Javier "Chicharito" Hernández, once the pride of Mexican football, now finds himself facing tumultuous challenges at Chivas Guadalajara. After returning to the club where he began his professional career, his performance has not met the expectations of fans or the coaching staff. Increasingly overshadowed by the arrival of fellow forward Alan Pulido, Hernández's future at Chivas appears to be on shaky ground.
Since his return from the Los Angeles Galaxy, which created excitement among supporters, Hernández has struggled to find form. Over the course of his three tournaments, he has managed only one goal and one assist across 24 matches. Desirée Monsiváis, a former player and current analyst, recently addressed the situation, noting the toll his ego seems to have taken on his performance. "There's a moment when the ego betrays you," she remarked during a discussion on ESPN, highlighting the need for introspection on Hernández's part.
The situation has become more fraught with the introduction of Pulido, who quickly made his mark with the team, scoring on his debut. Hernández's dissatisfaction reportedly stemmed from this competition for places, leaving him feeling overlooked and frustrated. "It impacts the ego completely," Monsiváis commented, asserting the need for Hernández to reconsider his approach to the game and the decisions he makes.
Statistically, Hernández's output has been troubling. Last season, he played only 307 minutes, finishing without any goals, and has clocked just 174 minutes this season with similar results. This rapid decline from once being the face of the franchise to struggling for minutes has fueled talk of his departure from Chivas. Reports have indicated he has asked to leave the team.
Hernández's current contract, reportedly worth around $3 million annually, poses another challenge, as the club weighs financial responsibility against his waning contribution. Should he depart, it would not only relieve Chivas of his financial burden, but also open up opportunities for other players.
The looming question now is what will come next for Hernández. On one hand, retirement seems like a possibility, especially considering his minimal contributions and frustrations. Yet, options within the MLS, including the new franchise San Diego FC, are also rumored. The thought of closing his career with another stint abroad could be appealing, especially with connections to former teammates like Hirving "Chucky" Lozano.
When Hernández originally returned to Chivas, fans were hopeful he would rekindle his past glory and lead the team to success. Instead, the narrative of the past year has woven injuries and poor form, alongside the emergence of younger talent within the squad. While the club prepares for upcoming matches, including the Concachampions fixture against Cibao, questions surrounding Hernández's role persist.
Acknowledging his earlier statements about wanting to retire at Chivas, it’s becoming evident his ambitions may not align with the club's recent changes. Many wonder if staying amid current circumstances would merely serve as consolation without the competitive edge he once thrived upon.
Looking forward, only time will tell if Chicharito can overcome this difficult moment and rediscover the form and impact he once had, or if it marks the beginning of the end for his storied career. For now, fans can only speculate whether he will choose to remain at Chivas, embrace the challenge of competing for his position, or explore opportunities elsewhere.