A CONFIDENT LEADER

TIJUANA – Javier Gandolfi has seen many things in his prominent soccer career. He has experienced a variety of scenarios. Losing three straight after being the top team in the LIGA MX for most of the 2015 Clauura is nothing different.

But the Xoloitzcuintles defender is looking forward to helping his team turn things around from the three-match losing streak heading into this Friday night’s Week 14 match against first place Chivas of Guadalajara at Estadio Caliente. 

“I don’t think anyone was prepared for this fall based on how the team was playing,” Gandolfi said following the intense Monday morning practice. “We are coming off three consecutive losses. It is a difficult moment for the team because we weren’t prepared for this but it is happening. We have to turn the page. 

“(We have) know that there are four games left in which we have a main objective which is to enter the playoffs. So we hope this week we can get back to winning at home.”

Club Tijuana returned to practice on Monday morning at the Estadio Caliente as it looks to get back to winning ways against Chivas after falling to Cruz Azul, Monterrey and Queretaro.

Gandolfi is confident his side can turn things around.

The Argentine born and naturalized Mexican has worn the captain’s armband at Club Tijuana since the team played in Mexico’s second division. He has been through difficult times like fighting relegation and sweet moments like being crowned league champions. And he fully expects his side to battle out of the current situation.

“I think the important thing is to maintain the confidence which can be lost in these moments,” Gandolfi said. “When results don’t go your way you can start to have doubt. But we need to stay calm keep working and the most important thing is to stay united.

 “In the good times we are there now in bad (times) even more united we have to be.”

Friday night against Chivas of Guadalajara, the Xoloitzcuintles will be facing the new league leaders and one of the most storied teams in Mexican soccer history.

“Intense, like all of the games we play against them,” mentioned Gandolfi. “ It is one of Mexico’s biggest teams. And like you said they are in first place and far away from the relegation problems it was fighting at the start.

“So hopefully it will be a good game for the fans and hopefully we get the three points here at home.”