América will once again play all of its home games at Banorte Stadium during the 2026 Apertura, a development that serves as a special source of motivation for the team. This was confirmed by academy product Dagoberto Espinoza, who highlighted the importance of returning to the Azulcrema stadium after the team played at the Ciudad de los Deportes Stadium while Banorte was being remodeled for the last World Cup.
Although the Águilas will face Atlante on the road this Friday at Estadio Banorte itself, Espinoza made it clear that the team feels at home again.
“Rather than pressure, playing at Estadio Banorte is a source of motivation because it’s our home. Even if there are other teams there, we’re the home team. It’s motivating to reconnect with our fans and return to our stadium,” he said.
The youth academy finds a new opportunity
The young América player also spoke about Guillermo Almada’s arrival on the Azulcrema bench and noted that the coach represents an important opportunity for players who have come up through the youth system.
Espinoza noted that the young players needed a coach who trusted the youth academy and would give them more opportunities to establish themselves on the first team.
“We young players probably needed a coach who would give the youth academy a chance. It’s very important for the team. We’ve gelled well with the coach; he’s helping us mature faster so we can establish ourselves in the First Division, which isn’t easy.”
The midfielder recalled that he saw playing time under André Jardine, but believes the coaching change opens up new possibilities for everyone.
“André gave me a lot of playing time, but Coach Almada’s arrival represents a new opportunity for everyone with a different style of play,” he said.
An América with greater intensity
Finally, Dagoberto Espinoza explained that one of the main differences in this new phase for América is the physical work and intensity that Guillermo Almada demands during training sessions.
“It’s a major mental and physical change. Coach Almada brings a different mindset: it’s more physical, faster, and more intense. It’s a significant shift from what we’ve been doing. The transition from the youth teams to the first team already requires a different level of intensity, but with Coach Almada, it’s even greater. We know how essential it is to maintain that daily pace,” he concluded.
