Mexico coach Javier Aguirre on the growth of Concacaf: “I can’t complain”

Every two years, Concacaf nations go head-to-head at the Gold Cup. This year’s edition has been one of surprises, With Honduras beating Panama and Guatemala stunning Canada.

The Hondurans will now take on Mexico in the semi-final on Wednesday, a chance for them to add another scalp. Ahead of the game, Mexican head coach Javier Aguirre, spoke about the challenge that Concacaf membership presents to Mexico, along with some of the potential benefits.

Aguirre said: “It’s the eternal debate about the geographical area. FIFA decided to create six confederations and that’s where it fell for us. It’s what we have to do and we’ve talked about the growth of the CONCACAF area.”

“There are always a lot of migrants in the United States and Caribbean countries and that makes them attractive to players. The frequency with which they play is what we have to do in the confederation. I can’t complain because this is our area and it will continue to be so.”

Mexico are relishing another meeting with Honduras

Ahead of this summer’s tournament, Canada were the favorites for many experts and their surprise elimination has opened things up. Both the USMNT and Mexico have gone through tough patches recently but they will now see the Gold Cup as a real chance to get back on track.

Reflecting on another meeting with Honduras, Aguirre admitted that he was relishing the chance, saying: “The two matches we played against Honduras have been interesting. We’ll try to make sure everything goes well on the field so we can play good football and maintain continuity."

“I believe Honduras is here on its own merits. I don’t know if the Mexican press was expecting Panama, but my players and I respect whoever our opponent is.”

Aguirre also spoke about the development of his own team: “There’s growth, especially physically. Before, we didn’t train with foresight and detail.”

“Physically, it’s remarkable how we now have nutritionists and GPS; there’s a tremendous amount of expertise in that aspect, and in the mental aspect as well. I remember that in ’84 we played against Italy and we were already dying from our clothing.”

Mexico have looked much improved this summer and can use the Gold Cup as a spring-board ahead of next year’s World Cup on home soil. If they are to make it to the final they will likely take on the United States, giving them a chance to claim regional bragging rights against the old rivals.

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