Eriksson Named Mexico Coach

The Swedish tactician was on the lookout for a new challenge following his departure from Manchester City on Monday after just one season in charge.

He will now take over from interim boss Jesús Ramírez, who had been named in March to replace sacked Hugo Sánchez.

The decision to appoint Eriksson came from the Mexican federation committee, made up of the directors of every first-division club, and was reportedly unanimous.

Eriksson's new challenge marks his return to international coaching after guiding England from 2001 to 2006.

"I like big challenges," he said in the press conference. "It is up to me to convince the fans and the players that I am the right man for the job."

"This is a big country, an important country in football, this is a big challenge."

The former Lazio boss will only take over after June 22nd, as Ramírez will guide the team in the friendly games against Argentina and Peru on June 4th and 6th, respectively, and in the the World Cup 2010 qualifying games against Belize, on June 15th and 21st.

Although Eriksson stated that he does not speak Spanish fluently, he indicated that won't be a problem after stints in Portugal and Italy.

"Don't worry," he said. "You have to be stupid to not learn Spanish after learning Portuguese and Italian."

His main challenge will be to qualify Mexico for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

Luís Mira