By RYAN TOLMICH
Although it wasn’t as easy as many expected, Santos Laguna claimed the Liga MX Clausura title.
After earning a 5-0 victory in the opening leg, Santos Laguna was defeated, 3-0, Sunday by Queretaro, earning the club its fifth title by way of a 5-3 aggregate scoreline.
The lowest seeded team in the Liguilla, Santos Laguna surrendered three first half goals, as Queretaro earned hope of a comeback with finishes from Mario Osuna, Yasser Corona and Angel Sepulveda. Despite the introduction of Ronaldinho for the final half hour, Queretaro would be unable to find another finish, as Santos Laguna held on to claim the Clausura crown.
Here are some more news and notes to kick off your Monday morning:
KLOPP TO TAKE BREAK AFTER DORTMUND DEPARTURE
Jurgen Klopp has been linked to quite a few high-profile jobs since announcing his decision to depart Borussia Dortmund. However, the German manager intends to take none of them for the time being.
Klopp says that he will take a break from the game after seven years in charge of Dortmund. Klopp, who claimed two Bundesliga crowns with the club, had previously been linked with the Real Madrid and Liverpool managerial positions.
“After seven intensive and emotional years of ‘real love’,” Klopp said, “it makes sense to digest the uncountable memories before I and my coaching team take over a new challenge fresh and highly motivated.”
The club fell in Klopp’s last game with the club in what turned out to be a 3-1 loss to Wolfsburg in the DFB-Pokal final.
YAYA TOURE CONFIRMS MAN CITY STAY
Yaya Toure is set to remain a Manchester City player after all.
Despite being linked with a move abroad, the Ivory Coast midfielder says that he will remain with Man City in an effort to help continue the club’s push into Europe’s elite.
“I will definitely stay,” Toure said. “The fans don’t have to be worried.”
“My target this year is to try to do everything possible to make this team improve well and I am sure with my experience, maybe I hope, with the players coming in a couple of weeks, a couple of months, definitely it is going to be a strong City next year.”
Toure went on to state that his biggest goal is to claim a Champions League title with the club. Having won the competition with Barcelona in 2009, Toure is hoping to bring that same experience to Man City, who has faltered in Europe in recent seasons.
“It is one of my big targets because City have been in the shadow of [Manchester] United for so long,” Toure said. “Sometimes their fans are coming back, saying we are the top because we have already won the Champions League.
“What I want for the fans is the Champions League. I will do everything that’s possible.”
QUICK KICKS
Rafael Benitez is “excited” by the imminent announcement of his hiring by Real Madrid. (REPORT)
Lyon president Jean Michel Aulas says that forward Alexandre Lacazette will not be moving to Liverpool despite reports linking the two sides. (REPORT)
Patrick Viera is reportedly a candidate to become the next manager of Newcastle. (REPORT)
Theo Walcott expects to sign a new contract with Arsenal. (REPORT)
What was your reaction to the Liga MX Clausura final? What do you expect from Klopp when he eventually returns to the game? How will Toure and Man City fare next season?
Share your thoughts below.