Aquino trusts generational change will benefit Mexico
The Oaxacan also spoke about the issue of including naturalized players in the national team, something that he has no problem with.
Slowly but surely, Mexico is starting to show the much-requested generational change in its ranks - the squad is being rejuvenated and that is something that is being welcomed by the game’s more experienced observers, such as former international, Javier Aquino.
The 33-year-old Tigres winger, who retired from international football four years ago to concentrate on his club commitments, was capped 54 times at senior level between 2011 and 2018. Aquino has total faith in the process commanded by current Mexico coach Jaime Lozano. He also stressed that although of his generation only Guillermo Ochoa is still playing with the national team, there are enough promising players coming through to make history.
“I first met Jaime when I was playing for Cruz Azul. Right now what makes me happy is having a good level with my club, and making history with Tigres. The national team is rejuvenating, only Memo remains - the last of the great players. As a player, you go through stages during your career and I am satisfied with the time that I had with the national team. I enjoyed a good Olympics, won two world cups... I’m very happy with how it all turned out. Now it is time for the younger players to raise their hands and take the baton,” Aquino explained during today’s press conference.
In theory, the current Mexico side, the so-called “everyone’s team” could boast an average age of just 25 years - if Jimmy fields the youth players... However, the coach continues to count on the more established players such as Raúl Jiménez, Jesús Gallardo and also Ochoa, with whom he has suffered only one defeat in nine games.
The balance under Lozano is excellent - six wins, two draws and one defeat. During the recent international break Lozano’s Mexico beat Ghana (2-0) and draw with Germany (2-2) in two friendlies in the United States.
No problem with naturalized players
Aquino did not miss the opportunity to give his opinion on the inclusion of naturalized players, who he believes have the same chances to be considered by the national team as Mexicans. “I don’t have any issue with that, they are Mexicans and they have the same possibility of playing for the national team, or even other powerful national teams,” he added.
It is expected that Julián Quiñones will be called up by Mexico in next month’s international window. The América striker, born in Colombia, is now officially an Aztec citizen, so he is eligible to be called for the Concacaf Nations League quarter final games against Honduras on 17 and 21 November.