'Bitter pill to swallow for all of us' - Jaime Lozano disappointed as Pachuca fail to earn a point, exit 2025 Club World Cup

Coach Jaime Lozano expressed disappointment after Pachuca's early exit from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, as the club failed to earn a single point. The Mexican side closed out their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Al Hilal, ending last in Group H and among the worst-performing teams in the tournament.

“It’s a bitter pill to swallow for all of us,” said Lozano after the match. “For the players, the fans, everyone. Pachuca is usually a team built to go far in these kinds of tournaments and to proudly represent Mexico. That didn’t happen this time.”

The coach acknowledged that while his team created chances, they lacked the sharpness to capitalize.

“We had our opportunities, not just today but throughout the tournament," he said. "We just didn’t take advantage. The only way I know to bounce back is by working hard. We need to be honest about what we were missing and put in the effort - because hard work is what brings you back to where you want and deserve to be.”

The Argentine was one of Pachuca’s reinforcements for the Club World Cup, but the midfielder will now return to Necaxa.

“I take this as a learning experience," he said. "These aren’t the results we came here for, but we showed our level in many moments - today against Al Hilal, and also against Real Madrid and Salzburg. We leave with an important lesson: you have to take your chances, because opponents like these don’t forgive."

A total of five teams bowed out of the tournament without earning a single point: Seattle Sounders (U.S.) in Group B, Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) in Group E, Ulsan Hyundai Tigers (South Korea) in Group F, Wydad Casablanca (Morocco) in Group G, and Pachuca (Mexico) in Group H.

The worst of the 32 participants was Urawa Red Diamonds, who not only finished with zero points but also recorded a goal difference of minus-7. Next was Wydad Casablanca with minus-6, while Pachuca and Seattle Sounders shared third-worst with a minus-5 goal differential.

It’s time to head home for Lozano’s squad after a disappointing run at the Club World Cup. Pachuca will kick off their Apertura 2025 campaign on July 13, facing Monterrey on Matchday 1.