After the 3-3 draw between Pumas and Cruz Azul, Joel Huiqui was clear: if La Máquina doesn’t turn things around, it won’t be enough to contend for a second consecutive title.
The Pumas coach acknowledged his share of the blame for the result, though he insisted that responsibility is shared throughout the team.
Huiqui pointed to the defense as the main area needing improvement and described his team’s first 30 minutes as disastrous—not only because of the goals conceded but also because of how they approached the game.
“We played 30 disastrous minutes. Not only in terms of the goals we conceded, but also in how we approached the game. For us, the game required more intensity and more intelligence. Given the quality we have, we can’t afford a disastrous first half,” he said.
The coach highlighted Cruz Azul’s offensive quality but acknowledged that they conceded too many unforced goals.
“The team has incredible quality on offense, but, unfortunately, today we conceded a lot of goals—unforced ones, really. We have to work on this and make corrections because if we don’t, it won’t be enough for us to win back-to-back championships. This is a very important internal critique for me, and I think the players need to be aware of it,” he added.
Regarding defense, Huiqui emphasized that responsibility is shared and involves every line, from the forwards to the goalkeeper—including himself.
“In defense, the responsibility lies with our back line and our goalkeeper; it involves every line—from the forwards to the defensive midfielders, wingbacks, and center backs. That’s important—that the responsibility be shared by everyone.”
Finally, he stated that his analysis would not have changed with a different result:
“My press conference today—what I’m saying—wouldn’t have changed if we hadn’t won, because it really was a tough game; the first half wasn’t that good, as I mentioned. The responsibility is mine; I have to work hard, I have to be mindful—above all, that I need to give the players more tools—and there’s a shared responsibility.”
