CLUB AMERICA CLAUSURA 2020 PREVIEW

Club America starting XI vs Monterrey in the Apertura 2019 Final

MEXICO CITY, MX - The new year is upon us and so begins the start of the Liga MX Clausura 2020 edition. After a not so impressive end to 2019, Club America look to mend for their failure to win last years Apertura 2019 final. A look into the upcoming season for Las Aguilas will reveal plenty of competitive action with in the Liga MX and not to mention CONCACAF Champions league on the horizon as well. With crucial key pieces to last seasons squad potentially leaving, the strength and depth of this squad is now in question ahead of the start of the Clausura 2020.

Team:

With plenty of moving pieces and rumors of departures surrounding the team at the moment. As it stands it's up in the air as to what Club America team will be present at the start of this 2020 campaign. One thing is for certain, the loss of star player Guido Rodriguez to Real Betis will leave a big void to be filled with in the squad, with no real substitution at America's disposal. As if that was not enough, rumors continue to link Colombian power house Roger Martinez with a move away from Coapa across the border to Inter Miami, FL a move that would cripple the depth of the team. But it's not say that Club America doesn't have what it takes to make the best out of this situation with the players at their disposal. And even though they will be missing at the beginning of the Clausura players like Federico Viñas & Nicolas Benedetti due to international duties, once back they will play a crucial role with in the grand scheme of things.

Incorporations to the team have been few little. The latest arrival of Leo Suarez from Villareal is the third name announced in regards to reinforcements ahead to the start of the season. Ex-Queretaro fullback Alonso Escoboza and former Tijuana defender Luis Fuentes make up the rest of Club America's transfers so far this window. With plenty of rumors of potential names to come to the club, one thing is for certain and that is if they do arrive to Coapa it will be later into the season.

Miguel Herrera:

A man on the hot seat this season after loosing last Apertura final at home, Miguel Herrera will be pressed to walk away with a tittle before the end of the season. Since his return to Las Aguilas back in 2018 Miguel Herrera has had quite the rebuilding job at hand. And this season will prove to be no different, as he’s faced with similar obstacles as last tournament in regards to his squad. Departures on top of injuries have caused Miguel Herrera to have to scratch his head more than once in regards to what team he’s going to have to put out at the start of the 2020 Clausura. On top of that Piojo has his contract to keep in mind as well as he nears the end of his term, with questions as to whether or not he will sign an extension to keep him at the club. This semester will prove to be vital in regards to Herrera deciding whether he stays or goes.

Expectations:

Being the Club that America is and the history that precedes them, anything but a domestic tittle will be considered a failure. But objectively putting this squad in perspective a top 4 finish is expected. After that many things will factor in when it comes time to play the liguilla. One thing is for certain, when it comes to Club America position in the table isn’t everything. The way this team plays and the futbol it displays out on the pitch will also be something fans and critics alike will be looking at. Also another thing to take into consideration is the teams participation of this years CONCACAF Champions league tournament, where again expectations will be set for them to reach the final and lift the trophy. Something that isn’t achieved so easily and with the questions surrounding the teams depth this season it paints difficult for the team to be able to stay at the top in both competitions. In the end Club America and their players will know what’s expected of them and it will be up to them to come out on top.

For an even more in-depth analyses and look into Club America's upcoming Clausura 2020 make sure to listen to The Eagle Eye Podcast's season preview here.