MEXICO
Héctor Herrera: “I want to enjoy my final years in the Mexican national team”
The 33-year-old returns to star for El Tri after impressing head coach Jaime Lozano with his performances for Houston Dynamo.
Héctor Herrera returned to the fold for Mexico in their 2-2 draw against Australia last Friday.
The Houston Dynamo midfielder had missed the previous 13 games for El Tri after falling out of favour with previous coach Diego Cocca. Under the leadership of new boss Jaime Lozano the former Pachuca, FC Porto and Atlético Madrid midfielder has returned to the national set up and appears to be relishing the opportunity.
Speaking after the game on Friday, Lozano’s first match as permanent head coach, Herrera said: “I’m very happy to be here, to be able to contribute to [helping young players] on and off the field.”
“I want to enjoy my final years in the national team, I’m always willing to support from the outside, give advice and do that kind of thing,” he added.
Herrera feels “proud and privileged” to receive El Tri call-up
Before the Australia game, Herrera’s last appearance for the Mexican national team came in the World Cup group stage against Argentina. El Tri were beaten 2-0 by the eventual winners in a game that all-but confirmed Mexico’s group stage elimination.
Now aged 33, Herrera could have been forgiven for thinking that his international career was over. But, having being given a reprise, he is eager to make the most of the opportunity.
“I am very happy to be here, to be able to see my teammates, to meet the coaching staff, to be able to play again, I can’t say anything but happiness,” he explained.
“Being here, I feel proud and it’s a privilege to be enjoyed. Let’s hope that I can continue in this way.”
When is Mexico’s next game?
Herrera has registered ten assists for Houston in MLS this year, making him one of the league’s most creative midfielders. In Friday’s match he started as one of two box-to-box midfielders, alongside Orbelín Pineda, but struggled to show his quality on the ball against a resolute Australia side.
He will be hoping to keep his spot for Mexico’s next fixture, a meeting with Uzbekistan at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta on Tuesday evening.
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As one of the co-hosts for the tournament, Mexico are not involved in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Lozano may choose to rotate his squad during the friendly fixtures as he looks to bring through the next generation of Mexican players.