Mexican Mercado Update

On the Bench
The Return
Miguel Ángel Brindisi will return to Mexican football to coach Jaguares of Chiapas.  The Argentine previously coached Atlas, but was dismissed in September after a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Pumas, in what appeared to be a mutual agreement.  Brindisi will head the Jaguares' restructuring project, with a focus on developing their youth sector.

Never Gone
After presenting his resignation and with all the talk circulating of Ronald Koeman, Juande Ramos, and Héctor Cúper taking over, coach Efraín Flores was reaffirmed by Chivas as their head coach.  This will be the fourth Torneo disputed by Flores, who took over the Rebaño Sagrado midway through the Apertura 2007.

Ratified?
Tecos officials ratified Miguel Herrera at the helm of the Zapopan side.  Despite their quarterfinal elimination, the Tecos hierarchy was pleased with the work and performances of the squad and mentioned that Herrera will continue in preparation for the Interliga and Torneo Clausura 2009.

Manuel Lapuente received the same endorsement from the Tigres president, Enrique Borja.  Lapuente's contract with the felinos expires this December, but Borja indicated their intention for him to remain at the helm to continue building on a solid base of players and improve this campaigns quarterfinal performance.

However, nothing is set in stone in the Mexican league and any whim or fancy of an official can lead to the dismissal of a manager.

New Faces
Chilean forward Jean Beausejour, was presented as the newest player of the Águilas del América for the upcoming Torneo Clausura 2009.  The 24-year old comes from Chilean club O'Higgins were he scored 12 goals in 33 appearances. Beausejour also played on Universidad Católica, Cobreloa of Chile, Gremio of Brazil, Servette of Switzerland,and Gent of Belgium.

For their part, the Tuzos of Pachuca also looked in South America to find their latest reinforcements.  Paraguayan forward, Edgar Benítez, pleased coach Enrique Meza and Pachuca officials and will join their attack for the Torneo Clausura 2009.  The 21-year old previously played his football on el Sol de América of the Paraguayan Primera División.

Swaps
The last idol of the Rojinegros will return to the Estadio Jalisco in 2009.  Forward Bruno Marioni cited family reasons and the great moments he had with Atlas, for his return to Guadalajara.  The Argentine will report with the Zorros after his participation with Pachuca in the FIFA Club World Cup.

To cover the void in the attack left by the departure of Marioni, Pachuca incorporated former América and San Luis forward Alfredo Moreno.  The Argentine goalscoarer was part of a swap deal between the Águilas and Tuzos which sent talented Colombian midfielder Andrés Chitiva to the Capital side.

Forgotten
Also on América are two players, defender Jose Antonio Castro and Águilas legend German Villa, who do not figure in the plans of Argentine coach Ramon Diaz. They were let go by the club.  At the moment there is only speculation on their eventual destinations.

-- César García, Goal.com