Pablo Guede, the head coach of Puebla, is preparing to field an alternate squad for the upcoming Leagues Cup match against MLS side Montreal, emphasizing that his main focus remains on the imminent return of the Liga MX season. Guede described the clash as just another game, underlining that the league is where their key priorities lie, though he intends to field a competitive team against Montreal.
“This is just another match for us. Our important games are in Liga MX; we’re very clear on that, without undermining this tournament. We’ll aim to present a competitive team to face Montreal,” Guede stated.
He echoed sentiments from various stakeholders critiquing the format of the tournament, acknowledging that for Puebla to advance in the Leagues Cup, the team must rely on a series of unlikely results. “The rules are set; we can’t change them. We’ve played our part and now we have to wait. Tomorrow, we’ll aim to leave a good impression and finish this tournament as best as possible,” he noted.
Guede reaffirmed that his top priority is the upcoming matches in the Liga MX, particularly highlighting the need for player rotations due to accumulating minutes. He pointed out the looming challenge against Tigres and San Luis, emphasizing player fatigue. “We need to make changes since some players have logged many minutes. The match against Tigres is crucial,” he added.
Additionally, Guede acknowledged the benefits that international competition brings for younger players within the squad as they face teams from different leagues. “This week, we play three matches against another league, and that international experience helps Mexican players grow. It’s a great experience facing opponents we don’t usually see in our league. The physical demands of this league are a positive for us, especially considering the age of our players, as it fosters their development effectively.”
Overall, while Guede prepares for a match where advancing may not be in their hands, he remains optimistic about the growth opportunities for his squad and the importance of balancing immediate results with long-term development.