‘We deserve to be back-to-back champions’: Joel Huiqui sends message ahead of Clásico Joven against América

Ahead of this weekend's Clásico Joven against América, Cruz Azul manager Joel Huiqui delivered a determined message as his team prepares to defend their title. In a pre-match press conference, Huiqui asserted that his team deserves to be back-to-back champions (bicampeones) and is ready for a challenging week with two crucial matches: the derby against América in Liga MX and the Campeones Cup final against Inter Miami of Lionel Messi. “We deserve to be back-to-back champions. That's what we've been working towards,” Huiqui said, emphasizing that the team has had three good weeks of training to correct mistakes. He revealed that the recent schedule, with only one game every six or seven days, has allowed the coaching staff time to adjust and improve performance. Great news for Cruz Azul is the return of two key pillars: defender Gonzalo Piovi, who missed the last two matches, and forward Rodolfo Rotondi, who was sidelined for eight matches due to injury. Their return gives the team the most complete squad since the start of the season. “We have our pillar players back and that brings confidence,” Huiqui shared. “What people will see today in the game will be different,” he added, suggesting a tactical and mental shift after the training block. Beyond the derby focus, Huiqui also revealed a new addition: defender Ralph Orquin, who hasn't played in 13 months and joined Cruz Azul on a free transfer after not being renewed by América. Orquin was 'frozen' throughout Clausura 2026 at América, and now he will begin his recovery process under Huiqui. “We always look for opportunities for players with the profile for the institution,” Huiqui explained about the deal. “He is an active player of the club, and we will gradually integrate him.” Although Orquin will need time to regain form, the move is seen as a low-cost, high-potential gamble for the blue team. Bringing in a player from arch-rival América also adds narrative spice. Regarding the fixture plan, Huiqui confirmed that his number one priority is Saturday's derby, before thinking about Wednesday's Campeones Cup final against Inter Miami featuring Lionel Messi. “First think about the next rival,” Huiqui said. “We analyze the Campeones Cup, but without losing sight of América.” This suggests the team will field its strongest lineup for the derby and might rotate for the MLS opponent. The atmosphere ahead of the derby is even more heated as Huiqui admitted that “there is always that taste of revenge” when facing América. Although no specific results were mentioned, the quote hints at a recent unfavorable head-to-head record. As reigning champions, Cruz Azul faces huge pressure in this two-match week. A win against América would boost morale, while a poor result could erode confidence before the final against Inter Miami. However, Huiqui remains steadfast: “We are the champion team; our essence was never lost.” Cruz Azul fans are surely eager to see their team's performance in this heated derby. Will Joel Huiqui's team realize the “deserve to be back-to-back champions” claim? The answer will be on the pitch.