Javier Aguirre, the Mexico national football coach, discussed the long-lasting effects of a tactical error he made during the 2002 World Cup. His decision led to a notable loss against the United States, which still haunts him. He praised former coach Gerardo Martino for acknowledging his own decision to exclude Santiago Gimenez from the 2022 World Cup roster. Aguirre emphasized the importance of accountability in coaching and mentioned the ongoing struggles of the Mexican team in international competitions, seeking to revive their efforts ahead of the 2026 World Cup that they will co-host with the U.S. and Canada.
"On a personal level, it frees you. Holding onto a lie leads nowhere and I still pay the consequences for my error [in 2002]."
"I made a mistake by changing a lineup I hadn't practiced. It feels bad when you make a mistake. And your country, because of your fault, because it's yours, is dropped out of a World Cup."
"It could be, I accept it," former Mexico coach Gerardo Martino acknowledged his own error in leaving out striker Santiago Gimenez from the 2022 World Cup roster.
Aguirre acknowledged the ongoing challenges for Mexico in international competitions, emphasizing how they have yet to achieve significant success since hosting the World Cup in 1986.
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