MEXICO
Pavel Pardo has faith in Mexican football’s ‘Council of Experts’
The Club América legend made 146 appearances for Mexico and believes that the new board will help Jaime Lozano restore the reputation of El Tri.
Former Mexican international Pavel Pardo has leant his support to the ‘Council of Experts’ put in place by the FMF to rejuvenate the national team.
The FMF’s Council of Experts is designed to offer advice on topics related to the development of Mexican football, share relevant knowledge and give feedback to members of the coaching staff.
In an interview with AS Mexico Pardo gave his take on the new advisory board.
“I think the project is there and has factors that can bring success,” Pardo said. “I don’t know what the Federation discussed with Ricardo La Volpe and everyone will have their reasons, but there is a project.”
La Volpe, who led Mexico to the 2006 World Cup, stepped down from the Council of Experts after claiming that there were too many people involved. Pardo said that, whatever La Volpe’s doubts, the council will help Mexican football going forward.
He said: “The project is not only to help ‘Jimmy’ Lozano, but also to improve the players, the youth players, and for that the opinion and support of these former players is important.”
What next for Mexican football?
Following the ill-fated managerial stint of Diego Cocca and a chastening 3-0 defeat to the United States in the Concacaf Nations League, El Tri were forced to look for new solutions.
Jaime Lozano, Cocca’s replacement as head coach, was given the job on a permanent basis after leading Mexico to the Gold Cup earlier this month, but there is an acceptance that more long-term thinking is required.
“The most important thing is that there is a project and it must be carried out,” Pardo explained. “It is a project until 2030.”
“The idea is that there will be five or six players in Europe, and 100 players playing in all the leagues in the world, to help convince the [Mexican] clubs to develop players at the age of 18.”
Mexican players have traditionally been reluctant to move to Europe. But with Edson Álvarez moving to Premier League side West Ham United and Santiago Giménez winning the Dutch title with Feyenoord, that could be changing.
Carlos Puyol and Fernando Hierro named in Council
The Council of Experts includes former El Tri stalwart Rafael Márquez and former head coach Javier Aguirre. However two of the names included are more left-field.
Spanish former footballers Carlos Puyol and Fernando Hierro - who captained Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively - are listed as international experts in the new structure.
When asked about their inclusion, Pardo insisted that it was wise to bring in individuals of such vast footballing experience.
“You have to look at the strategy, I think you have to take a good look at what the Council is for,” he said. “[They bring] something we don’t have, and Hierro is the director of one of the most important clubs in Mexico.”