What did Rogelio Funes Mori say about Mexico contenders Herrera, Almada?
Mexico international Rogelio Funes Mori says Miguel Herrera and Guillermo Almada would both be good choices to take over as head coach of El Tri.
Mexico striker Rogelio Funes Mori has backed both Miguel Herrera and Guillermo Almada for the El Tri job, with one of the two coaches set to be appointed as successor to Gerardo Martino.
Herrera and Almada “both have what it takes”
“They’re two coaches who both absolutely have the tools required for the position,” Funes Mori told an interview with Fox Sports. “They know what they’re doing, they’ve got proven track records. They both have what it takes to do a great job.”
The Argentina-born player, who has won 17 caps for Mexico, continued: “Whoever’s appointed, hopefully they can do as well as possible, and try to build a good side with good players.
“I’ve always said that we’ve got excellent players at our disposal, and we’ve just got to work hard and not be distracted by what’s said outside of the set-up.”
Funes Mori added that he hopes to keep on contributing to the Mexico team, but first has to perform well for his club, Liga MX side Monterrey.
“I’m happy, I’d like to carry on playing for the national team - but that comes down to how I do [at club level]. I’m working flat out for Monterrey.”
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Lack of World Cup minutes “the coach’s call”
The 31-year-old also discussed his lack of game time at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Martino limited the player to just four minutes of action as Mexico exited the tournament at the group stage.
“Simply put, it’s the coach’s call - his decision was not to give me as many minutes as I would have liked,” Funes Mori said. “That’s not something that’s within my control and all I could do was train hard, do well and be in top shape for the team.”
Gignac “the best player in the league”
Meanwhile, Funes Mori had words of praise for Tigres striker André-Pierre Gignac, who has started the Clausura 2023 tournament in fine form, scoring three goals in three games.
“We regularly talk in private and on social media, and I’ve always said that in my opinion he’s the best player in the league. He continues to show that. Despite his age he trains like an absolute beast, he’s an example to follow.”