Ahead of Mexico’s Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals against Jamaica, Cruz Azul manager Joel Huiqui publicly questioned national team coach Rafa Márquez over squad selections. Huiqui voiced frustration regarding omissions like Charly Rodríguez while addressing the media before a crucial Liga MX fixture against Tigres UANL.
Cruz Azul Faces Roster Valuation and Rotation Risks
- Roster Valuation: Andrés Montaño’s inclusion in El Tri following a stellar Apertura 2026 campaign is noted in the context of his performances with Cruz Azul.
- Rotation Risk: Cruz Azul’s ongoing uncertainty between goalkeepers Kevin Mier and Andrés Gudiño is a topic of discussion surrounding the team.
- International Fatigue: Call-ups for Erik Lira, Jesús Chiquete Orozco, and Montaño introduce heavy minutes management concerns heading into the decisive phase of the tournament.
Joel Huiqui Criticizes National Team Communication Channels
The tension surrounding El Tri selection parameters boiled over when Cruz Azul manager Joel Huiqui addressed reporters ahead of his side’s weekend clash at the Estadio Universitario de Nuevo León. While Rafa Márquez finalized his roster for the upcoming continental series against Jamaica, Huiqui made no effort to hide his dissatisfaction with the communication channel between Liga MX benches and the national team setup.
The Cruz Azul tactician pointedly remarked on the lack of clarity regarding specific player statuses within his locker room. “Para mí sería muy padre recibir la información de que se confirma si es Charly, si es Erik, el mismo Montaño u Omar Campos,” Huiqui stated to the press, registering a clear grievance over Charly Rodríguez missing out on the cut while teammates secured their tickets.
El Tri will face the Reggae Boys in a two-legged series on November 14 and November 17, matches carrying massive weight for direct qualification to the Gold Cup and a spot in the Nations League Final Four. Within that high-stakes context, Huiqui emphasized that consistent minutes remain the sole currency for international recognition. “Mientras más minutos tengan como titulares o entren de cambio, tendrán más oportunidades de ser observados por el entrenador de la Selección Mexicana,” he argued.
Montaño’s Rise and the Squad Dynamics
TUDN had previously reported the impending call-up, pointing to the attacking midfielder’s explosive run of form in the Apertura 2026 tournament. Montaño, who joined La Máquina for the Apertura 2024 season, endured a brutal eight-month layoff following an external knee ligament rupture in May 2025 that forced him to miss 29 matches.
Yet, the midfielder’s response upon returning to elite action justified Márquez’s confidence. Across 11 league appearances in the current campaign, Montaño notched five consecutive goalscoring performances alongside four assists, cementing his creative hub status under Huiqui’s tactical scheme.
| Player | Apertura 2026 Appearances | Goals / Contributions | National Team Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erik Lira | Regular Starter | Tactical Anchor | Called up vs. Jamaica |
| Charly Rodríguez | Regular Starter | Key Playmaker | Notable Omission |
Récord highlighted Montaño’s emotional reflections on returning to the national team setup after his initial 2024 exposure. “Sí, obvio, todos tenemos en mente representar a tu país y si me toca en algún momento yo estaré contento,” Montaño shared in an exclusive interview. He now faces a fierce battle for minutes against established domestic anchors like Erik Lira, teenage sensation Gilberto Mora, and overseas talents such as Obed Vargas and Álvaro Fidalgo.
The Goalkeeping Conundrum at Cruz Azul
Beyond national team friction, Huiqui has handled a delicate internal battle regarding the starting goalkeeper role at La Máquina. The recent fixture against Tigres brought Kevin Mier back between the posts after Andrés Gudiño started three consecutive matches in his absence, creating a selection dilemma that continues to draw media attention.
Huiqui addressed the situation by praising the mutual respect between the two goalkeepers. “Hay una hermandad muy particular, la comparto y la envidio,” Huiqui noted, highlighting Gudiño’s reliability during Mier’s injury layoff while honoring the Colombian international’s high-level experience.
As Cruz Azul competes in the Apertura 2026 tournament alongside El Tri's commitments, Huiqui's comments draw attention to how national team call-ups are evaluated.
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