Mexico’s Uriel Antuna outlines the effect Jimmy Lozano has had on the team

Uriel Antuna, one of Mexico’s most promising attackers, opened up on the differences that he has seen in the new-look Mexico side and why his performances under the current coach are levels ahead of what was seen under Diego Cocca. Antuna spoke about the morale of the side: “I think the confidence that Jimmy [Lozano] gives us us very important for the whole group.”

“We feel very comfortable with his idea of playing, but also at Cruz Azul with Tuca (Ricardo Ferretti) I felt good and it was a different way of playing, I think it’s about being given the best tools to be able to play well”, he concluded, before talking about his own style of play in a more personal way, something that has drawn criticism over seemingly needless movements and skills.

‘Maybe I get it wrong, but I’ll never stop trying’

“I have heard a lot of comments about that”, he said, “but it’s all about learning. It also depends on the opponent, about how they mark you, it depends on a lot of things on the pitch. Sometimes I do too much, but sometimes I feel it’s right and maybe I get it wrong, but I’ll never stop trying.”

Antuna was also keen to point out the specific, in-game help that Lozano has provided so far as head coach of the Mexican National Team, saying that “in the last game, the manager’s instructions were crucial and it ended up giving us the result.”

Antuna is fully committed to Mexico

Finally, the Mexican expressed his feelings regarding the fans of El Tri and the relationship he shares with them, as well as the comments he receives from his detractors. “I don’t know if I am valued”, he admitted, “but I’m always going to give my all. I have showed it on the pitch, the numbers are there. I will always give everything, whether I play or not I will always be happy to wear the Mexico shirt and I will always support the national team wherever I am.”