Rayadas’ Ana Lucía Martínez Opens Up About Adapting to Liga MX, Squad

CF Monterrey took its official team photo for the 2024 Clausura season. Afterward, players from the men’s and women’s squads spoke to the media, one of whom was Ana Lucía Martínez.

The veteran winger, who has experience playing in Europe, expressed her surprise with Mexican women’s soccer. She has adapted quite quickly, with two goals in 311 minutes played for Rayadas.

“The club and my teammates have welcomed me well,” Martínez said (h/t Diario AS). “That has been seen on the field. I came to enjoy and contribute to this team, and things have come together at a collective level, which is the most important thing. 

“Honestly, I didn’t expect the games to be so intense. Finding the rhythm and getting to know how my teammates play is difficult. I congratulate the Mexican league because they are doing things right and help a lot in women’s football, making the competition much more difficult.”

Rayadas’ Ana Lucía Martínez on the difference between Liga MX and European football

On the other hand, the former Sampdoria player highlighted the differences between Mexican and European football. The Monterrey star notes that technique is the most notable aspect of Liga MX, which allowed for better and immediate adaptation.

“Comparing perhaps with European football, I would say that there the football is very physical, often playing direct and tactical ball, whereas here the players have a fairly high technical level, they move the ball a lot, and there is a lot of work done on long positions,” Martínez added.

“It’s a type of football with which I’ve felt more comfortable. I’m a technical player, and it’s a style of football that helps me a lot.”