From world champion to coaching in Mexican soccer’s third tier
AS México spoke to Cordobés Fútbol Club’s head coach about his new role in lower-league Mexican soccer.
In 2011, Francisco Flores achieved one of the most significant milestones in Mexican soccer history - he was part of the squad that won the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The fullback started all seven matches at the tournament, as Mexico, led by head coach Raúl “El Potro” Gutiérrez, lifted the trophy on home soil.
Today, at 31 years old, Flores has retired from professional play and transitioned into coaching. He currently serves as the head coach of Cordobés Fútbol Club, a team competing in Mexico’s Liga Premier, the third tier of the men’s league pyramid.
In an interview with AS México, Flores shared his enthusiasm for this new chapter.
“It’s a tough road, but not impossible”
“We’ve had some really strong results - two first-place finishes in the [fourth-tier] Liga TDP and the Liga Premier,” he said. “That keeps me motivated to keep growing in this new role as a coach. It’s special, and I enjoy it because my youth as a coach aligns well with the age of the players. I’ve been in their shoes, I’ve lived it, and that helps me understand them better. That connection builds credibility.”
Despite his young age, Flores sees reflections of his own journey in the players he now mentors: “Honestly, I see myself in them - in their dreams, their effort, their daily sacrifices to chase those dreams. As a coach, it’s my job to give them the best tools and guidance to make their path easier and help them reach their goals.”
Flores hopes to continue climbing the ranks of Mexican soccer with his team. “I know it’s a tough road, but not impossible,” he told AS México. “That’s how my career was - full of challenges, but I made it. We have moved from TDP to [Liga Premier] Serie B, and now we’re in [Liga Premier] Serie A, and we’re just one step away from the [second-tier] Liga de Expansión. I’m aware there are coaches with far more experience and capability, but the key is to be ready when the opportunity comes - and not let it slip away.”
Mexican coaches “a last resort”
The 2011 world champion also reflected on the broader landscape for Mexican coaches. “I think it comes down to opportunity and patience,” he said. “The reality is that foreign coaches often get more time and support - they’re given the players they ask for.
“Meanwhile, Mexican coaches are usually brought in as a last resort, told to fix things in three games or lose their shot. Some have succeeded under those conditions, but unfortunately, they don’t always get the continuity they deserve. That’s just how this job works - the coach always has his bags packed. Still, I believe Mexican coaches deserve more chances.”
Throughout his playing career, Flores suited up for several clubs including Cruz Azul, Chivas, Pachuca, Coras de Tepic, Atlante, Tlaxcala, Tiburones Rojos de Veracruz, and Atlético Capitalino. He made his professional debut in 2011 with Cruz Azul, the club known as La Máquina Celeste.
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