Roberto Hernández appeared before the media after Xelajú MC qualified for the semifinals of Clausura 2026 and did not hide the complications that his team will have facing the series against Comunicaciones.
The Mexican coach confirmed that the Superchivos arrive with significant losses in several positions, starting with the goal where Rubén Darío Silva is still out due to a ruptured Achilles tendon and Nery Lobos could not play against Marquense due to a muscle injury that has not yet been ruled out as a rupture. “Nery apparently has a muscle tear, apparently it is not serious, he is not strong and we are trying to recover him for the next series,” explained Hernández about the situation of his second goalkeeper.
Regarding the third goalkeeper Estuardo Chang, who took over as the starter against Marquense, Hernández was positive and highlighted the attitude of the young goalkeeper in the face of an unprecedented situation. “We told Tato to play, to enjoy it. There are many players who have never played in a league in their lives, so I told him to enjoy it”said the coach, who also revealed that the fact of not being able to count on Lobos did move their plans. “We were moved by Nery, we hoped to have him, he has had good performances lately and we decided not to risk him,” Hernandez admitted.
The casualties are not limited to the goal. Jesús “Chucho” López is serving a suspension for the expulsion in the first leg against Marquense and although the club will seek to appeal for the sanction to be reduced to one match, his presence in the first semi-final against Comunicaciones is very doubtful. Elmer Cardoza and Kevin Ruiz are also out, although they could go to the bench without being 100% recovered. Given so many absences, Hernández decided to include several youth players on the bench for the match against Marquense, a decision that reflects the coach’s confidence in the new generations of the Quetzaltecan club.
A resilient squad
Despite the accumulation of casualties, Hernández was confident in his group’s ability to face the challenges ahead. “We are resilient, we put ourselves before everything, injuries, tears, the team takes it very well,” stated the coach, making it clear that the team’s spirit will not be affected by the absences. Hernández also spoke about how he sees Comunicaciones heading into the semifinals and did not underestimate the white rival. “They are a difficult opponent, strong at home and who has improved, with this new striker they have”said the strategist.
The coach also left a message of confidence about his team’s options in the league.. “We have many elements to be champions, we are resilient”said Hernandez.
The first leg of the semifinals between Comunicaciones and Xelajú MC will be played on Thursday, May 7 at the Cementos Progreso Stadium, where the Cremas will seek to take advantage of their home status to take advantage in a series that promises to be of a high level between two of the most important teams in Guatemalan soccer.