MEXICO
Jaime Lozano opens up on the situation regarding Javier Hernández and Alexis Vega
The Mexican National Team coach talked about Javier Hernández and Alexis Vega, two players who could return to the international setup.
AS was present as Jaime Lozano, manager of the Mexican National Team, spoke to a small number of journalists ahead of Mexico’s game against Colombia on December 16, which will be played at United Airlines Field at the Memorial Coliseum.
The game will serve as preparation for El Tri’s 2024 Copa América campaign, a tournament in which the side are one of the seeded teams and will top Group B in the draw.
The coach opened up on various players both in and away from the side, and spoke about the different situations regarding figures such as Santiago Giménez, Alexis Vega and Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández, the latter being a bone of contention for many fans who want to see him return to the side.
Lozano confident of Alexis Vega return to El Tri
“I know Alexis Vega quite well. In the Olympics he was also one of the best players and as you say, he arrived at a great moment with Gerardo Martino to the World Cup”.
Lozano was keen to point out the positive relationship between himself and Vega, fully swinging open the door for the Chivas star to return to the fold with the National Team after he was disciplined for an off-field issue: “I had the opportunity to talk to him, because beyond being a coach or a player, I think there is an important relationship. Now I’m here and I also like to help players to achieve their goals and achieve their dreams.”
“That’s something important that drives me as a coach”, Lozano stressed. “The message was for him to show him my support and for him to know that everything has consequences; he will know more than anyone what he did and fortunately he’s back doing what he loves to do.”
“He is a very mentally strong guy”, Lozano continued, “he is a guy who has gone through an important story of overcoming difficulties, so it is very clear to me that this is not going to stop him. It will undoubtedly make him grow, make him mature and turn him into a better person first and then a better player. We will be there to watch him, we will be there at his service so that he can also continue helping his team and then, obviously, he can return to the National Team”.
Jaime Lozano drops hints on Javier Hernández future
Lozano was reserved when talking about whether or not Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández could return to the side, but he was keen to point out the legendary status that the former Real Madrid forward has for the fans: “pretty much since I arrived he’s been injured” he said.
“We know what Chicharito means for the National Team, he’s the top scorer, he has played in many World Cups and he brings a lot of joy to the fans. We have to wait and see. I have always said it: the doors of this national team are open to whoever has the desire to truly represent their country.”