After being eliminated from the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup, Mexico has appointed its former veteran player Rafael Marquez as the new coach of the team. He replaces Javier Aguirre, who stepped down after the defeat to England.
Rafael Marquez becomes the new coach of Mexico
Former Mexico and Barcelona legend Rafael Marquez has been appointed as the new coach of the men’s national team. This decision has been taken after the team’s exit from the Round of 16 of the current FIFA World Cup.
Mexico had not conceded a goal until the Round of 16 match against England at the iconic Azteca Stadium. However, the team suffered a 2-3 defeat in this match, after which coach Javier Aguirre announced his resignation from his post.
Rebuilding the team for the 2030 World Cup
According to Goal.com, this succession plan has been put into place immediately following the FIFA World Cup co-host’s exit, so that Marquez can prepare for the 2030 edition by bringing in young players and rebuilding the entire squad.
Marquez has good experience as a manager and has had an illustrious career as a player, including multiple La Liga titles with Barcelona and two UEFA Champions League titles as a player with the Spanish giants. He also had stints with Atlas, Monaco, New York Red Bulls, Lyon and Hellas Verona before retiring in 2018 after a 22-year career.
Márquez was most recently coaching Barcelona Atlético and was also Mexico’s assistant coach at this tournament. With Barcelona Atlético, he won 40 out of 82 matches, lost 21 and drew 21. This period in Spain helped him develop his skills and structure as a manager, and the country’s Football Association hopes his experience will benefit the national team.
Aguirre took responsibility for the defeat
Aguirre accepted responsibility for his team’s exit from the Round of 16 following the defeat to England, while also praising the commitment of his players.
Reflecting on the defeat, Aguirre described the result as heartbreaking, but stressed that his players had nothing to be embarrassed about, according to The Athletic. “We are a family. It’s very painful. Our dreams were shattered, but those 26 players make me very happy. They should keep their heads held high. They gave everything they had on the field,” Aguirre said.
Mexico’s coach also took full responsibility for the team’s exit. He said, “If there is any criticism, it should be towards me.” (ANI)
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