Mexico coach Aguirre warns no more room for opening-match nerves

Mexico's national football coach, Javier Aguirre, has issued a stern warning to his players, declaring that any tolerance for opening-match nerves has run out. As the co-hosts prepare for a crucial World Cup encounter against South Korea, Aguirre emphasized the need for immediate performance improvement.

“

I granted them the benefit of the doubt for the nervousness of a debut. But I told them I can no longer allow a player, because of the stage, to be unable to make a three- or four-metre pass or a movement they have trained for.

Both Mexico and South Korea enter their Group A clash at the Guadalajara Stadium with maximum points, following initial victories. South Korea defeated the Czech Republic 2-1, while Mexico secured a 2-0 win over South Africa. However, Aguirre noted that ten of his players experienced World Cup debuts and appeared to struggle with the pressure, affecting their basic execution.

“

The speed of the Koreans going forward - we have trained on how to nullify it. We have to be attentive to the 'vigilance' when we are attacking. If there are two Koreans, there must be at least three Mexicans.

"I granted them the benefit of the doubt for the nervousness of a debut," Aguirre stated. "But I told them I can no longer allow a player, because of the stage, to be unable to make a three- or four-metre pass or a movement they have trained for." He highlighted South Korea's rapid transition play as the primary danger, recalling a previous friendly where Mexico found it difficult to contain their counter-attacks.

“

We take advantage of the rules. It allows you to give instructions while the players drink water. I use those breaks to correct things I see; it's actually helpful for us coaches because we don't have to shout across the field anymore.

Aguirre also addressed the tactical implications of FIFA's mandatory hydration breaks. While introduced for player welfare in the heat, these pauses have become a strategic tool. "We take advantage of the rules," Aguirre explained. "It allows you to give instructions while the players drink water. I use those breaks to correct things I see; it's actually helpful for us coaches because we don't have to shout across the field anymore." He acknowledged the evolving nature of football, influenced by such rule changes and technological advancements like VAR, which contribute to a better game overall.

“

I have 50 years in this blessed football and I still feel a strange nervousness before every game ... The day I don't feel that, I'll go home.