Gabriel Milito turned to the academy to cover for injury absences at Chivas and highlighted Leonel Calderón and Carlos Hernández’s first minutes in the First Division against Atlas. For the coach, expanding the squad’s options will be important in the six matches Guadalajara has left in the Apertura 2026 regular season.
At the press conference after the Clásico Tapatío, Milito explained that injuries have kept him from having the full team available during the tournament. Even so, he said he has players who can fill in for those absences and praised the club-developed players for being ready to join the first team.
The coach praised both debutants’ performances and, in particular, Hernández’s contribution at a time when several defenders were unavailable. His assessment went beyond effort: he noted that Chivas was able to build its attacks from a back three during the first half against Atlas.
For the final stretch, Milito outlined two tasks: improve the team’s play and find more options. He also said that getting the injured players back would help strengthen the team ahead of the liguilla. With six matches remaining, the coach gave each one the importance of a final.
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