'I was a fundamental part' - Jorge Sánchez on Javier Aguirre's decision not to include him on Mexico squad for Nations League finals

The Mexican national team secured its first CONCACAF Nations League trophy on Sunday against Panama. This was the first major victory since Javier Aguirre returned to coach El Tri for his third stint. For his 23-man roster, the coach left out key players such as Henry Martín, Erick Sánchez, and Jorge Sánchez.

The Cruz Azul player expressed his disappointment at not being part of this winning team.

"It doesleave a bit of a bitter taste because I could have been in that championship", Sánchez said to TUDN. "After all, I was also a fundamental part of reaching those finals because I also played a role in it. Thank god I scored a goal, and we had a great performance as a team. I really thought I would be there."

The Cruz Azul player added that he holds no grudges against anyone and respects the coach's decision.

"I really thought I was going to be there, but now it’s my turn to support my teammates from here," he said. "I have nothing against anyone, I want the national team to do well and win championships, whether it’s with me or without me. I was really happy that they became champions."

No player would like to be left out of a 23-player roster for major international tournaments, and such was the case for Sánchez, who has been in good form since returning from European football.

The right-back has been a starter in eight of the 10 matches he has played this year with La Máquina, scoring one goal. Sánchez also said in the same interview that América "is afraid" to face Cruz Azul in the upcoming trilogy, which will include two Champions Cup matches and one Liga MX match.

"To be honest, I was really surprised not to be in the call-up," he said. "It hurt a lot because I've been doing things very well, my stats show it. We're improving as a team, we're doing things really well, and I was truly surprised. In the end, the Vasco is the one who makes those decisions, he's the one who knows, he's responsible for why I wasn't called up."

Aguirre is already working on planning El Tri's preparation for the Gold Cup, where Mexico will defend the title they won in 2023.

Before the tournament, the team will play two friendlies in the United States: against Switzerland on June 7 and against Turkey on June 10.