Gerardo Martino, happy with Mexico’s midfield
Tata told reporters after the 0-1 defeat to Paraguay in Atlanta that he liked what he saw in Mexico’s midfield.
Mexico were made to suffer once again in a friendly match, this time against Paraguay, who beat Gerardo Martino’s team 0-1. In spite of the result, the coach insists that he is happy with how his midfield performed on the night.
After the match, Martino gave his thoughts to TUDN, and was positive about the three midfielders who lined up against Paraguay.
“I really liked the performance of the midfield trio. Romo as a contender for a place did very well, he is doing better and better and he is a good alternative for us. We were expecting Carlitos (Rodríguez) to come refreshed after his injury; for me he played a very good game and Luis Chávez in a short time has been confirmed as a national team player - steady, he always delivers answers, very generous when going forward,” Tata explained, adding, “He knows how to play in a double pivot, and he also knows how to play as a winger. He knows how to get behind players and penetrate, he’s very good at set-pieces... he makes a great contribution to the team. So this trio of midfielders that we wanted to take a look at, they have given us a very good 90 minutes”.
Martino was clear when quizzed on the subject of Alejandro Zendejas. The Argentine coach stated that it was the footballer himself who did not want to sign the document in order to play with Mexico.
“Things have to be said as they are, the player had to sign a document and he didn’t want to sign it. There’s nothing more to add, if I didn’t call him up, if the federation didn’t register him... it’s not like that. The player was asked to play for Mexico and the player didn’t sign the paperwork. They should ask the player, there is no problem with the federation, or the coach. Obviously from a coach’s perspective, if the demands or doubts are whether he will go to the World Cup or not, there is no chance for a player who thinks that way, it’s almost like extortion. But the truth is that a federation document had to be signed and the footballer said he was going to sign it and then he didn’t sign it,” the coach ended.