Vasco Or Chepo? Mexico's Choices Appear Narrow

Rumors have swirled about the possible return of Javier "Vasco" Aguirre to the national team, but Toluca's Jose Manuel "Chepo" De La Torre may also be in the mix.

Apr 2, 2009 7:59:54 PM

More On :  Mexico
Jose Manuel De la Torre- Toluca Manager (Mexsport)
In 2001, Mexico lost 3-1 in a World Cup qualifier in Honduras, a loss that resulted in the removal of Mexico's manager and paved the way for Javier Aguirre to take over the national team and turn a near-dead World Cup qualifying campaign around.

History may repeat itself almost to the tee.

Mexico lost a World Cup qualifier in Honduras by 3-1 on Wednesday, and manager Sven-Goran Eriksson paid the price with his head. Eriksson is out as manager and the Mexican Football Federation need someone to come in and turn Mexico's qualifying campaign around.
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Not surprisingly, Aguirre's name is linked to the post. Aguirre, who left his job as Tricolor manager following the 2002 World Cup, has spent time with Osasuna and Atletico de Madrid since Japan/Korea 2002. Atletico, however, sacked Aguirre earlier this year and the former Mexico manager is now out of a job.

FMF officials have denied reports that Aguirre had a handshake agreement with the federation to take over as coach in case Eriksson was let go, and have not announced a replacement or a timetable for bringing in a new manger.

Aguirre, though, is not the only person in line for the job. Toluca manager Jose Manuel "Chepo" De La Torre is also rumored to be in the mix for the job. De La Torre has won two Mexican league titles, most recently in December as he led Toluca to the Apertura 2008 title. De La Torre's brother, Nestor, is the FMF's director of national teams.


Whomever comes in for the deposed Eriksson will have some time to try and sort through the mess. Mexico will play a World Cup qualiifer on June 6 in El Salvador before hosting Trinidad & Tobago four days later. Until then, the new manager will have time to scout players and work with the remains of Eriksson's tenure.

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