Javier Aguirre Makes First Call-Up as National Team Coach for September Friendlies
Background and Introduction
Javier Aguirre, the newly appointed coach of the Mexican national team, has announced his first call-up for two friendlies scheduled in September. The matches will take place in the United States, with Mexico facing Peru on September 24th in Pasadena, California, and Colombia on September 27th in Santa Clara, California.Aguirre, a former Mexican international player, took over the reins of the national team in May 2023, replacing Gerardo Martino following Mexico’s disappointing performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Call-Up Analysis
The 26-player call-up features a blend of experienced veterans and promising youngsters, with a particular emphasis on players based in Liga MX, Mexico’s top-flight football league.Notable inclusions include goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, defenders César Montes and Jesús Gallardo, and midfielders Andrés Guardado and Edson Álvarez. Aguirre has also handed call-ups to several uncapped players, including defender Emilio Lara and forward Santiago Giménez.
The call-up has been met with mixed reactions from fans and pundits, with some praising Aguirre’s decision to include young players, while others have expressed concerns about the lack of experience in certain positions.
Tactics and Expectations
In an interview with the Mexican Football Federation, Aguirre outlined his tactical approach for the friendlies, emphasizing the importance of playing with intensity and discipline.
He is expected to deploy a 4-3-3 formation, with a focus on quick passing and attacking through the flanks. The friendlies will provide Aguirre with an opportunity to experiment with different formations and tactics ahead of the CONCACAF Nations League, which is scheduled to begin in March 2024.
Importance of Friendlies
The September friendlies hold significant importance for Mexico as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which they will co-host with the United States and Canada.The matches will allow Aguirre to assess the current squad and identify areas for improvement. They will also provide an opportunity for the players to gain experience playing together and build chemistry.
