Lapuente: Mexico "Not The Giants Of Anything"

Former Mexico national team coach Manuel Lapuente said the Mexican national team is vulnerable against any team, including in games at Estadio Azteca.

Feb 13, 2009 11:31:26 AM

More On :  Mexico
Manuel Lapuente - Tigres (Mexsport)
Former Mexican national team coach Manuel Lapuente expressed disappointment but not surprise over Mexico's 2-0 loss on Wednesday to the United States and also criticized Mexico captain Rafael Marquez for receiving a red card in the match.

"Even though we knew this result was likely, nobody likes it. I didn't like it," Lapuente said during a press conference on Thursday.
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Mexico struggled in the semifinal phase of qualification, and finished with two losses and a draw. The slump continued with a 1-0 loss to Sweden and, more importantly, a shutout loss to the United States.

Not only is Mexico no longer the region's power, but it has long since ceased being that way.

"We are not (the giant), not any more," Lapuente said. "Today we could lose against any team in the world. The distances between all nations has changed."

In his second stint as Mexico national team coach, Lapuente guided Mexico during the 1998 World Cup and the early part of qualification for the 2002 World Cup. Back in his days as coach, a loss in Estadio Azteca was unthinkable. But now, the team has fallen on such hard times that such a result could happen, Lapuente said.

"What we have to do first is to keep our feet on the ground," Lapuente said. "We are not the giants of anything. Any team can beat us now, and even on our own field. We have to be careful."


Meanwhile, Lapuente said he did not feel Marquez's actions were becoming of the captain and a longer suspension could soon follow.

"I found Rafa's behavior inadequate," said Lapuente, who now coaches Tigres UANL. "I understand that he apologized to his teammates. He is a very important player on the defense after all. I don't know how many games he will miss."

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