### The New Era of “El Vasco” Aguirre in Tri
After a 14-year hiatus, Javier “El Vasco” Aguirre has returned to lead the Mexican national soccer team. In his third stint as head coach, Aguirre is optimistic about his players and believes in a commitment from those who seize the opportunity to play a World Cup at home.
In his “new” debut as head coach, the Mexican team displayed a different approach, characterized by a more offensive game and a decisive 3-0 victory against New Zealand. The lineup featured a four-defender formation with Israel Reyes, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, and Jesús Gallardo. Luis Romo and Luis Chávez took midfield defensive roles, while Orbelín Pineda, Julián Quiñones, and Roberto Alvarado played as attacking midfielders. Santiago Giménez led the attack.
The friendly FIFA match took place at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena before 25,000 fans, marking one of the lowest attendances for the Mexican team in this historic venue. Orbelín Pineda opened the scoring in the 5th minute. In the second half, César Huerta added a second goal in the 53rd minute, and Luis Romo sealed the 3-0 victory in the 57th minute.
Aguirre begins his new tenure on a positive note, aiming for the 2026 World Cup. Reflecting on the team’s underperformance in Qatar, leading to Diego Cocca’s and later Jaime Lozano’s departures, Aguirre emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for uncommitted players.
“There may be instances where a player is not mentally or emotionally ready. My job is to understand them, look into their eyes, and interrogate them. Those who do not respond will leave,” asserted Aguirre. “I need players who see a home World Cup as a significant opportunity. They must have a clear mind and a dedicated heart.”
Despite the three-goal win, Aguirre critiqued the lack of finishing: “We should have scored six, but we only managed three. We need to be more aggressive and consistent.”
The coach also acknowledged the lower-than-expected turnout of fans at the Rose Bowl. “Fans expect value for their money. Although 25,000 isn’t terrible, it’s far from filling a large venue like the Rose Bowl. The goal was to make sure these fans left satisfied.”
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026
Aguirre’s vast experience—having coached clubs such as Atlético de Madrid and the Japanese national team—shapes his strategy for the Mexican team. He expects to introduce fresh talents in the future, taking advantage of the preparation time leading up to the 2026 World Cup.
Key players like Orbelín Pineda, who scored against New Zealand, expressed satisfaction with the new leadership. “Aguirre is committed and knows what he wants. He conveys the significance of being part of the national team.”
Pineda also praised the duo of Aguirre and Rafael Márquez, identifying Márquez as a legend bringing valuable insights. “Both coaches show us what we need to demonstrate on the field. It reflects positively. We hope to continue with good results to bring the fans back.”
The Mexican team under Aguirre will next face the United States in a friendly match at Estadio Akron in October, continuing their journey towards the 2026 World Cup.
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### Secondary Article: Diego Cocca’s Resignation from Atlas After Triathlon of Defeats Paves Way for Aguirre’s Appointment
As Javier Aguirre steps into his third tenure with the Mexican national team, the backdrop includes the recent resignation of Diego Cocca from Atlas FC. Cocca cited a series of defeats and an overall decline in team morale as reasons for his departure. The move arose after a particularly devastating loss against Club América, culminating in a string of unsuccessful matches.
With Cocca stepping down, the Mexican Football Federation saw an opportunity for a fresh wave of leadership—an opportunity they seized by reappointing Aguirre. His appointment is viewed as a strategic move to inject experience and optimism into the team, aligning with long-term goals for the World Cup.
The transition also involved Jaime Lozano, who temporarily held the reins post-Cocca. Lozano orchestrated minor tactical improvements but ultimately couldn’t turn the team’s performance around. The federation hopes that Aguirre’s experience and strategic acumen will usher in a new era of success for Mexican soccer.
Fans and critics alike will keenly watch as Aguirre navigates the challenges ahead, potentially redefining the trajectory of Mexican soccer on the global stage.
For the latest developments and expert analysis, stay tuned to TJGringo.com.