Fernando Ortiz explains decision to join Rayados de Monterrey

New Rayados de Monterrey manager Fernando Ortiz explained his decision to join the team following his dramatic exit from Club America, stating “Rayados is an exemplary team at the national level.”

The Argentine figure announced his resignation from the Mexico City team in the press conference following the 3-1 defeat to Chivas de Guadalajara in the Estadio Azteca on Sunday night. 

Despite winning 1-0 in the first leg of the semi final series in the 2023 Liga MX Clausura, Club America fell drastically at home as goals from Ronaldo Cisneros, Alan Mozo and Jesus Orozco humiliated the Eagles. 

“I am only going to say two, three little things. First, congratulations to Chivas, we must admit that the rival played better, congratulations for passing to the final. Second, for me and for my coaching staff it is a closed cycle with this institution. I wanted to tell you that, have a good night, have a good weekend and thank you for everything,” said Ortiz. 

Ortiz first joined Club America ahead of the 2022 Clausura, managing to inspire the team to the semi finals in the three consecutive tournaments before falling to different opponents. The team failed to defeat Pachuca, Toluca and this time, rivals Chivas de Guadalajara. 

Though Ortiz managed record-breaking feats with the Eagles, including extending their winning streak in the 2022 Apertura, he crumbled in Liguilla to taint his legacy with the team. He departed with an overall record of 30W-9L-14D. 

Now, he is set to take on a new challenge with Rayados. 

“It is a team that always proposes to form a working group at the management level, players, fans, all together, that is very important for any coach, to have common, fixed and precise objectives,” he said. 

“The institution has shown over the years to be a very exemplary institution and it is the wish of any coach to be able to lead Monterrey and it is fulfilled. I am lucky to be the coach of Monterrey. I will take it with all the responsibility due to the fact that this shield is owed and to defend it to death.”

And the objectives are clear: Ortiz intends to lead Rayados to the trophy. 

“Until the Final, here you have to know the responsibility and commitment to defend this shield, I have said it and I will say it again, everyone's commitment has to be to reach a Final, there is no other common objective that we all have to have because of what the club means, having the quality of players we have and we don't have to be afraid of the word champion, we are going to aim to become champion,” he said. 

The coach has a couple weeks before any competitive action takes place, as the 2023 Apertura starts on June 30 and Leagues Cup kicks off on July 21.