Mexico confirms appointment of legend as Javier Aguirre’s replacement after World Cup exit
A matter of days after Mexico’s FIFA World Cup exit at the hands of England, the Mexican Football Federation has appointed Javier Aguirre’s replacement as head coach.
Taking his place in the hot seat will be former Barcelona star and Mexico international, Rafael Márquez. This marks the 47-year-old’s first major managerial appointment, having previously led Real Sociedad Deportiva Alcalá’s Under-15s and Barcelona B, while he has served as Aguirre’s assistant for the past two years.
A 147-time international who scored 17 goals for his country and appeared at five World Cups, Márquez’s appointment was described by the federation as “part of an orderly transition planned within the FMF’s institutional vision to give continuity to the work done during the last World Cup cycle, strengthen the sporting development of the Mexican National Team and face its upcoming international commitments.”
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The confirmation statement also took a moment to thank Aguirre following what was his third stint in charge since 2001.
It read, “In formalizing the appointment of Rafael Márquez, the Mexican Football Federation expresses its deepest recognition and gratitude to Javier Aguirre and his entire coaching staff for the commitment, leadership, and professionalism with which they led the Mexican National Team during this process, leaving a firm legacy of work, identity, and competitiveness that strengthens the foundations for the next stage of the national team.”
A fellow ex-Mexico international, Aguirre leaves having led his national team a total of 93 times, winning two CONCACAF Gold Cups, one CONCACAF Nations League, whilst also guiding his side to the 2001 Copa América final. He led Mexico at three World Cups, with his side reaching the Round of 16 in each.
This most recent run was a little different, however, as with the addition of the Round of 32, it meant Aguirre led El Tri to its first knockout stage win since 1986, when they made it to the quarterfinals. This time around, Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 to set up what proved to be a Round of 16 game for the ages at Estadio Azteca against England, with the visitors winning 3-2 after playing much of the game with 10-men.
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He appointment of Márquez seems to have gone down well with current stars, with midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo, who plays his domestic soccer in La Liga with Real Betism saying, “It’s fantastic. We were there for the whole process. With Rafa, I was able to live this FIFA window with him and the last one as well. I am sure the national team is in very good hands,” as per ESPN.
“Rafa [Márquez], Javier [Aguirre], Pol [fitness coach Lorente], Tony [assistant coach Amor] — I think they built something truly unique and very hard to achieve.”
As for the outgoing Aguirre, he has the utmost confidence in his successor after their first World Cup on home soil since 1986, saying, “I wish him the best. He is more than capable, and he will do better than me.”
