Following Mexico's disappointing run at the Copa América, many are reporting the El Trí are ready to replace manager Jaime Lozano.
Initial reports claimed that André Jardine, the Club América manager was expected to take on the job. However, the Brazilian has since suggested that he is happy with the Mexico City club and has no ambitions of leaving.
Other talks mentioned the possibility of Lozano remaining in the position. The decision to select a younger and less experienced squad for this tournament all seems to be a part of the plan to trust in the youth ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Whilst it was an underwhelming campaign for Mexico this summer, Lozano did bring Gold Cup glory to El Trí last summer and there remains a possibility that the federation stick with him to maintain the chemistry and relationship between the players and the manager.
This information was brought to us by Francisco Arredondo of TUDN who suggests that the federation is also exploring the idea of introducing Aguirre now, with two years to prepare for the World Cup, a decision that would involve Lozano dropping to the assistant manager role, to keep his relationship with the players.
Who is Javier Aguirre?
Javier Aguirre had a 14-year playing career, representing the likes of Club América, Atlante, Chivas, Tigres and experience playing overseas for Osasuna and the Los Angeles Aztecs.
Aguirre is a Mexico City native who has managed the national team twice prior. He led El Trí to the 2002 and 2010 FIFA World Cup, taking Mexico to the Round of 16 on both occasions. Particularly during the 2010 World Cup run, Aguirre used a range of formations. Opting for a 4-3-3 during the 1-1 draw with the hosts and the 2-0 win over France before changing to a more attacking 3-4-3 style against eventual semi-finalists Uruguay and a 4-4-2 against Argentina. Throughout his managerial career, he has been tactical versatile, making it difficult for opposing managers to know exactly what the expect.
Most recently, the 65-year-old recently left his post in Spain for RCD Mallorca, guiding the club to the Copa Del Rey final. This feat was the first for the club in 21 years. Despite taking the lead in the final, Aguirre's men suffered heartbreak by losing 4-2 in the shootout against Atlétic Bilbao. In the league season, he guided Mallorca to safety, earning 40 points to stay 7 points clear of the drop zone.
His trophy cabinet remains impressive, leading Monterrey to the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League, along with a 1999 Apertura title with Pachuca. Elsewhere, he won the 2009 Gold Cup with the national team before lifting the UAE League Cup with Al-Wahda FC.
Is Javier Aguirre the right man for the job, let us know what you think!