Antonio Mohamed, the head coach of Toluca, is set to face Tigres in a highly anticipated final, marking 11 years since he last led a team against them during the Apertura 2014 while with América. Reflecting on that pivotal moment and his tumultuous departure from the American club, Mohamed expressed a renewed sense of optimism this time around.
In a media event leading up to the Liga MX Final, he drew parallels between the two occasions, noting that the upcoming match falls on the same dates, December 11 and 14, as the earlier final against Tigres. “The difference is that I am very well supported by the leadership here, unlike before when I felt isolated from the directors,” he stated. He emphasized that the previous victory was largely due to the players’ efforts and underscored his current team’s readiness and cohesiveness.
Mohamed is eager to secure a second consecutive championship, which would represent his first title in Mexico and bring him closer to achieving five Liga MX titles, putting him alongside esteemed coaches like Manuel Lapuente, Víctor Manuel Vucetich, and Javier de la Torre. “This team has grown accustomed to playing finals, and I feel deeply represented by these players. My role is to equip them with the tools to be brave,” he affirmed.
Despite the absence of a trophy in the Leagues Cup this year, he remains hopeful about culminating the season successfully: “If we can achieve this on Sunday, it would surpass our dreams. We’ve had a fantastic year, and we want to crown it with the highest honor. We have nothing to reproach ourselves for; we’ve enjoyed this week and are determined to win.”
Facing Tigres presents a significant challenge for Toluca, as Mohamed acknowledged the quality within their opponent’s ranks, particularly with Guido Pizarro now at the helm as a rookie coach who possesses a deep understanding of the game and his players. “Pizarro is a coach to watch closely. He knows the league and poses a serious threat,” he remarked.
Mohamed conveyed his confidence in his squad’s performance thus far, which included leading the league in multiple categories. He is optimistic about their potential to close the season on a high note, stating, “It’s been spectacular to experience great performances, and I trust that the players will give everything they have.” With the final looming, the excitement surrounding this matchup against Tigres is palpable as both teams aim for glory.
