Players May Change For Aug. 12, But Mexico's Attitude Remains

Mexico manager Javier Aguirre said the Gold Cup squad left discipline, maturity and other positive attributes ahead of Mexico's next World Cup qualifier, on Aug. 12 against the U.S.

Jul 28, 2009 10:44:47 AM

More On :  Mexico
Javier Aguirre- Mexico Manager (Tomas Fregoso)
Javier Aguirre returned to the Mexican bench after a three-game suspension to see his team beat the United States 5-0 in the Gold Cup final. Now, Aguirre has to think about another match up against the US, but this time it will be for a World Cup qualifier on Aug. 12 in Mexico City, at Estadio Azteca. Currently Mexico sit in fourth place of qualifying and will try to take away the three points to make up ground on their campaign.
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After arriving back in Mexico in the early hours of Monday morning, Javier Aguirre gave a press conference and spoke about the value of Mexico’s victory in the Gold Cup.  

“It’s worth whatever each person values it as. I’ve told the players since July 21st, when we got together for the Gold Cup, that the tournament geographically belonged to us. We have three more tournaments: the Confederations Cup, Copa America, and the World Cup in which Mexico participates with the national team. Therein lies the importance, it’s our only tournament in the confederation (CONCACAF).”

Although Aguirre may have different players in mind for the Aug. 12 clash, he remains with the attitude of the Gold Cup winning team.  

“I’m left with the discipline that they showed on and off the field. They had maturity as a group, as a team, and were emotionally stable because it wasn’t easy facing the Americans with ghosts of the past. It seemed that we were going to be victims, and once more were going to lose. But I’ll be left with being strong physically and mentally. Never, not even in the worst moments, were there doubts or negative attitudes.”  


As the tournament progressed many pointed out that Aguirre was under tremendous pressure, and that he looked tense.  

“That’s your interpretation. I am how I am. The smile is there, when one has to be calm or happy, there’s time for everything. In that sense, football permits us many things. It’s clear that when you win, people are happier and the media is better, more content. The smile has never gone away, neither have the concerns, or the pressure. Those are always on the mind.”  

The qualifying game against the United States is nearing, and Aguirre addressed the issue of the players from the Gold Cup lining up on Aug. 12. The squad at the Gold Cup was labeled as Mexico’s ‘B’ squad, but Aguirre kept tight-lipped on possible repeating players.  

“I remember reading and hearing that this was a ‘B’ team, and now it turns out that this could be the base, and if not then there’s something wrong. I have an idea, a concept, and you can grade it, or can call it whatever you want, but you said that this wasn’t the first team, and now it can be the base. I respect what you say or write, but we have the clear objective of  going to the World Cup with the best men. I don’t know if these are the base, I have some time to think about and analyze it. I will, along with my technical team, call those who are the best suited to win the three points against the Americans.”

Aguirre also plans to have the players called up for the game on August 12th a week before the qualifier.  

“The plans are these: work before the 12th, start a week before. It’s important to have the players preparing seven days before. We have to understand besides a game, it’s three important points. The call ups will be as soon as possible.”

Andrea Martinez, Goal.com

For more news on Mexican soccer, visit Goal.com's Mexico section.

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