Jardine Considers Unexpected Defensive Shift for América’s Liguilla Opener
América enters the Liguilla facing notable pressure, matched up against a strong Monterrey side. Coach André Jardine is seeking a reliable lineup for the quarterfinals, but is reportedly considering a surprising change in central defense.
The key decision revolves around who will partner Sebastián Cáceres in the heart of the backline. While Ramón Juárez enjoyed a standout regular season, establishing himself as a consistent and dominant starter, sources indicate Jardine is leaning towards veteran Igor Lichnovsky.
This potential move is unexpected given the contrasting form of the two players. Juárez had “one of his best tournaments,” proving ”reliable, regular and dominant.” Conversely, Lichnovsky saw limited playing time and “never recovered his best version,” failing to challenge juárez for the starting role.
Despite Lichnovsky’s lack of recent form, Jardine apparently values the Chilean’s experience in high-stakes matches. if confirmed, América will field a more experienced defensive pairing, though questions remain about whether that experience can offset a potential lack of match sharpness.
The choice has already sparked debate among América supporters, with the Liguilla ultimately determining whether Jardine’s gamble pays off. The first leg against Monterrey will be a crucial test of this potentially risky decision.
