Jaime Lozano has been dismissed as head coach of Mexico’s national football team two weeks after their first-round exit from the Copa América. The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) announced on Tuesday that Lozano had declined an offer to remain with the team as an assistant coach for two years, with a potential return to the head coach position after the 2026 World Cup. “This was one of the toughest decisions I have had to make,” Lozano shared on his official social media accounts. “It is a matter of principles and due to the change of direction from the original project.” Javier Aguirre, a close friend of FMF commissioner Juan Carlos Rodrguez, is considered the leading candidate for the head coach position. Aguirre previously coached Mexico during the 2002 and 2010 World Cups and had earlier declined a role to assist Lozano from a distance.
The FMF indicated that a new coach could be confirmed as early as the first week of August. Lozano, who guided Mexico’s Under-23 team to a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, was appointed interim head coach of the national team in May last year, replacing Diego Cocca. After winning the Gold Cup, Lozano’s position became permanent in August 2023. During his tenure, Lozano managed just 10 wins out of 21 matches. In the Copa América, Mexico narrowly defeated Jamaica, lost to Venezuela, and drew with Ecuador, resulting in their elimination from Group B. Controversially, Lozano left out five experienced players from the Copa América squad, including goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and forwards Hirving Lozano and Raul Jimenez. He explained that he wanted to give other players leadership opportunities. The president of the FMF, Ivar Sisniega, had assured him that his job was secure regardless of the tournament’s outcome.
Following the Copa América exit, the FMF has begun an analysis to identify mistakes, successes, and areas for improvement. Lozano, who spent only one year in the role, led Mexico to the 2023 Gold Cup title and reached the CONCACAF Nations League final earlier this year, where they lost to the United States. His overall record as head coach includes 10 wins, four draws, and seven losses.
Published By:
Saurabh Kumar
Published On:
Jul 17, 2024
Source link : https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/sports/football/story/mexico-coach-jaime-lozano-sacked-after-copa-america-disappointment-2567854-2024-07-17
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Publish date : 2024-07-16 23:39:38
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