The New(Old) Guy

Aguirre was formally introduced as the new national team manager. His contract is in two parts: one is for qualifying, and the other for the World Cup.

“For me it’s an honor to come back home. It was almost seven years away. I see with joy many familiar faces. I come to gain points, I come to get on this car of optimism that’s with the Mexican national team now,” said Aguirre during his press conference.

“I want that the player that comes, comes with pride. That they recover their identity, the love for the shirt, that it’s a prize and not a punishment to come to the Seleccion because for us it’s a prize of our careers, to be with the Tricolor.”

Aguirre also cleared up rumors on the President of Mexico, Felipe Calderon, calling him in for the job.

“I negotiated with Nestor de la Torre, with Justino Compean, and with Decio de Maria. It’s absolutely false that the President of Mexico, Felipe Calderon, talked to me about a return to the national team. I did talk to him, not once, but many times. He’s honored me with his friendship, and we’ve talked a bit about how he sees Mexico’s youth, how he sees the picture of Mexican sports, and person subjects.”

Speculation was made on whether a preparation game would be added before the qualifier against El Salvador, but Aguirre has opted for a concentration of the players instead.

“We’re not going to have a game prior to the qualifying against El Salvador. It’s not ideal, but that’s what it is and I’ve accepted the challenge. What I will do first is get to know the current players. For that there will be call-ups for the 27, 28, and 29 of April. There are players that I don’t know personally, I’ll try to get to know them, look them in the eyes. The first moment will be for this and obviously to work against the clock. The seven remaining games have to be won.”