Victor Vucetich at Chivas 2020/21 – tactical analysis

The managerial merry-go-round in the Liga MX is one that is known across the globe. It does not take much for clubs to give managers their marching orders in Mexico. Four games into Liga MX and already two managers have been given the chop. Being a head coach in Guadalajara was an unfortunate job role the past few weeks, as Atlas removed their coach Rafa Puente.

Across town, Chivas Guadalajara were also swinging the managerial axe. Luis Fernando Tena was removed from his position after only one year in charge. Chivas had made great efforts to push the team on and end their playoff drought. The 2020 Guardianes did not get off to a great start. Two losses, one draw and zero goals meant Tena’s time was up. To add insult to injury, Tena missed the first game due to COVID along with some key players. This will not have helped his cause, as Chivas looked very strong in the previous Clausura.

However, Chivas have made the decision and new boss Victor Vucetich is now at the helm. Vucetich, also known as King Midas, has over 30 years of experience coaching in Mexico and will certainly bring a lot of experience. In that time, he has won five Liga MX championships and three CONCACAF Champions Leagues. Vucetich was very successful in his spell with Monterrey back in 2010-2013 era.

In this tactical analysis, we will examine the tactical approach King Midas will bring to Chivas. The analysis will primarily focus on his 2019/20 season at Querétaro and see how his philosophy may work in Guadalajara.

What to expect from Vucetich

As mentioned, Vucetich has managed in Liga MX for some time, so he knows the league better than most. Vucetich has had various success and only left his last job at Querétaro at the end of last season. Vucetich performed very well at Querétaro finishing fourth in the 2019 Apertura. The Mexican did not leave on bad terms and ultimately decided to leave due to the boards unwillingness to strengthen the squad and looking to cut costs.

The first part of the analysis will look to examine the philosophy Vucetich employed at Querétaro and how this might change the way Chivas play.

Above are several statistics comparing both Chivas and Querétaro in the 2019/20 season. Each statistic shows the rank within the league, with first being the highest/most. The first thing we see is the increased attacking emphasis Vucetich prefers. Last year Querétaro had the ninth highest xG, whereas Chivas were only 13th. Querétaro also averaged 12.38 shots per 90, compared to Chivas’ 10.91.

This part of the analysis also gives us the first insight into how Vucetich gets his team in attacking spaces. There will clearly be a greater emphasis on getting the ball in the box, from wide and central areas. Vucetich’s Querétaro attempted the fourth most deep completions and the 10th most crosses. These are two areas Chivas were lacking in, so Chivas fans can expect a big change in attacking style. This improved attacking outlook can only be a good thing for a Chivas team who failed to score in their first three games.