Fernando Ortiz dismisses criticism from Monterrey's Leagues Cup exit

Monterrey head coach Fernando 'Tano' Ortiz believes that his side have nothing to hang their heads about after their 2-0 Leagues Cup semi-final defeat to Nashville SC.

Supporters of Monterrey as well as Liga MX fans will no doubt be a little disappointed that Rayados were dumped out of the competition and that a Mexican club won't lift the trophy on August 19. But while Ortiz would've obviously wanted his side to advance to the final, he doesn't agree with the idea that Monterrey flat-out failed.

"No, failing is not trying, I always try," Ortiz said. "Making goals, this sport is about that, if you don't make goals it's difficult to win. At times we were superior, Nashville had a great game, I congratulate you, keep working, there's no more."

The former Club America boss, who took charge of Monterrey earlier this summer, has guided his side to second place in the 2023 Liga MX Apertura with seven points from three games played. With summer signing Sergio Canales off to a fine start in his new colors, there will be heightened expectations for Rayados to build off their Leagues Cup run as the Apertura campaign resumes play.

"We knew how Nashville played at home, there was a reason they were in a semi-final like us, they were better, we must admit, that should not be avoided as they sometimes do, hopefully they can have a good final," said Ortiz.

The five-time winners of the Concacaf Champions League (now re-branded to Concacaf Champions Cup) are back in action on August 19 against Philadelphia Union for the Leagues Cup third-place match. Their return to Liga MX play is scheduled for August 27 against the Ricardo 'Tuca' Ferretti-less Cruz Azul.

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