“I've always found that anything worth achieving will always have obstacles in the way and you've got to have that drive and determination to overcome those obstacles on route to whatever it is that you want to accomplish.” - Chuck Norris
Before I begin let’s get something out of the way: Chivas is not for everyone. I read three different player interviews this week and they all had one thing in common. Playing for Chivas is no piece of cake. The act of signing for Chivas is an automatic pass to the gray zone: A place where nothing is true and nothing is a lie. That place in the shadows where the smoke is thick and not everything that shines is gold. Not just anybody has the courage and the staying power to find their way through the maze surrounding Club Guadalajara.
Chivas is basically a National Institution. Like the other “Grandes” from the LIGA MX, much more is expected of the player who dons the Red and White. Santiago Ormeño’s celebration of his mid-week goal was a perfect example of what it means to be Chiva: After scoring the game winning goal against Monterrey, Ormeño threw himself on the ground where Alexis Vega “miraculously” reanimates him, referring to Call of Duty, a popular multiplatform video game. “I really needed this goal. The pressure is high but it’s something we need to be able to deal with.” Like how. Before the goal the talking heads were going bonkers nullifying Ormeño’s very presence at Chivas. In that same interview he mentioned that winning over the fans was going to be a challenge.
Many consider the Chiva Aficionado from Guadalajara a “pecho frio”, people who are not moved by much, unmoved by the fact that our Rebaño is/was in the last places of the position board. But it’s not like that. The true Chiva is there come rain or snow. The Akron has not registered one game under 20 thousand spectators, almost two thirds of the stadium seating capacity. A stadium more than half full is plenty of pressure on the players.
"Without a doubt this is one of the most important days of my life because of all that Chivas stands for, it is a dream I have had since I was a child.” Gilberto Orozco mentioned, referring to his scoring the equalizer. “ (in) this team, the immediate objectives and demands are to seek results and aspire to be champions." Similarly, other players risen from the ranks of the Youth Divisions know of the commitment to excellence in the Redil. A major commitment considering that Guadalajara has put much of its faith in its youth divisions.
Cadena is heading into his fifth month and we can finally start to notice tactical changes and most significantly, the changes in attitude in many of the players. That stress releasing. Changes in attitude which are directly reflected in their stance and game play. A team at times which seems to glide along the pitch. The well-oiled machine.
One thing that had been lacking was that combo of youth and experience. The game against Pumas, el 'Conejo' give a sense of tranquility to the starting eleven, adding the pause and direction. Beltran and Vega a fusion of thought and movement. Chiquete, the Dream Goal. Chivas played by note Saturday and the Chiva Brethren left singing the chants of old in recognition of the maximum effort left on the field.
No Pressure, it’s just Chivas, the Most Glorious Team in Mexico. Being a part of Chivas is not for the faint of heart. As soon as you don the red and white you become a part of history.
