Carlos Izquierdoz (pictured) has appeared in all five of Santos's 2015-16 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League games. (Photo: Mexsport)
TORREÓN, México – After a 1-1 draw with Puebla on Saturday in the Liga MX Clausura, Santos quickly pivoted its attention to the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal, second leg encounter against the visiting LA Galaxy.
Despite playing for a third time in seven days, the two-time SCCL finalist should have a fresh squad to face the MLS side thanks to head coach Luis Zubeldia’s squad rotation.
Defender Carlos Izquierdoz, who has appeared in all five of Santos’ 2015/16 SCCL matches, believes the policy will provide a boost on Tuesday at the Estadio Corona.
“There is no time to feel sorry for oneself because a match comes right after another one, a final right after a final,” said Izquierdoz. “So we have to correct some things, change the chip and think about the next match in which everyone is going to play who didn’t [on Saturday].”
For some teams, rotation creates problems within a squad, especially for players that want to be on the field at all times. According to Izquierdoz, that’s not the case with the Guerreros.
He pointed out that defender Adrían Aldrete is always ready to play, coming off the bench in the second half of last Wednesday’s 0-0 draw at LA and then following that up with a start against Puebla.
“Aldrete also does well when he is chosen to play,” Izquierdoz commented. “The boys that rotate in midfield and up front also come in fresh. I think if the coach gives them the confidence in regards to rotation it is because they are earning it.”
Santos received the news that striker Djaniny Tavares is available to play against the Galaxy after missing the Puebla game. The 24-year-old Cape Verde international started all four group stage matches and scored three goals.
Also, with midfielder Diego Gonzalez suspended, Zubeldía remarked that Diego De Buen will most likely be asked to step in. De Buen started in the first leg and has appeared in 12 all-time SCCL games.
