MEXICO
Tata Martino feels that the position of ‘El Tri’ national coach should be filled by a Mexican
The current Inter Miami coach claimed that there is an high level of patriotism with El Tri and therefore the position should be filled by someone born in the country.
The former coach of the Mexico national team, Gerardo Martino claimed in an interview with Fernando Schwartz for Fox Sports Network, that the position of head coach of El Tri should be filled by a Mexican coach or for someone who knows the national media as he feels that there an excess of patriotism around the national side.
“I think that the role should be for Mexicans or someone who is closely identified with Mexican soccer, due to idiosyncrasy and because there is an issue of excess of patriotism when it comes to talking about soccer,” he claimed.
The current Inter Miami manager added: “people feel that they have guaranteed representation with someone of their own, definitely not the one who comes from abroad. Even though the coach from abroad will have the commitment to try and do things well, they are not someone who is used to life and finer points of Mexican soccer and I think people feel more comfortable with this situation,” he stated.
World Cup failure with El Tri
Martino failed to secure a Round of 16 berth with Mexico at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and was sacked after the final group game. His replacement, Argentine Diego Cocca last in the position for just four months and was dismissed after a Concacaf Nations League semi-final defeat to the US.
Cocca was replaced by current incumbent Jaime Lozano with the temporary Mexico coach expected to be given the position on a permanent basis after winning the 2023 Gold Cup for El Tri.