Javier Aguirre gets World Cup fever with recent revealing comments

Javi Aguirre woke up this morning, tucked his night cap under his pillow, pulled open the curtains of his flat, and faced the shining sun as it warmed his face. He smiled, turned around, pressed play on the CD player, and began where he left off last night: "There lived a certain man in Russia long ago, he was big and strong, in his eyes a flaming glow..."

OK, it’s more than likely that none of that happened, but he’s certainly got World Cup fever: the full-body fizz that comes with the imminent arrival of the world’s greatest tournament. At least his recent press conference highlights suggest he’s knee-deep in sticker book collecting.

“I’m very excited,” he said. “More than anything, I’m really excited. I’m so fortunate.”

“I truly am a very fortunate man”

“For me as a Mexican, there is no greater joy or satisfaction than representing, in any way, in whatever it may be. I dedicated myself to football and I have this opportunity to represent my country, my flag, my people, against another country in an international competition. That is the greatest joy my job can give me,” he explained.

“I am very grateful, because it is incredible that I am here, just days away from the great global event in my home country,” he said. “I am a very fortunate man, truly, a very fortunate one.”

On the group of players he selected for the tournament, Aguirre said they were “in very good physical shape,” admitting that “we are at our best in terms of physical fitness and athletic performance, and even mentally."

He also spoke about the system put in place by his staff to get the best out the players: “The important thing is the playing system. Whoever plays, it must be the same. Whoever plays, it has already permeated the group,” he said. “From the first match until today, there has been progress, with tactical solutions. We have played with different systems; the players are sufficiently trained and capable of solving situations on their own during the match, and if not, we are there to make corrections at any moment." Sounds confident.

Mexico are the side that kick-off the football at the tournament, playing against South Africa in Game 1 of the World Cup at Mexico City Stadium on June 11. After that, they take on Korea Republic at Guadalajara Stadium on June 18, before their final Group A game, against Czechia at Mexico City Stadium on June 24.

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.