MEXICO
Alfredo Tena criticises Mexico head coach Jaime Lozano for lack of experience
The Club América legend added that the El Tri boss had made a number of selection errors ahead of draws against Australia and Uzbekistan.
The Mexican national team began the journey to the 2026 World Cup with two draws against Australia and Uzbekistan.
In their first international fixtures since new head coach Jaime Lozano was given the job on a permanent basis, El Tri flattered to deceive in both games.
Speaking to AS Mexico former Mexican international Alfredo Tena said that Lozano will need to learn on the job if the national team are to fulfil their potential.
Tena said: “Jaime lacks experience, but he has 3 years to build that experience. He is very studious and I think this process will work well for him. There will be no pressure, I think he will get there in time for the World Cup.”
“We could have shook things up,” Tena argues
However Tena, who made more than 600 appearances during a 17-year career with Club América, suggested that Lozano had made some errors with his selection for his first squad. As co-hosts for 2026 World Cup, Mexico do not need to qualify and Tena believes that the recent fixtures could have been a chance to test out new players.
“I saw more of the same,” Tena complained. “We could have shook things up, as there are no qualifiers.”
“They are good players, but we have to try more... We have to look at Marcelo Ruiz, Aldo Rocha, players who have had good seasons, but they are not called up,” he continued.
“Fidel Ambriz, Dieter Villalpando... I would have taken advantage of this FIFA date to give them games.”
Tena is against Clásico de México Legends Forum
The Clásico de México between Chivas Guadalajara and Club América is one of the most fiercely-contested rivalries in Mexico, bringing together two of Liga MX’s most decorated clubs.
Meetings between the two often spark wild emotions, both in the stands and on the pitch, but Tena believes that a recent introduction has taken things too far. Ahead of the Clásico on Saturday, 16 September former players from both sides were involved in a ‘Legends Forum’.
The new initiative is designed to heighten the anticipation ahead of the game but Tena, who was nicknamed ‘Captain Fury’ during his playing career, believes that the Legends Forum is unnecessary.
Tena said that when he played “it wouldn’t have been possible, the tempers were very hot.”
“The passion overflowed many times, there were two fights, even once at the airport we almost got into a fight,” he explained. “Times have changed and now there are new trends.”
For all the information on how to watch or stream the Clásico de México, check out Club América vs Guadalajara: How to watch.
Viewers in the United States will be able to watch the game live online on fuboTV, which offers a free trial.