InterLiga 2009 "Road to the Copa Libertadores" - December 4, 2008
The Red Devils are fully focused and working nonstop to get ready for their crucial first leg in the semifinals of Mexican soccer's Apertura 2008 against Santos Laguna tonight. Juan Manuel de la Torre has his Toluca side emphasizing physical and defensive aspects in their preparations, which were keys in their reaching the semifinals.
Tecos
After being eliminated from the playoffs in Mexico by Toluca, Tecos de la UAG have fully devoted themselves to preparing for InterLiga 2009. In a statement made on Tecos' official website, Carlos Briones, the club's Sporting Director, noted "One of our objectives is to be in the Copa Libertadores 2009". Tecos begin their road to the Libertadores on Friday, January 2 against Pachuca at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas.
Morelia
The first squad in Monarcas Morelia's preseason campaign was summoned today at the club's facilities. They will undergo standard medical evaluations and physical examinations, after which they will head to Acapulco for 10 days prior to the start of InterLiga 2009. Los Monarcas' first InterLiga opponent will be Toluca on January 2.
Pachuca
Paraguayan Edgar "El Pájaro" Benítez has become the first new addition for Pachuca's 2009 season. The 21-year-old forward has signed on for the next four seasons. The Hidalgo-based side has already flown to Japan where they will begin play in the FIFA Club World Cup against Etoile du Sahel from Tunisia. There is also speculation that the Argentine forward Alfredo Moreno might be the team's next signing.
Tigres UANL
Tigres' directors granted two weeks of vacation to the first team and the coaching staff prior to the 2009 preseason. The squad plans to resume training on Dec. 15, and hopes to schedule two practice matches before travelling to Houston for InterLiga 2009. Tigres' directors will also have to decide on the future of Coach Manolo Lapuente. Tigres will face Atlas in its first contest on the road to the Libertadores.
CD Guadalajara
There was a happy ending to the Efraín Flores' story when the coach's position was ratified by Chivas' Board of Directors and owner Jorge Vergara. Although he had offered his resignation after Chivas failed to qualify for the Apertura 2008 playoffs and was knocked out in the semifinals of the Copa Sudamericana, the directors decided to extend the manager's spell along with his coaching staff for another six months. Chivas plans to begin their preseason work on December 10.
Atlas
The Argentine talisman Bruno Marioni returns to the red-and-blacks after six months with Pachuca. In anticipation of InterLiga 2009, Atlas has scheduled four friendly matches, two of which are against InterLiga participants -- Morelia (Dec. 30), and América (date still to be decided). The other two friendlies are against Dorados (Dec. 17) and Socio Águila (Dec. 20), according to the Coach Darío Franco.
América
On Wednesday, América began their preseason, which will include 10 days of beach training followed by three friendly matches. One of the biggest pieces of news for América is the signing of the left-sided defender Jean Beausejour. The 24-year-old Chilean has played for clubs Universidad Católica and Cobreloa in Chile, Gremio in Brazil, and Belgian side Gent. According to rumors, the talented Colombian Andrés Chitiva who played for Indios de Ciudad Juárez last season on loan from Pachuca, could end up with América. Manager Ramón Díaz affirmed that he will remain in charge of América, dispelling the rumors of a possible return to Argentina's River Plate.
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