Coach André Jardine, gold medalist for Brazil in Tokyo 2020, is experiencing the best moment of his career and can add another important title to his collection in the coming days. Currently in charge of América, from Mexico, the Brazilian begins this Thursday night, the dispute for the second national championship, against Cruz Azul, in the first game of the final of the Clausura 24 Tournament.
However, the coach, born in Rio Grande Sul, has also experienced tense weeks with the floods that killed hundreds of people in his home state. At his request, América mobilized donations through “Nuestras Alas”, its social responsibility department, and through Fundação Televisa, owner of the club. Part of the proceeds from the semi-final against Chivas went towards purchasing thousands of personal hygiene kits for the victims of the tragedy.
“The solidarity shown by the club at this difficult time faced by the population of Rio Grande do Sul was incredible. This is something that shows the greatness of América and only motivates me more to give that extra joy to the fans. Let’s go in search of this title”, said Jardine.
As leaders of the first phase, América has the advantage of deciding the title at home, at Azteca, on Sunday. If he becomes champion for the second time in a row, Jardine will be the first coach in 35 years to achieve this feat for the capital club, the biggest winner in the history of Liga MX, with 14 titles to his name.
“Since I arrived at América, in the middle of last year, I said that my objective was to mark a winning era here. We have to get used to decisive moments like this, a classic, with a packed stadium on the way there and back, and the country stops to watch. These are the games that are good to play, and this is where the story is really written”, says André Jardine.
On his way in the Liguilla, as the Mexicans call the knockout phase of the championship, Jardine has interestingly faced a kind of “private Copa América”, facing other South American coaches. In the quarterfinals, América eliminated Pachuca, a Concachampions 2024 finalist and led by Uruguayan Guillermo Almada. In the semifinals, the opponent was Chivas, the Americanists’ biggest arch-rival, coached by Argentine Fernando Gago. Now, in the finals, the rival will be Cruz Azul, led by fellow Argentine Martín Anselmi.
“It’s an interesting coincidence. Maybe it will be an aperitif for next month’s Copa América”, jokes Jardine. “But it is proof of the competence of South American professionals and the recognition we have here. I’m happy to help open new markets and represent Brazil in a country as passionate about our football as Mexico”, says the Brazilian.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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