Lavolpe to meet with past coaches

Ricardo Lavolpe has agreed to meet with six past world cup coaches, at the suggestion of Femexfut head Alberto de la Torre, before he and the team head for Germany.

These coaches are Ignacio Trelles, Jose Antonio Roca, Bora, el Vasco, Miguel Mejia Baron, and Manuel Lapuente. Trelles coached Mexico in the 1966 edition, Roca was the Man in 1978. Bora took the reigns in 1986, Mejia Baron was in charge in 1994, Lapuente stepped in for Bora in 1998, and the Vasco Aguirre took Ojitos Meza’s place in 2002.

Of all these coaches, the one that was most successful was Bora Milutinovic, who took Mexico to the Quarterfinals before bowing out to the Germans in PKs. Lavolpe has said that his goal is to reach the quarterfinals, so it may make sense to talk to the previous 3 coaches, all of whom fell one step short of the quarters. Lavolpe also receives counsel from Cesar Luis Menotti, who coached Argentina to the title in 1978.

Lavolpe likes the progress his team has made so far in the training camp, “Every single player has been working at a very high level. I am very pleased because we are on pace to complete our training objectives.” The team will get to play someone else for the first time in a month as they will prepare for their USA fan base farewell vs. Venezuela at the Rose Bowl Friday night. As I mentioned in an earlier post, the Rose Bowl has a new owner: his name is Vince Young. Last week, Lavolpe was toying with certain formations, which we may see in Pasadena. Here is an example.

Goal – Sanchez
Defenders – Osorio, Suarez, Salcido,
Wingers — Castro, Pineda
Midfielders – Pardo, Morales, Arellano
Forwards – Fonseca, Bravo