Cruz Azul: Iván Alonso’s Project Unveiled by Ricardo Peláez

Elimination against Flamengo in the 2025 Intercontinental Cup reopened a hot topic in Cruz Azul. With the fans divided, the highest investment in Liga MX and the pressure for the Décima increasing, the debate exploded again on ESPN when Ricardo Peláez and Javier Alarcón crossed paths in a discussion that put every decision of Ivan Alonso: To what extent has your management been a success or a failure?

Peláez, a figure recognized for being a manager in the recent history of Cruz Azul, did not hesitate to express his disagreement with the positive view that some maintain about Alonso. With his direct style, He pointed to the heart of the project: economic investment and sports results: “two years, almost 100 million dollars, zero Liga MX titles, one from Concacaf and with a coach they did not want…”.

“I’m not that good at management. The team was already competing before. In these two years it seems to me that it has fallen short“He said. The former manager emphasized that Cruz Azul has also reached the finals and semifinals before Alonso, so the competitive rebound – according to him – is not the exclusive merit of this stage.

The sports director is targeted again after the elimination from Liga MX and the defeat in the Intercontinental Cup. (Imago7)

On the other hand, Alarcón presented a completely opposite reading. For him, Alonso’s management has not only been positive: it has been outstanding from “the desks”. And to support it he released data: he explained that, after the title with Juan Reynoso, there were five tournaments with irregular performances. “Alonso arrives and has a 1st, 2nd and twice 3rd. In these two years Cruz Azul has 143 points in the regular season13 more than three-time champion América and 2 more than champion Toluca,” he explained.

He also pointed out that the eliminations have always come before America at the time or in specific circumstances: “What is a sports director going to do if Mier fails you, if Piovi fails you or if they take a penalty? They are very specific thingsFor Alarcón, the Uruguayan has already fulfilled his part: providing the team with elite raw materials.

The numbers of Iván Alonso’s management in Cruz Azul

Data is perfect fuel for debate. Although his management has led Cruz Azul to compete as it did not do so consistently for years, the absence of the Liga MX title maintains a shadow that is difficult to ignore. Since its arrival for Clausura 2024, They have played 103 games (Liga MX, Liguilla, Concachampions and Intercontinental Cup) with a balance of 55 wins, 32 draws and only 16 losses, with 53% effectiveness.

On the other hand, the instances reached support Alarcón’s line of argument. In two years, Cruz Azul has been able to play two finals (one from Liga MX and another from Concachampions) and to reach three semi-finalstwo of them against América, and the remaining against Tigres.

What’s coming: Alonso and Larcamón work for 2026

With the closing of a 2025 marked by disappointments in the Liguilla and the Intercontinental Cup, Iván Alonso and Nicolás Larcamón would already be working to design a renewed Cruz Azul for Closing 2026. Planning includes managing possible strategic exits to free up foreign spots and give prominence to players who can make a difference in decisive moments.

Nicolás Larcamón maintained his continuity and works alongside Iván Alonso for 2026. (Imago7)

Larcamón’s intention is for the squad to regain energy to start a new cycle in a few weeks. It is speculated that The Cruz Azul market is quite busy as there are players who have interesting offers. Besides, The coach would aim for the arrival of Agustín Palavecinothat of a forward to replace Ángel Sepúlveda, and a defender to cover the loss of Jesús Orozco Chiquete.