Javier Aguirre Makes Key Decisions Ahead of First Mexico Squad Selection

El Trí will face New Zealand and Canada during the September international break. The friendlies will mark the beginning of a third spell in charge of the national team for the 65-year-old, after previously taking Mexico to the 2014 FIFA World Cup quarter finals.

Aguirre was brought in to replace Jaime Lozano, who despite winning the 2023 Gold Cup, was sacked after a disappointing Copa América display which saw El Trí knocked out in the group stage.

The Copa América squad brought some major surprises as Lozano sought to utilise youth over experience. Raúl Jiménez, Hirving Lozano and Guillermo Ochoa were all dropped ahead of the competition.

Big changes which failed to pay off caused Lozano to lose his job, three wins from eight games in 2024 led to serious concern for Mexican fans. The year started with a 2-0 defeat in the CONCACAF Nations League final to the United States, which highlighted key issues across the pitch for Mexico.

Leading to the summer Copa América, Mexico were humbled 4-0 by a high-flying Uruguay. A 1-0 loss to Venezuela would be a knife in the Mexican backs before a lifeless 0-0 draw with Ecuador sealed the fate for Mexico and Lozano.

Now, key changes are expected as Aguirre is expected to rejuvinate the squad. New faces are required as the 65-year-old will blend youth with experience.

The first piece of news coming from the national camp, as reported by Gibrán Araige, is that Fulham striker Raúl Jiménez will rejoin the setup. Scoring 33 goals for the country since his debut in 2012, the former América forward brings a level of quality which was lacking this summer. Aguirre is reportedly a fan of Jiménez and his playing style which involves being in the build-up of an attack whilst maintaining a key poacher's nature to be in the right place at the right time.

The tweet also confirms that América striker Henry Martín will re-enter the fray. Similar to Jiménez, the 31-year-old was axed from the national team for the Copa América but has responded well by scoring four goals in four Liga MX games this season. Bringing back two key attackers raises questions for Feyenoord striker Santi Giménez, who led the line in the competition. The 23-year-old is expected to play a key role for many years for El Trí, but with Martín and Jiménez expected to be involved this September, there are questions regarding who will be Aguirre's first choice.

Today, news has also been reported that Julián Quiñones is expected to keep his place in the national setup. The five-time Liga MX champions left Club América this summer to join Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia. After a lacklustre display at the Copa América, Quiñones was one of the names expected to be dropped from Aguirre's first selection. Now, as told by Gibrán Araige, the 27-year-old attacker will be one of the names included. After making his debut for El Trí in November 2023, Aguirre aims to offer the striker with more time to prove himself as he looks to settle with the national team.

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