Jaime Lozano confirmed as permanent Mexico head coach

Jaime ‘Jimmy’ Lozano has been officially confirmed as the permanent head coach of the Mexican national team following a successful spell as interim.

The 44-year-old was drafted in earlier this year following a chastening 3-0 loss to the United States in the Concacaf Nations League semi-finals. Lozano took over with the team at a low ebb and quickly turned things around, leading them to a Gold Cup triumph in July.

“I am very pleased to inform you officially, and I know it is not going to be a surprise for most of you that we have chosen Jaime Lozano to lead the senior national team project ahead of the 2026 World Cup,” FMF executive president Ivar Sisniega said.

The three-year deal will keep him with the national team for the full World Cup cycle, with hopes that Mexico can improve on the disappointing group stage exit in 2022.

El Tri opt for Mexican-born manager

Lozano was named as the interim coach just days before the start of the 2023 Gold Cup and he took over a squad low on confidence after the departure of former manager Diego Cocca.

Cocca spent just four months in charge of El Tri and the Argentine failed to establish any real connection with the fans; a vital component of success in such a football-obsessed nation.

After that failure the FMF have opted to appoint a Mexican as the full time head coach for the first time in a decade. The last Mexican appointee was Miguel ‘Piojo’ Herrera, who began a fairly mediocre two-year stint in 2013.

With Lozano installed as manager for the next three years there is renewed optimism that the Mexican national team can make the most of a talented crop of players at his disposal.

After lifting the Gold Cup last month, Lozano said: “Obviously, I would like to be here.”

“Obviously, it would be a dream to lead my national team in a World Cup, and even more in a World Cup where we’ll be the home side.”

“If it’s my turn, it’s a dream. It’s a dream.”