Changes in El Tri Following the First-Round Elimination at the Copa América
Mexico City — Jaime Lozano was dismissed as head coach of Mexico after the team’s elimination in the first round of the Copa América, the country’s federation announced on Tuesday.
The Mexican Football Federation explained that one of the reasons for Lozano’s dismissal was his failure to reinforce his coaching staff with more experienced personnel.
Javier Aguirre, Once Again Mexico’s “Bombero”
This marks the third coaching change since “Bomba” Rodríguez was announced as the new Commissioner of Mexican Soccer, where he once again struggled in appointing the right coach for El Tri.
Following the failure in Qatar 2022, where Mexico was eliminated in the Group Stage, Diego Cocca was chosen to replace Gerardo Martino. However, Cocca only lasted for seven matches, securing 3 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss.
After losing 3-0 to the United States in the Semifinals of the Concacaf Nations League, a decision was made to change the coach. The Argentine left his position, making way for Jaime Lozano.
A year later, “Jimmy” Lozano failed in the 2024 Nations League and Copa América, prompting “Bomba” Rodríguez to search for a new coach. He found one in Javier Aguirre, who was available after not renewing his contract with Mallorca in Spain’s La Liga.
This will be the third chapter for “El Vasco” with the Mexican National Team, once again stepping in as a “Bombero.” His first tenure was in 2001, replacing Enrique Meza. Winning against the United States at Estadio Azteca earned him the confidence to lead the team to the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan. However, Mexico fell to the U.S. in the Round of 16, marking one of the biggest disappointments in Mexican soccer history.
After continuing his career in Europe, Javier Aguirre was once again called upon in 2009 after Sven-Göran Eriksson’s departure. However, he again fell short of the coveted “Quinto Partido” being eliminated in the Round of 16 by Argentina.
Will the third time be the charm? At 65 years old, “El Vasco” will have another opportunity with El Tri, whom he will lead into the World Cup that Mexico will host in two years.
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