Mexico

Despite Aguirre's Absence, Business As Usual For El Tri

Javier Aguirre took Sunday's game against Guadeloupe in from a luxury suite but players said the move did not affect the team.

Jul 13, 2009 12:30:58 AM

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Javier Aguirre- Mexico Manager (Tomas Fregoso)

GLENDALE, Ariz. - Mexico manager Javier Aguirre was in an unusual position on Sunday.

He did not command his team from his usual spot, alongside the field with his assistants and substitutes nearby. Instead, he caught the action with Mexican Football Federation officials on a suite high atop the University of Phoenix Stadium's stands.

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And while Mexico's 2-0 victory over Guadeloupe helped Aguirre head peacefully into a week of rest, recovery and preparation, he said the experience was challenging nonetheless.

"It was difficult. That’s not the post I was hired to man," Aguirre said. "But I’m serving out the suspension. I believe wholeheartedly in my assistants and the players."

On Thursday, Aguirre kicked Panama's Ricardo Phillips during the teams' 1-1 draw. He was subsequently suspended for three games and will serve the second in Mexico's quarterfinal match against Haiti in Dallas.

For their part, the players said it was business as usual, both before and during the game.

"Javier wasn’t there but there were others who were there, who guided the team," defender Jonny Magallon said. "Carrillo was there and it was the same. We always work with three coaches on the field anyway. The team concentrated well and was ready to give it our best effort."

Even after Aguirre's incident and the lingering time without knowing about what sort of punishment Aguirre would face, Mexico players said they continued their work as if no kick had taken.

"The team has been working like we usually do," Ochoa said. "The other things, those don’t interest us. We manage what we can on the field."

Ultimately, Aguirre said he tried to take some positives away from the game.

"I enjoyed parts of the game," Aguirre said. "It gives you a different point-of-view and allows you to make a better analysis of the game."

Luis Bueno, Goal.com

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