Chivas' new signings Jordan Carrillo and Kevin Castañeda are feeling the heat of Gabriel Milito's preseason intensity as the club prepares for Apertura 2026 and the Leagues Cup. Milito's demanding preseason regimen has put Carrillo and Castañeda under the microscope, with Liga MX insiders questioning whether the duo can adapt quickly enough to the manager's high standards. The two recruits arrived with reputations as key pieces for Chivas' upcoming campaigns, but their early preseason performances have sparked debate about their readiness.
Chivas' Carrillo and Castañeda vs Milito's preseason demands
The tension isn't just about fitness—it's about style. Milito's approach prioritizes high-intensity drills, tactical precision, and relentless conditioning, a system that has divided opinions among Chivas' squad. While some veterans thrive under the pressure, Carrillo and Castañeda, both new to the club's system, are reportedly struggling to meet the physical and tactical demands.
The contrast is stark: Carrillo, a player accustomed to a more fluid, possession-based system in Liga MX, now faces drills that demand relentless pressing and positional discipline. Castañeda, meanwhile, has been visibly tested by Milito's insistence on aggressive recovery runs and compact defensive blocks. Reports from training sessions in Guadalajara highlight repeated stoppages for corrections, with Milito publicly admonishing players for lapses in concentration or execution.
The scrutiny has intensified as Chivas faces a congested preseason schedule, including friendlies and Leagues Cup warm-ups, where results could shape expectations for Apertura 2026. The club's medical staff has noted a spike in minor injuries among new recruits, a trend linked to the sudden jump in workload and the abrupt shift in tactical demands. The preseason grind has also exposed deeper issues within Chivas' squad dynamics.
Veteran players who have acclimated to Milito's methods are now being asked to mentor the newcomers, creating friction in the locker room. Some of these veterans have privately expressed frustration over the time spent rehashing basic defensive principles, while others see the preseason as a necessary reset for a club that has underperformed in recent tournaments. The divide reflects broader questions about Milito's long-term vision and whether his methods are sustainable for a club with Chivas' historical expectations.
The tactical shift under Milito isn't just about fitness—it's a cultural reset. Chivas, a club steeped in tradition and known for its attacking flair, is now being asked to embrace a more structured, defensive-first identity. This transformation is evident in Milito's insistence on defensive solidity before any attacking moves, a departure from the club's historical style.
For Carrillo, a player who thrives in open spaces, this adjustment is particularly brutal. His natural tendency to drift into pockets of space is being stifled by Milito's demand for compactness and immediate pressure after losing the ball. Castañeda, meanwhile, is being forced to unlearn years of positional habits, as Milito prioritizes defensive transitions over traditional man-marking.
The early struggles of Carrillo and Castañeda are magnified by Chivas' recent transfer business. The club spent heavily to sign both players, with Carrillo arriving from a possession-based side and Castañeda from a team that valued positional play. Their struggles highlight a potential misalignment between Milito's vision and the club's recruitment strategy.
If the duo fails to adapt, Chivas could face an identity crisis—one where its new signings become liabilities rather than assets, undermining the very investments meant to strengthen the squad. "The preseason is where foundations are laid," Milito said in a press briefing. "We’re not here to make friends.
" The comments underscore his no-nonsense approach, which has left little room for error. What's next: Chivas' preseason continues with a high-stakes friendly against Club América on August 10, a match that will serve as a litmus test for Carrillo and Castañeda's progress. Milito's squad will then turn their attention to the Leagues Cup knockout stages, where early exits could derail Chivas' Apertura 2026 preparations.
If the duo fails to show significant improvement, Milito may be forced to adjust his tactics or risk sacrificing key attacking or defensive options before the league campaign even begins. Read at GNews.io
Why this matters
Milito's preseason tactics are exposing the gaps between Chivas' ambitions and its new recruits' readiness. With Apertura 2026 and the Leagues Cup looming, the club's ability to integrate Carrillo and Castañeda into its high-pressure system will determine whether its investment in the duo pays off or becomes a liability. The early struggles also raise questions about team chemistry and Milito's long-term project in Guadalajara. The preseason grind has become a microcosm of Chivas' broader challenges: balancing tradition with modern demands, and reconciling the club's star power with the harsh realities of Milito's methodology. The tactical shift under Milito is not just about fitness—it’s a cultural reset that could redefine Chivas’ identity if the new recruits either adapt or become casualties of the process.
Frequently asked
Who are Jordan Carrillo and Kevin Castañeda?
Jordan Carrillo is a Mexican winger known for his dribbling and creativity, while Kevin Castañeda is a defender who joined Chivas in the 2025 transfer window. Both were signed to bolster Chivas' squad for Apertura 2026 and the Leagues Cup.
Why is Gabriel Milito's preseason so intense?
Milito is known for his demanding preseason methods, emphasizing fitness, tactical discipline, and high-intensity drills. His approach aims to build a resilient, cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level in Liga MX.
What competitions are at stake for Chivas this preseason?
Chivas is preparing for Apertura 2025 in Liga MX and the Leagues Cup knockout stages. Strong preseason performances could set the tone for both tournaments, while early struggles may undermine confidence ahead of key matches.
How have Carrillo and Castañeda performed so far?
Reports from training sessions suggest both players are struggling to meet Milito's physical and tactical demands. Their adaptation to Chivas' system has become a talking point among fans and pundits, with questions arising about their readiness.
What's next for Chivas after the August 10 friendly?
Following the match against Club América, Chivas will focus on the Leagues Cup knockout stages. Milito's squad will need to show progress quickly to avoid derailing their Apertura 2026 preparations.
How is the squad reacting to Milito's methods?
The squad is divided. Veteran players who have adapted are frustrated by the time spent on basics, while others see the preseason as a necessary reset for a club that has underperformed in recent tournaments.
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