DistantNews
Support us
🇬🇭 Ghana /Sports

Aguirre ends Mexico spell, backs Marquez to take over

From Ghanaian Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Javier Aguirre concluded his third tenure as Mexico's coach following their World Cup exit after a 3-2 defeat to England.
  • Aguirre endorsed former captain Rafa Marquez as his successor, stating Marquez is prepared to lead the team forward.
  • Mexico's World Cup journey ended in the quarterfinals, despite a spirited comeback attempt against England.

Javier Aguirre stepped down as Mexico's coach after their World Cup campaign concluded with a 3-2 loss to England. This marked the end of Aguirre's third stint leading the national team.

I would have liked to say goodbye to my people with a victory. That hurts.

— Javier AguirreAguirre expressed his disappointment after the loss to England.

Aguirre expressed his disappointment at not being able to secure a victory for the home crowd in his final match. "I would have liked to say goodbye to my people with a victory. That hurts," he told reporters. He acknowledged the team's effort, stating, "We tried." Despite the loss, Aguirre urged the players to leave with their heads held high, emphasizing their strong performance throughout the tournament.

Looking ahead, Aguirre backed former Mexico captain Rafa Marquez to take over the coaching responsibilities. He believes Marquez is well-prepared to build upon the work done with a squad that reignited national belief during their deepest World Cup run in 40 years. "He is more than capable, and he will do better than me," Aguirre said of his potential successor.

We tried.

— Javier AguirreAguirre commented on the team's effort in the match.

The match itself saw England take an early lead through Jude Bellingham, with Mexico pulling one back via Julian Quinones. England extended their lead with a penalty from Harry Kane after being reduced to 10 men, and a late penalty from Raul Jimenez was not enough to prevent Mexico's elimination. The game, delayed by adverse weather, was played in front of a fervent home crowd that Aguirre often referred to as Mexico's "12th player."

The players need to leave with their heads held high. Today it could not ‌be. We ⁠failed to capitalise, but I want to thank them all.

— Javier AguirreAguirre addressed the team's performance and thanked them.

Aguirre concluded by stating he leaves with immense pride, highlighting the squad's unity and the re-established connection with the supporters. "These players made me very happy. We recovered the sense of belonging and the identity of this team," he said.

I leave with a lot of pride. These players made me very happy. We recovered the sense of belonging and the identity of this team.

— Javier AguirreAguirre reflected on his tenure as coach.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ghanaian Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog