Ramón Morales, the historic captain of Guadalajara Chivas, stated that the team arrives in good form and could be considered favorites for the upcoming Clásico Nacional against Club América. The former player highlighted the solidity and identity that coach Gabriel Milito has built within the squad.
Morales explained that the confidence the team displays is a key factor. He said it helps them not to collapse after conceding a goal, something that in past Clásicos, due to a lack of that same confidence, did not always happen. "Guadalajara arrives well. I believe that for that reason we could take them as favorites, there's no problem in saying it, it's a reality," affirmed the former Mexican international.
Milito's work
For Morales, the credit for this transformation lies with the work of the Argentine manager. He noted that Milito, although initially a less-known figure in Mexico, has managed to imprint a clear footballing identity on the team. The team has been doing things well since his arrival, showing tranquility, wisdom, and consistency in their play. This evolution has convinced both the fans and the players themselves, who have adopted that identity with pride.
The former captain also called on the players to defend the jersey with love and pride in every action. "Love, pride, everything. I mean, always when you play, when you have your idea very clear and you are executing it very often, that's a plus, it's a reality," Morales commented.
Context and supporters
Chivas face the Clásico in an excellent sporting moment. The team is second in the Liga MX standings with 17 points, just two behind leaders Toluca. Their streak of four wins and one draw in the last five matches, including a resounding 3-0 win over Pumas last matchday, supports the optimism. The clash against América, who sit in third place, will be on September 20 at the Estadio Azteca.
Morales emphasized that the support of the fans will be fundamental in a venue like the Azteca, which recently hosted a World Cup qualifier. He urged supporters to "put on the jacket" as a show of support, but clarified that playing in that stadium should not represent extra pressure for Guadalajara, but rather additional motivation. The team has maintained calm and not been carried away by pre-Clásico enthusiasm, a detail Morales values positively.
The former player said he is emotionally content and grateful for the team's performance and the emotion it transmits to the stands. He particularly appreciated that the players have not made triumphalist statements ahead of the match, keeping a low profile focused on the work. Chivas will look to repeat the result of the last meeting, a 1-0 win in their favor on February 15. Fans can follow the team's progress and check the full squad list, as well as the upcoming fixtures schedule on our site.
This story first appeared at Record MX
