GUADALAJARA, Jal., October 15, 2025.- The return of the Apertura 2025 tournament in Liga MX is poised to provide a crucial segment for all participating teams. A double matchday will see clubs play three games in just one week, significantly impacting their chances for playoff contention. Atlas head coach Diego Cocca is fully aware of the challenges facing his squad, which is striving to secure a place in the play-in round, and he has declared his readiness to tackle these important matches.
“We are entering a critical zone for us. The upcoming three consecutive matches will be treated as three finals. Winning two matches in a row has been a huge boost for the morale of the players and the way we approached this FIFA break has helped us gain confidence, grow, and recover players,” Cocca stated on Wednesday.
The coach acknowledged the daunting nature of the upcoming games, which include clashes against Atlético de San Luis, León, and the highly anticipated Clásico Tapatío against Chivas. “We are aware that we will face three very tough matches. We will take them one at a time, doing our utmost to regulate our players’ workloads to ensure they can perform at their best. Our objective is clear: to remain in contention until the last match and have a chance at qualification,” he added.
Cocca emphasized that each game is like a final for his team, starting with the match against San Luis this Friday. “We don’t think beyond that. We will face this challenge with the need to secure three points, imposing our identity, style, and mindset. Afterward, we will draw conclusions and keep working with the same conviction,” he asserted.
Currently, Atlas sits in 11th place in the standings, just outside of playoff contention by goal difference. The Argentine coach expressed satisfaction with his team’s progress, noting improvement in various aspects, including defense, possession, attack, and finishing. “We are striving for excellence in every area because a team is a cohesive unit. We need to maintain a high-performance level to secure three points and qualify for the playoffs. That is the goal,” he stated.
Cocca also highlighted the significance of the FIFA break, which allowed for the recovery of some players with previous injuries. “Some players have rejoined the team, like Robert and Ríos. There are still special cases like Aldo and Lozano who are continuing their recovery. It is crucial to make smart decisions to ensure everyone is fit without taking unnecessary risks,” he concluded.
The outlook for Atlas is filled with potential as they seek to continue their upward trajectory and establish themselves as strong contenders in the league. The determination of the players and coaching staff reflects a hopeful approach as they aim to make their mark in the final stretch of the season.