After a disappointing elimination to Pachuca in the quarterfinals of the Liguilla, sweeping changes are underway at Club America.The departure of manager Gustavo Matosas and the appointment of Ignacio Ambriz were the first dominos to fall.
Now, sporting director Ricardo Pelaez turns his attention to the pitch, with the priority residing in the midfield.
"We talked to Nacho [Ambriz]," he said (via Azteca Deportes). "We are thinking about two transfers: A dynamic defensive midfielder and an attacker."
As if already boasting the likes of Oribe Peralta, Dario Benedetto, Michael Arroyo, Rubens Sambueza and Darwin Quintero wasn't enough, Ambriz will now need to find balance in his formation with an additional forward. The real focus, however, should be on Pelaez's efforts to find a defensive midfielder.
Cristian Pellerano failed to assimilate to life at the Estadio Azteca and was reportedly transfer listed by the club. Another Tijuana midfielder is said to be taking his place. Per the reports, that midfielder is Javier Guemez.
The 23-year-old, widely regarded as one of Liga MX's premier defensive midfielders, fits the mold of player Pelaez desires.
Just don't tell that Ruben Omar Romano.
The newly appointed Xolo manager played coy when asked if Guemez will continue to be a part of the team.
"To start, no one has told me anything [about him transferring to America]," Romano told Fox Sports Radio (via Fox Sports LA). "I know, based on the discussions that we've had, that there could be a departure of a major player. It could be him, but I still don't know anything."
Guemez finished his Clausura averaging three defensive actions and completing 87 percent of his passes.
Note: Credit statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (via Squawka).
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