Gerardo Martino visits Mexico stars based in Europe
The Mexico coach reported that the players who had changed clubs feel much happier and have settled.
Mexico face a tough test at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. The Tri are in the same group as Argentina, Poland and Saudi Arabia, and will need to produce their best if they are to make it through to the next stage of the tournament.
In an interview with TUDN, head coach Gerardo Martino revealed that he recently flew out to Europe specifically to see how the national team players who are based abroad are getting on, and said that he was pleasantly surprised with what he saw - especially from the players who have changed clubs in the transfer window.
“In general terms, I would summarize that everyone seems very happy. Guti [Érick Gutiérrez] with his new situation within PSV, gets on well with the coach, Edson there is nothing more to add. As for Santi and Jorge, they’re very happy to be in such an important League as the Dutch one. The same can be said for Orbelín [Pineda] in Greece, where both he and his wife are very happy and settled. There’s no change for Chucky in Naples - we have been with him, his wife, his children chatting for a long time. Johan [Vásquez] too, the change of club has been good for him, he feels very comfortable in Cremonese, despite the fact that he didn’t play last weekend,” Tata explained.
Lainez factor
Martino applauded Diego Lainez’s decision to join Braga on loan from Betis and has high hopes for the 22-year-old. “We paid Diego a visit in Braga and he’s very happy with the change, he feels important in the club, the truth is that all situations, except for those who continue where they are and are already comfortable like Edson and Chucky, the rest are very happy with the changes they have had in their professional life,” the former Barcelona coach explained.
Jesús Corona injury
Martino adde that he hasn’t lost hope of recovering Sevilla forward Jesús Corona in time, a key player in his plans. “Unfortunately Tecate had a major injury, but we have some hope that he can recover and be able to participate, the commitment was somehow ‘let’s at least try’, he’s doing the best he can and we are supporting him. At some point we’ll have to decide, which is the most painful part, because it may be that after so much sacrifice, it may not be possible,“ Martino said.
Orbelín Pineda, Diego Lainez or Uriel Antuna could replace Jesús Manuel Corona in the Mexico starting line-up if the Sevilla player does not recover in time.