Miguel ‘Piojo’ Herrera slams FMF’s Council of Experts

Former Mexico head coach Miguel ‘Piojo’ Herrera has warned that the FMF’s new ‘Council of Experts’ could complicate matters for new national team boss Jaime ‘Jimmy’ Lozano.

The introduction of the new advisory group has been a controversial topic in Mexican football in recent weeks. Herrera is one of the most prominent figures to have publicly opposed the Council, claiming that it will make Lozano’s job more difficult.

Herrera, now head coach of Liga MX side Tijuana, spoke to AS Mexico about the role of the Council of Experts and what the future holds for the Mexican national team.

What’s your take on the FMF’s Council of Experts?

“For me it shouldn’t exist. I don’t doubt the ability of all those who have been named, they are all very capable.”

“But each one has their own ideas, each one has their way of thinking. Each one is going to present their point of view and I think they are going to fill the manager’s head with more doubts than clarity.”

“When you have four or five experts... Each one will give their opinion from their own perspective. I don’t think that Ricardo Ferretti and Ricardo LaVolpe think in the same way, even less Carlos Reinoso or Manolo Lapuente.”

“Everyone is going to give their point of view and Jimmy has a very clear way of working, but you have to support him if he wants to take a course, ask questions, seek opinions.”

“His arrival to the national team was not well received and today, after winning the Gold Cup, it seems to me that he has earned his opportunity... Nowhere in the world do these Councils exist, we are trying to invent something that is not in the script.”

What do you think of Lozano’s appoointment as head coach of the Mexican national team?

“Firstly I’m glad, I think Jimmy earned it with a great Gold Cup tournament. Suddenly people want to talk about the United States and Canada not being complete, but that’s no one’s fault, it’s the problem of each country. Mexico had to shake off a tidal wave and I think Jimmy did well. He worked well and the team looked good on the field, a team with order and an idea. It’s a good decision, you have to wish him a lot of success.”

“Now, a piece of advice? I think there are a lot of people giving their opinion, a lot of external people. I think it’s easier to let Jimmy work and if he personally looks for someone or is going to ask for support, the doors of every coach in Mexico will be open.”

“I think that would be much better, but these are the decisions that they are making and they must be supported. But if we have to support, then we must support Jimmy and ensure that they make it to the World Cup with strength.”

With the exclusion of Ricardo LaVolpe and Hugo Sanchez, is the Council of Experts being unfair?

“I go back to the same thing, I think that this Council of Experts should not exist. [We are missing] two important guys in Mexican soccer, both with very important credentials.”

“I think Jimmy should take the reins... I go and ask for advice because I can’t say that I know everything. It seems to me that it is better to consult people that work as I want, not to go with everyone because they will fill my head with doubts. I reiterate my particular point of view, [the Council of Experts] has no benefit for the national coach.”

Is your door open if Jimmy wants advice?

“I have met him without being the national team coach and we have talked many times. When Jimmy wants to come the door is open. I have spoken to him and it seems to me that ideas flow between us without problems.”

“If he asks me for an opinion on what I can help him with, if he just wants to come see the players, he’s welcome. If he just wants to have a meal, great! I have a good relationship with Jimmy.”

What does Jimmy have to do to succeed as Mexico head coach?

“Don’t get caught up, the arrows will continue to come, and there will be many opinions from people who don’t know. Analysts who think they are managers. Add only who you think helps you, because today everyone thinks they know football.”