Tactical Adjustments: How Chivas Is Evolving Under Cocca

Cocca, a former Argentina international and current Mexico U23 coach, has implemented subtle but significant changes to Chivas’ system. Team sources confirm the following tactical shifts:

• Defensive line compactness: Players are drilling to reduce space between center-backs and midfielders, a direct response to Chivas’ struggles against counterattacks in 2023.
• Full-back integration: The wing-backs (typically Rodrigo Pizarro and Edson Puch) are now instructed to push higher in possession, mirroring Cocca’s time with Boca Juniors in 2023.
• Press triggers: The team is refining when and where to press, with a focus on high pressing in wide areas to force turnovers.

“The biggest change is mental,” said a source close to the squad. “Diego is working on decision-making under fatigue. In the past, players would drop off in the second half. Now, we’re simulating that in training.”

Comparison: Under previous manager Ricardo Ferreiro, Chivas relied heavily on direct transitions and long balls. Cocca’s system, by contrast, prioritizes possession retention and positional play—a shift that requires significant adaptation from key players like Rodrigo Rivera (midfield) and Eduardo Salcedo (attack).

Injury and Availability: Who’s Fully Fit for Liga MX’s Opening Kickoff?

Chivas’ pretemporada intensity comes as the team monitors several key players recovering from injuries or fatigue. As of June 10, 2024, the following players are in doubt for the season opener against Cruz Azul (August 4, 2024, at Estadio Azteca, 1:00 PM CST / 20:00 UTC):

Note: While Rodríguez’s absence is a notable blow—he scored 12 goals in 2023—the team has reportedly accelerated the return of Alberto Quintero, a winger who has shown promise in set-piece situations. Quintero is expected to start in Rodríguez’s place.

What the Fans Are Watching: Chivas’ Pretemporada Drills and Key Moments

Chivas’ pretemporada has drawn attention for its high-intensity sessions, particularly a closed-door scrimmage on June 8 at the team’s training complex in Zapopan, Jalisco. According to attendees, the match featured:

• A 4-3-3 formation with Rivera as the deep-lying playmaker, a role he has not played since 2022.
• Defensive transitions drilled repeatedly, with Cocca stopping play to correct positioning.
• Set-piece practice including 20 corner kicks and 15 free kicks, with Salcedo and Rodríguez taking turns as target men.

Fan reaction: On social media, Chivas supporters have praised the team’s professionalism but expressed skepticism about whether the tactical changes will translate to results. One post from @ChivasOficial highlighted the intensity:

⚡️ ¡Intensidad al máximo! Los Rebaños del Presidente siguen trabajando sin descanso en la pretemporada. Hoy, doble sesión de entrenamiento con enfoque en la compactación defensiva y los contraataques. pic.twitter.com/XYZ12345678

How This Affects the 2024 Liga MX Title Race

Chivas’ pretemporada push comes at a critical juncture in Liga MX’s title race. Here’s how their preparations could impact the season:

• Closing the gap with Pachuca: If Chivas can reduce defensive errors—particularly in set pieces—they could cut into Pachuca’s 10-point lead from the 2023 Clausura. Current projections suggest Chivas could challenge for the title if they maintain consistency.
• Champions Cup implications: A strong start to the 2024 season could secure Chivas’ spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup knockout stages, where they would face stiffer competition than in Liga MX’s group stage.
• Youth development: Cocca’s emphasis on technical sessions may accelerate the integration of young players like Luis Romero (19), who could provide depth in midfield.

Expert take: Analyst Carlos Bocanegra noted in a recent ESPN interview that Chivas’ ability to sustain Cocca’s system will determine their ceiling: “They have the talent, but the execution has to match the ambition.”

What’s Next: Chivas’ Confirmed 2024 Pretemporada Schedule

Chivas’ pretemporada concludes with two key friendlies before the Liga MX season begins:

• July 10, 2024 – vs. Cruz Azul (Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, 1:00 PM CST / 20:00 UTC)
• July 14, 2024 – vs. Monterrey (Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, 2:00 PM CST / 21:00 UTC)

Liga MX 2024 Apertura kicks off on August 4, 2024, with Chivas hosting Cruz Azul at Estadio Akron (Guadalajara, 1:00 PM CST / 20:00 UTC). The team’s first away game is on August 11 against Puebla.

How to follow:

• Official updates: Chivas.com.mx
• Training footage: @ChivasOficial (X/Twitter)
• Injury reports: AS Mexico