Rafael Puente admits to internal 'crisis' at Pumas after 2-1 loss to Chivas | OneFootball

Pumas UNAM head coach Rafael Puente admitted to an internal ‘crisis’ following the team’s 1-2 defeat to Chivas de Guadalajara on Saturday at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario.

Though Pumas kicked off strong, two first half goals by Chivas forced players to take a defensive approach for the remainder of the game. It wasn’t until Juan Dinenno scored in the 76th minute that the team began to gain offensive momentum. But at that point, it was too late.

Pumas now sit in 11th place on the Liga MX table after three consecutive losses, managing just  eight points in eight matches and a record of 2W-4L-2D.

"Indisputably regarding results we are in a crisis, just look at the last three games. The team in results is in crisis, it is not in operation,” Puente said at the post-match press conference on Saturday.

“We have to improve very specific details to reverse the situation and put this team where it deserves to be and where the fans demand that we be. I would dare to say yes to the results crisis, not in operation, it is a matter of details to reverse this situation.”

But the head coach commended the players for holding their head high, despite the ongoing downward spiral.

"I want to congratulate the players because they have pride and self-esteem, if the team has something, it is that it does not give up,” Puente added.

“There are situations that we have to correct, we demand high levels of concentration, especially at the start of the games because it has become a constant that we see ourselves down on the scoreboard. There is no way that I am calm with such a bad week that we had, but convinced that things are going to be reversed.”

Pumas return to the field on Friday, when facing Mazatlan at the Estadio de Mazatlán. The game stands as a huge opportunity for the Mexico City team to gain points and momentum as Mazatlan sit in last place of the league with zero victories this tournament.