“An intellectual says a simple thing in a hard way. An artist says a hard thing in a simple way.” - Charles Bukowski
The Chivas vs Diablos match this upcoming Sunday afternoon will predictably guarantee fan fulfillment.
Why?
Setting aside the fact that after the 2006 final, any game between Guadalajara and Toluca is expected to be an all out slug fest.
It’s a matter of pride.
And something else.
Statistically, Toluca and Guadalajara have divided points over the last ten years. Chivas has won 6 tied 11 and lost 7.
Both teams play an attractive offensive fútbol. Basing their game play on ball recovery and forward pressing. On average ball possession for both teams has been between 45 and 50 % per game with a high number of shots on target but with few goals.
Recent results have been far from promising for both squads which got off to a slow start when compared with the other top teams, with a slight advantage in favor of Toluca which is currently in 5th place with 9 points followed closely by Chivas with 7.
Experts have described Vucetich’s style as defensive. I differ. He bases his game management on pressing and ball possession with quick counter attacks. Futbol Total. Tiki Taka. With our current roster, he cant go wrong.
Chepo on the other hand, has an offensive management style also with high pressing. And he hates losing. Especially to the team where he started off professionally, where he won a championship, the ninth, and where he led the team to lift the eleventh Championship Cup. Chepo is family. You know what happens when brothers fight.
Both management styles promise an attractive, offensive game.
Management styles and ...
The pandemic?
Allow me to ‘splain myself
Fan experience has evolved.
The rapidly emerging world of E-Sports has enhanced fan enjoyment in a virtual environment.
As I mentioned in a previous article, CHIVASTV has done a magnificent job in providing channels not only for consuming the games, but also, via social media, has allowed access to player and team interaction , as well as connecting with fellow fans and the players themselves.
The sharpness of the current competition, particularly as we slowly rebound from the Covid pandemic, has created greater fan participation. And technology has provided the platform for it.
This fan involvement via social networking also includes the players who follow media and fan interaction on the network. They are aware of fan expectations and this enhances their need to perform at the top of their abilities. Networking involvement might function as an incentive for both teams to act altruistically and selflessly to cooperate, and “work together” and GIFT US (Dios nos Oiga) an offensively played game.
WIN WIN.
Imagine if the teams of the Liga Mx looked at matches as a way of selling their brand.
We, the fan base, would be blessed with magnificently played matches. If you were able to watch the European or Champion League’s knock out rounds the last couple of weeks you have to admit you were witness to the highest level of competition.
WIN WIN WIN
The Win-Win principle allows teams to access new possibilities, to organize their actions based on integrity, and commitment and values. It would also allow them to improve their relationship with their fans, the bread and butter of their institutions.
That, and the fact that the teams of our affections had us at “Hello”.
