Rose Bowl-bound Chivas de Guadalajara names Arias as coach
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There was a strange comment out of Kansas City, Mo., on Wednesday night. It was made by Chivas de Guadalajara midfielder Ramon Morales after a crowd of 26,119 had turned up at Arrowhead Stadium to see Chivas come from behind to defeat Mexican league rival Club America, 2-1, in a friendly match.
‘I have a lot of respect for the people here tonight,’ Morales said. ‘The fans came to America for the American dream. We bring a clasico like this to them, and it’s like we’re bringing something to them that makes them feel like they’re at home.’
For a brief while, former Chivas player Luis Manuel Diaz felt right at home too. He was in charge of Chivas for Wednesday night’s match. ‘It’s a dream come true to be coach of this team,’ Diaz said.
The dream did not last long. Chivas de Guadalajara owner Jorge Vergara has named Jorge Arias, 51, as the club’s fourth coach this year, replacing Francisco Ramirez, who stepped down on Saturday after a 4-0 loss to San Luis.
‘He is the right man to get the team out of trouble,’ Vergara said.
Arias’ first game in charge will be against Chiapas in Guadalajara on Saturday, after which Chivas will leave for Southern California and a game against Chivas USA at the Rose Bowl on Wednesday night.