Pumas Coach Juárez: Reaching the Final Was Our Preseason Goal; Now We Aim to Win

From the very beginning of the Clausura tournament's preseason, the Pumas UNAM squad harbored a singular ambition: to contest the final. Coach Efraín Juárez affirmed this unwavering objective, stating, 'We had promised to reach the last week of the championship, which is the final week. In the preseason, we already had that goal in mind. The group believed, and above all, worked hard; the preseason was exhausting, and then we worked hard day and night.' This determination has propelled the team to a final showdown against archrivals Cruz Azul.

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We had promised to reach the last week of the championship, which is the final week. In the preseason, we already had that goal in mind. The group believed, and above all, worked hard; the preseason was exhausting, and then we worked hard day and night.

Juárez, who took the helm during a challenging period for the team, has masterfully guided the university club from a slump to leading the regular season and now to the final. He emphasized the team's current state of mind, noting, 'The training today was like any other day because we have been playing finals every eight days, due to the demand to turn the situation around at every moment. Today was no exception; we didn't do anything strange, the guys had fun, excited about tomorrow's game.' This mindset reflects a team that thrives under pressure, viewing each match as a crucial step towards their ultimate goal.

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The training today was like any other day because we have been playing finals every eight days, due to the demand to turn the situation around at every moment. Today was no exception; we didn't do anything strange, the guys had fun, excited about tomorrow's game.

The final presents a compelling narrative for Pumas, who are vying for their eighth league title against a Cruz Azul side aiming for their tenth. Juárez, a product of the Pumas youth system and a former player for the club, highlighted the profound connection he feels to the team. 'None of this would have happened without what I lived at Pumas as a player,' he asserted. This deep-rooted history with the club undoubtedly fuels his commitment and understanding of the team's ethos.

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None of this would have happened without what I lived at Pumas as a player.

Juárez's journey from a young player to the head coach underscores a unique perspective within Mexican football. While many international coaches might bring a different tactical approach, Juárez's intimate knowledge of Pumas' culture and history provides an invaluable advantage. He understands the passion of the fanbase and the club's legacy, which is essential when facing a rival as significant as Cruz Azul. His leadership embodies the spirit of Pumas, demonstrating that homegrown talent and deep institutional knowledge can lead to championship contention. The coach's focus remains sharp: secure the victory, adding another glorious chapter to the Pumas' storied history.

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Many did not want to come to Pumas because the situation was not easy; today everything has changed. Now anything can happen.