Mexico

Uplifting Atmosphere Surrounds Tricolor, Aguirre Says

Mexico manager Javier Aguirre said spirits are high in Mexican national team camp ahead of their qualifying match against the U.S.

Aug 6, 2009 7:28:39 PM

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Javier Aguirre- Mexico Manager (Tomas Fregoso)

Javier Aguirre is gearing up for the game against the United States, and sees the team in good spirits. He received 12 of his 20 called up players to start preparation early, and sees that as an advantage for the upcoming game, but will only have a few days to work with others.

In a press conference at the Mexican base camp, the manager spoke further on the players and attitudes before the game.

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The Mexican manager asked for clubs to release the called up players before the regular allotted dates. A few obliged, but many of the players based outside of Mexico will join the team a few days before the game.

“I thank the clubs that sent us their players. It’s not easy because of the times they’re going through. Chivas will play against Barcelona without a few players and they’re coming from two consecutive losses; same with America,” said Aguirre. “I thank the club presidents that made it easier to get players. At least we have 12, and we gain some ground that way.”

With the Gold Cup win confidence seemed to surge after pessimism from a disastrous start to World Cup qualifying, but Aguirre asked to find a middle ground.

“After El Salvador, and the difficult win against Trinidad and Tobago it seemed like we didn’t have anything else to do. ‘Why go to the World Cup?’ Today everyone is more calm, but things shouldn‘t change because of the Gold Cup. We have to find middle ground.”

“I’m always the optimist. I’d say ‘It’s six games and there’s one more point (to qualify for the World Cup), give us a chance. If it were impossible I’d be the first to say. It’s difficult now, but the outlook has gotten better,” added Aguirre.

“Let’s not polarize the situation. I’ve read that we’re going to win 8-1 or 9-0 and it’s not like that, we have to find an equilibrium. The Mexican nation tends to do that, polarize. If something turns for the worse, we fall completely and when things go well we feel like the best.”

Aguirre also seems an uplifting attitude from the mix of players on the roster.

“I like the attitude that they have. They look focused, not at all scared. At first they were down, I was the fourth manager that they’d had. They had a few problems with the press, there wasn’t any harmony. Now they don’t waste energy on any nonsense. I think we’ve taken a step and there’s pride being with the national team. I see them that way, very confident.”

However, a few players haven’t had regular playing time with their clubs, such as ‘Guille Franco’ and Nery Castillo, but they were still called up. Aguirre explained his choices that had caused some concern.

“They’re players that I know from five years ago, because they were on the same continent (Europe) where I worked, and I’d see them every week,“ explained Aguirre. “I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt. I’m not committed with anyone and if they’re not ready to play 90 minutes, they won’t.”

Some time after Aguirre’s press conference Rafael Marquez was injured at Barcelona’s practice before facing the Seattle Sounders. Marquez had spoken about his fitness levels, before suffering from injury. The manger spoke about fielding those who weren’t ready to play a full game.

“If a player is not ready for the 12th, they won’t play. I don’t have any commitments with anyone. If the doctor, the player, and I see that he’s ready, he’ll play, if not then there are others. There’s no indispensable player on the national team not even the manager; just the badge and the flag. We’re all just passing through and we’re not going to force anyone if they’re not in the best shape. I called 20 players because I thought of those situations.”

‘Vasco’ continued to speak of the strict guidelines he kept the players under, so that they would not hamper their progress.

“The Gold Cup is gone. I can’t let them fall into relaxation. Everyone has been training. All of them have their diets and sleep hours watched. If the ones that come from farther and don’t adapt like these players, will not play. The best eleven will play. I won’t permit any allow any relaxation, nothing, I don’t like it.”

Andrea Martinez, Goal.com

For more coverage of the Mexican national team, visit Goal.com.

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