Inside the whirlwind surrounding Guadalajara and the chatter about Veljko Paunovic
In the midst of a difficult period for Guadalajara, a surprising rumor surfaced about Veljko Paunovic, the Serbian coach who has guided the club since the end of 2023. Reports circulated that he had been contacted to take charge of Almería, a top-flight team in Spain. The moment added another layer to the tension already felt by the red and white faithful who have stood by the team through a season of ups and downs.
The news about Paunovic came after a moment of upheaval at Chivas where the club made the decision to separate Alexis Vega, Chicote Calderón, and Raúl Martínez from the first team. The reasons behind these moves and the sanctions that might follow became a focal point for supporters trying to read the future path of a team wrestling with internal strains while aiming to reclaim consistency on the field.
Since taking on the role of Guadalajara’s technical director, Paunovic has faced a lineup of hurdles. He guided the squad to the Clausura 2023 Final, where they fell to Tigres UANL in a closely contested match. That near-miss underscored the potential within the roster but also underscored the challenges of converting promise into sustained results.
Recent performances have raised questions among fans and commentators about the team’s ability to find a steady rhythm. Critics argue that the squad has not maintained the level required to contend for titles, while supporters admire the coach’s calm demeanor and steadfast work ethic. Paunovic has consistently pushed for growth from younger players, giving rising talents opportunities on national and international stages and signaling a clear plan to build a more competitive squad from the ground up.
Despite the setbacks, there has been no definitive confirmation about Paunovic’s departure from Chivas. What is known is that his contract includes a termination clause, which means negotiations could unfold if both sides decide to pursue a change. Until then, the club and its supporters remain focused on the present campaign, watching closely how the team responds to adversity and whether the leadership can steer the club back toward form and stability.
For fans seeking clarity, the situation is a reminder of how quickly rumors can collide with reality in top-tier football. It also highlights the precarious balance professional clubs must maintain between pursuing opportunities abroad and protecting the core squad that carries them through domestic competitions. As the season progresses, eyes will stay fixed on Paunovic’s decisions, the development of Guadalajara’s young players, and how the team translates potential into results on the pitch. The broader question remains: can Chivas restore their status as a title challenger while navigating internal changes and external interest in their manager?
Photographic captions and media briefings have documented the evolving story, with outlets citing sources that track coaching movements and contract developments. The ongoing narrative underscores how leadership, squad dynamics, and strategic planning intersect in modern football, influencing both a club’s present mood and its long-term trajectory. This moment in Guadalajara’s saga is not merely about personnel changes; it reflects the broader pressures of maintaining competitiveness within one of Mexican football’s most storied franchises. The final outcome will likely depend on the club’s ability to align Paunovic’s vision with sound structural decisions, and on the resilience of the team as it faces a demanding schedule ahead. The saga continues to unfold as supporters, analysts, and players observe how leadership decisions translate into tangible gains on the field.