Miguel Herrera, during a match.
Miguel
El Piojo
Herrera is out of America.
The Club announced on Monday the coach's departure after a losing streak that ended in elimination in the quarterfinals of the Liga MX and in the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup.
"The results that have been obtained in sports and the attitudes on the field do not meet the greatness of the institution, nor are they expected by the board, much less the fans," said the team in a statement.
Herrera, considered the most successful coach of the Azulcrema team, broke the record for victories this season, reached four finals and won two league championships with the eagles.
Last weekend's defeat against Los Angeles FC made the board's patience last.
Those led by Herrera were not able to maintain a one-goal advantage or take advantage of a questioned expulsion and were humiliated by Carlos Vela's team, who were dispatched with two goals.
In addition to the 3-1 loss, Herrera spoke at halftime with an LAFC assistant, in an altercation that led to slapping.
The Mexican coach was sent off and had to coach from the stands during the second half, sparking mockery from the American fans.
At the end of November, América were eliminated against Chivas de Guadalajara, their greatest rival, in the league for the local tournament title.
After the losing streak, America went empty-handed in the local tournament and lost the opportunity to play the Club World Cup.
"We wish Mr. Herrera the best of luck," said the club.
It is not the first time that Herrera, a technician known for his character and effusiveness, has lost his job due to a controversial incident.
El Piojo became known outside of Mexico for his intense celebrations at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but had to leave the bench of the Mexican national team after attacking a journalist who criticized him after being eliminated in the 2015 Copa América. first step from 2011 to 2013, he returned in 2017 for a second stage at the helm of América.
He criticized the referees, provoked rivals, spoke loudly to his players, faced the stands when challenged.
Although he never wore his jersey as a player, Herrera's explosiveness and winning mentality fit with the Americanist philosophy, the team with the most championships in Mexico and also the most hated.
They also made him a visible target for complaints from fans.
In recent months, if not years, it had become common for the
hashtag
#FueraPiojo to go viral on social media after the team played poorly or lost.
"The league was a failure for us," Herrera said after losing to Chivas.
"It was a difficult tournament, but that is not a pretext," he added about the injuries and the cases of covid-19 that reduced his roster.
"As long as I maintain good numbers, I will continue with the team for many more years," said the coach last September, in response to criticism on social networks.
Although shortly after he resorted to a statement that became a
mantra
during his second stage at the club: "In this team you have to win titles, if you are not out."
After marking an era in the Coapa team, the coach's future is unknown, although his name has already sounded for other Mexican teams and even for national teams.
He has confessed that he would like to try his luck abroad, an opportunity that has not materialized.
América has not announced a replacement, but has announced that it is already evaluating several candidates for the next tournament, which begins in January.