Cruz Azul, one of the most prominent teams in Mexican football, has faced significant scrutiny over the past seasons, particularly following their near misses for the title. Key to this story is Rodolfo Rotondi, who, after pivotal mistakes, became the target of fan discontent during the playoffs. The Argentine winger is under renewed scrutiny after two costly penalties led to his team's elimination by Club América, leaving him with the unenviable label of being the villain for his own side.
Despite the turbulence, recent reports indicate Rotondi is unlikely to leave Cruz Azul following the controversy. Speculation mounted when whispers of dissatisfaction with his salary began circulating, especially after his recent contract extension until June 2028. Although the contract included a notable salary increase, Rotondi’s camp reportedly feels his pay is still inadequate compared to other players on the squad.
Yet, according to Adrián Esparza from TUDN, both Rotondi and Cruz Azul wish to continue their relationship. "Rodolfo Rotondi no quiere salir del equipo. Hace unos meses renovó hasta 2028 con Cruz Azul y tampoco está en planes venderlo," he stated. Despite the calls for him to be sold, the club considers him as integral to their squad moving forward.
While Rotondi became the scapegoat for the recent playoff failures, he had previously been celebrated for his contributions throughout the season. His offensive role has been pivotal under coach Martín Anselmi, yet his high-profile errors during the playoff matches cast shadows over his achievements. Fans were particularly upset following the matches when Rotondi was responsible for conceding penalties against América, which led directly to Cruz Azul's defeat.
Nonetheless, it is important to note Rotondi’s commitment to the team. Following the elimination, he took to social media to express his regret, posting, "Perdón por fallarles y gracias por el cariño," which translates to, "Sorry for failing you and thank you for the affection.” This sentiment highlights his recognition of the fans’ passion and his desire to mend the relationship.
The general manager of Récord, Carlos Ponce de León, has also weighed in on the situation, noting, "Renovó hasta 2028 y por supuesto que vino de la mano con una mejora salarial," referring to Rotondi’s new contract which would align his salary with those of the stars of Liga MX. Ponce insists the player’s representative is employing some questionable tactics to leverage for another salary increase, but the club remains firm on their support for Rotondi.
The current climate surrounding Rotondi evokes mixed feelings among both fans and management at the club. While some supporters are eager for other options to be explored for the new campaign, the team’s leadership continues to see potential within the 27-year-old player, seeing no reason to let him go considering his elevated clause of rescission. Interest from teams like Tigres and Toluca did not faze Cruz Azul, as they recently rejected overtures for their star player.
This rejection signals confidence from Cruz Azul’s front office, as they move forward and plan for the upcoming season. The club views Rotondi's continuity as beneficial for the squad's dynamics and hopes to reclaim momentum during the Clausura 2025 tournament, which begins for them on January 11, 2025, against Atlas.
With the mounting pressure on Rotondi to perform at high levels, the upcoming season serves as both a challenge and opportunity for him. Should he overcome the burden of his past mistakes, he could easily reclaim his place as one of the game's leading talents. The aim is not only to silence the critics but also to help solidify Cruz Azul’s position as one of the leading teams contending for the Liga MX title.
While criticism has temporarily marred his reputation, it appears the fans, the team, and Rotondi himself possess the desire to right the ship. With support from both the management and loyal fans, Rotondi's future at Cruz Azul looks bright, provided he can navigate the challenges posed by previous performances and the weight of expectations. The quest for redemption begins soon, as all eyes await the return of Cruz Azul and its star player.
