be easy. “These are elimination matches that require a level of performance close to how we finish the seasons, with a low margin for error,” he noted, underscoring the importance of focus.
Jardine stressed the necessity of absolute concentration in these decisive moments, stating, “Everything comes down to details, and we must be present; these situations carry greater weight than a normal match.” He is convinced that the outcome of the series will rely on minor details and the ability to handle pressure.
Regarding his squad, Jardine expressed satisfaction with the depth and internal competition within the team. “When you look at the roster and understand that you have two players for each position, you feel reassured. If one gets injured, we will be well-covered by the structure we have built,” he said.
Additionally, he commended the management for their efforts during the transfer window. “It couldn’t have been easy for the executives; I congratulate them for the swift actions taken; it wasn’t simple,” he remarked, highlighting the quick replacements for key departures.
Jardine concluded on an optimistic note, confident that the new signings will enhance the team. “Both reinforcements are coming along well; I know Lima quite well, and he is going to add a lot to our squad,” he said. Under his guidance, Club América is poised to embrace the challenge with a strong sense of ambition and a historical obligation to perform well.