Javier Aguirre Denies Being Mexico's Best Coach, Cites Ignacio Trelles as True Legacy

Javier Aguirre, affectionately known as "El Vasco," deflects praise as the greatest coach in Mexican football history, instead naming Ignacio Trelles as the true legend. Aguirre, one of the few Mexican strategists to venture abroad, is on the cusp of leading Mexico in his third World Cup, a prospect he finds particularly emotional.

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I deny it and immediately state that for me, it is Ignacio Trelles.

Having previously managed Mexico in the 2002 and 2010 World Cups, Aguirre describes coaching his home country in the upcoming tournament as an unparalleled experience. "Since I arrived, with this constant refrain, I haven't had greater emotion in 50 years of career than with a World Cup at home. It's something unforgettable," he stated, referencing his own experience as a player in the 1986 Mexico World Cup.

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I haven't had greater emotion in 50 years of career than with a World Cup at home. It's something unforgettable.

Since beginning his coaching career with Atlante in 1996, Aguirre has not focused on building a specific legacy. He believes his impact is measured by the players who have passed through his teams. "The best legacy is, I believe, the players who have passed through with me. I always want to leave them something, that they grow as people, help them with their future, studies, marriage, financially. I have always cared about that, always before the number on their back," Aguirre explained.

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You make the path as you walk. I rarely look back; it's something that time will tell, that time will put me in a place, according to what you leave behind.

Mexico was eliminated in the Round of 16 in past World Cups under Aguirre. This time, playing at home, the team has the opportunity to advance to the quarterfinals, a feat not achieved since 1986, the year Aguirre himself played.

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The best legacy is, I believe, the players who have passed through with me. I always want to leave them something, that they grow as people, help them with their future, studies, marriage, financially. I have always cared about that, always before the number on their back.