Mexico coach Diego Cocca facing tricky summer: is his job in danger?
The Argentine coach will have his first big test when he faces the United States in the Nations League semi-final on Thursday.
Unlike many of his predecessors, Diego Cocca will not enjoy a honeymoon period in his new role as Mexico coach. The former Atlas Guadalajara strategist is facing a very busy summer and if he does not achieve the expected results, his job could be on the line before he has had the chance to leave his mark on the team.
In little over 24 hours’ time, El Tri will have possibly one of their toughest commitments of the year, the CONCACAF Nations League semi-final against the United States. The staunchest rival of the region has taken the measure of Mexico in the most recent encounters and a defeat to the neighbours would not only deny Cocca’s men the chance of winning the first trophy of the summer, it could also instigate a crisis heading into the next tournament - the Gold Cup.
Mexico’s summer
United States vs Mexico - Nations League semi-final - Thursday 15 June
*Possible Nations League final vs Panama or Canada - Sunday 18 June
Mexico vs Honduras - Gold Cup - Sunday 25 June
Mexico vs Haiti - Gold Cup - Thursday 29 June
Mexico vs Qatar - Gold Cup - Sunday 2 July
It’s worth remembering that the United States won both of the last editions of the tournaments in 2021 and both finals were against Mexico. With that in mind, Diego Cocca’s position will be in danger if Mexico fail to lifting at least one trophy this summer and stamp their authority in an area where Canada and the USMNT have looked the dominant forces in recent times.