Xolos de Tijuana appoint Cirilo Saucedo as interim manager

Xolos de Tijuana have appointed Cirilo Saucedo as interim manager, replacing Ricardo Valiño just 24 hours after his departure. 

The Liga MX team parted ways with Valiño on Monday, February 6, due to a string of negative results. Xolos remain winless in the 2023 Clausura, tallying a total of four draws and one loss to land in 14th place on the table with just four points.

"Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente informs that Professor Ricardo Valiño has ceased to be the technical director of our team. We thank Ricardo and his coaching staff for their work and commitment to our institution, wishing him every success in his future projects,” said the club in a release. 

Saucedo will now take over, joining the senior squad after leading Xolos’ Under 20 team. He’s formed an integral part of the organization, serving first as a goalkeeper for three years before transitioning into a coach upon retirement. The new interim manager also inspired Xolos to their only league title, leading from goal in the 2012 Apertura final against Toluca. 

Though this will be his first experience with a senior team, Saucedo has previously served as an assistant coach in all youth level teams from Under 14 to Under 20. 

Xolos return to action on Friday, February 10 when hosting Atletico San Luis at the Estadio Caliente.