Chivas’ aspirations have completely changed heading into the 2026 Apertura. After reaching the semifinals in the previous tournament, Luis Romo made it clear that Guadalajara can no longer settle for competing for the top spots; rather, the only goal is to win the championship.
In his first press conference after returning from duty with the Mexican national team, the Rojiblancos’ midfielder and captain stated that the new signings brought in to bolster Gabriel Milito’s roster have raised expectations within the club, meaning the pressure has also increased.
“We have to be champions. The goals are no longer just making the playoffs, finishing in the top spots, or reaching the semifinals. Today, it’s all about the championship. Reinforcements were brought in to strengthen the team. Something really big is taking shape. We’ve already built up some momentum, and now I think we have to push ourselves—the only goal is to win the championship. That said, I can’t tell you we’ll do it tomorrow, but we’re going to fight for it; we believe we have to be champions,” Romo stated.
Guadalajara is coming off the 2026 Clausura, in which it reached the semifinals, where they were eliminated by Cruz Azul. For the Rojiblancos’ captain, that run compels the team to take the next step.
“Today we’re facing the obligation to be champions—it’s no longer a matter of ‘let’s see if it happens.’ We’re going to go all out for it. We have to improve and learn a lot from this game, because once again, Toluca is making us pay with the dominance of a team that has been a champion,” he added.
Looking ahead to the new season, Chivas has suffered some losses, but the team bolstered its roster with the signings of Jordan Carrillo and Kevin Castañeda—moves that, according to Romo, strengthen the club’s sporting project.
In addition, the Mexican national team player highlighted the club’s appeal to domestic players, noting that the environment in Guadalajara fosters the growth of those who join the squad.
“You mention Chivas, and everyone wants to come. People used to ask me about it and had doubts, but now, if you have the chance to come, you won’t have a comfort zone—you’ll improve because you have great teammates and a great coach, a front office that will give you everything, and a front office that will never let you lack for anything. All you have to do is give it your all every day, and you’ll believe in yourself. If you’re at Chivas, the national team will be within reach because you’re playing with an all-Mexican squad. There are so many factors,” he said.
The 2026 Apertura didn’t start as expected for the Rebaño Sagrado, which lost 2-0 to Toluca on Matchday 1. Now, the team led by Gabriel Milito will look to bounce back this Saturday when they return to home play against FC Juárez, under pressure to start backing up on the field the goal their captain made clear: to fight for the championship.
