“Not everyone gets called out the way I do”: Cruz Azul star opens up to AS
Having just extended his contract with Liga MX club Cruz Azul, defender Jorge Sánchez sat down for a chat with AS.
Fresh off signing a contract extension with Cruz Azul through 2028, right back Jorge Sánchez spoke with AS, expressing his excitement and gratitude: “I’m really happy, truly thankful, and I feel privileged to be part of this club. Extending my contract means a lot to me - it’s a big step. Wearing this badge longer is something I value deeply. Now it’s about doing things the right way, staying focused, and pushing hard to win the title, which is ultimately the most important thing.”
At 27, Sánchez is determined to help La Máquina lift the Liga MX trophy: “The goal is always to come in and do things right so we can win championships. I’m feeling good and at peace because the fanbase is incredible - millions of supporters. No matter which stadium we play in, it always turns blue. That’s like having an extra player on the field. When we’re tired, their energy, their chants, their support - it fuels us to keep going. That connection we have with the fans at Cruz Azul is real. We genuinely identify with them.”
Handling criticism and staying resilient
Sánchez also addressed the criticism he’s faced following some on-field mistakes: “I know the kind of person I am, and I know the kind of player I am. Look, I’m human - I’m going to make mistakes. A lot of people do, but not everyone gets called out the way I do. Honestly, I welcome that pressure. The more I’m challenged, the stronger I become. I’ve bounced back from tougher situations in my career, and that’s helped me reach big clubs, play on big stages, and win major titles. That’s what matters to me. I don’t always agree with the criticism, but I hold onto what I know about myself. I’ll keep working, keep improving - and at the end of the day, I do it for me.”
A special stadium connection
The Cruz Azul defender also reflected on the team’s unbeaten streak at Estadio Olímpico Universitario in 2025: “Personally, I love playing there. I don’t know about the other guys, but it’s a beautiful venue. The stadium is comfortable, the locker rooms are spacious, and the family suites are in a great spot. That gives you peace of mind - knowing your loved ones are safe and comfortable. The pitch is perfect, and the atmosphere surprised us. At first, we weren’t sure how loud it would be, but we’ve played big games there - against América, Monterrey - and the fans were electric. During the Concachampions final, it felt like we had an extra man on the field. I’ve grown fond of the Olímpico. We lifted a trophy there, and hopefully, with God’s help, we’ll keep the unbeaten run alive at what we now call our home.”
Liga MX: A league that keeps raising the bar
Sánchez also shared his thoughts on the evolution of Liga MX: “I’ve said it since I came back from Europe - this league has really surprised me. It’s growing fast, bringing in more competitive players. People say it’s not an easy league, and they’re right. It’s tough - any team can challenge you, play with intensity, and bring their own style. Inside the locker room, we talk about staying true to our identity and executing the coach’s vision. We’ve got a deep squad. Lately, we’ve been talking about how the guys we have on the bench could just as easily be starters. That’s the key - everyone pulling in the same direction, staying connected, and working toward the ultimate goal: lifting the cup.”
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