How do you follow a disappointing exit from the quarterfinals of the Liguilla? According to some, with a disappointing showing in the offseason.
Club America failed to make significant changes in the 2015 Liga MX draft. With a slew of names rumored to be on the club's target list, only Osmar Mares, Adrian Marin and Javier Guemez were confirmed on Wednesday.
One name absent from said confirmations is Matias "el Chavo" Alustiza.
The Argentine had rumored interest from America (via Esto)—along with Atlas and Monterrey—but any transfer failed to come to fruition in the late hours. Given Pablo Marini's evaluation of the 31-year-old, that proved to be of little surprise.
"He's a very valuable player, one many clubs are interested in," Marini said. "And that's something the board must assess to ensure it does not damage us, not only economically, but also at the football level. [The bids for Alustiza] are tempting, but we also have a list of replacements."
"The player is very happy and if no deal is worked out, he will gladly stay," Marini added. "We all want him to stay. He wants to see the possibility of staying, but it depends on tomorrow's possibilities to see what happens."
Despite Alustiza's productive Clausura campaign—he finished with nine goals in 16 appearances—his transfer would have done little to solve America's issues. Gustavo Matosas struggled mightily to find a balanced midfield last season, resulting in an inconsistent performance that culminated in an embarrassing elimination to Pachuca at the Estadio Azteca.
Adding Alustiza would only exacerbate the situation. Less isn't always more, but that will prove to be the case for America this offseason.
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