Metamorfoza

“All living things contain a measure of madness that moves them in strange, sometimes inexplicable ways”.
- Yann Martel, Life of Pi.

Scarcely 2 months and change after having taken up the reins of El Rebaño, or in this case the osoblje (shepherd’s staff/crook), Veljko Paunović has taken a much-criticized Chivas and forged them into a highly efficient footballing machine.

Surprisingly for some, not so much for others. The Red and White lads have played an aggressive and pleasantly front forward futbol. High pressing and counterattacking. In a very short amount of time, Veljko has managed to instill in the boys the need for order. The lines are compact, the runs well made. The strategy is visible and the Chiva fans are loving it.

Proof being, the fans mad scramble for tickets, filling the venues during the Copa Sky, eager to catch a glimpse of the metamorfoza from Chivas Errantes to Euro-Chivas.

That preseason competition was played magnificently, managing to make it all the way to the final, falling only to Cruz Azul, having been one of the best offenses (yes, you heard me right) and positioned as one of the top three defenses in the Cup. Despite the result, El Rebaño Sagrado left us with more positive sensations than negative during this preparation period.

The bar has been set high now that Pauno has caught the attention of the Chiva Grey, the anticipation, almost palpable. Some wonder if he will be able to support the pressure. Reasonable, if we consider the particular idiosyncrasies of not only being the coach in charge of the most popular Mexican team on the planet but also those of the LIGA MX, also very different from many of the leagues around the world.

To quote a phrase, “Difficult to see. Always in motion is the future”.

What surprises lay in wait for the Chiva brethren are not clear. But, what is certain is that the name Paunović in the footballing world is akin to hard work, determination and professionalism. A student of the beautiful game, Veljko has brought about the change through drilling, repetition and of course getting to know his players. He has won the respect of footballers the world over and now he has his chance with Chivas.