The Chivas fans' blood froze for a moment. The ghost of Fernando Gago returned to haunt Verde Valle when a rumor began to spread from Argentina that River Plate wanted to take Gabriel Milito.
We all remember the tantrum of October 2024, when Gago left the Sacred Flock behind after just nine and a half months to run into the arms of Boca Juniors. History seemed to repeat itself, but this time, the outcome was very different.
An offer from the “Millonario” moves the floor for anyone, and even more so for a Milito who has earned the respect of the Liga MX after putting Chivas in two consecutive leagues (although in both of them Cruz Azul ended up being the executioner). However, unlike his compatriot, the current pastor of Guadalajara did not mince words or give half-truths. He cut the gossip short and made it clear that he does have a say. "Regarding the last question, I have nothing to say, I think they already know me somewhat and I have a very big commitment to Chivas. I am focused only on Chivas... "That is my only objective," Milito said, putting out the media fire that already assumed his arrival to the "Gallinas" team. Good for Milito. The Argentine preferred respect for the codes of football rather than going out for good. the back door. He is looking to leave through the front door. A kill or be killed tournament in the Leagues Cup
With the smoke cleared, Milito focused on the ball. The start of this tournament (with a taste of revenge in the Leagues Cup) leaves no room for error. The strategist knows perfectly well that the format is treacherous and that last year's experience left wounds to heal. “This tournament is quite particular because it does not forgive you for mistakes, it does not forgive you for having a bad result, it requires you to win… you must win all three games,” the coach noted.
The panorama is not a flan. Chivas had to dance with the ugliest in a high-voltage group, where the Seattle Sounders, the last champion of the contest, stands out. “We know that it is very difficult because of the rivals… but the commitment and absolute dedication will be there,” promised the red and white helmsman, who prefers to sell sweat rather than false illusions.
Total endorsement of the “Ant” González: “Anxiety does not play”
Where Milito also does not create storms in a glass of water is in Armando 'Hormiga' González's scoring drought. The youth squad returned deflated after a 2026 World Cup where he was practically a ghost (he barely added 10 minutes in Mexico's participation) and his gunpowder got wet in the League, especially in the recent duel against Juárez.
For Milito, this is just a blip and he doesn't plan to let go of his jewel: "I spoke with Armando on his post-World Cup return and after the game against Juárez... He knows the trust we all have in him. This streak will not change our minds. He is still the same player who gave us 24 goals in one season."
Far from punishing him, the Argentine coach assured that when a player has a bad time, that is when he is most committed to getting it back. The plan with the 'Ant' is pure patience and zero pressure in the area: "The great forwards in the world have moments when the goal becomes elusive... The challenge is for him to find the goal again, which he will, there is no doubt. Hopefully tomorrow; if not, the next game. But everything is achieved from calm. Anxiety is not a good advisor."
