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Worst summer ever.
That is what some Mexican National Soccer Team fans are saying after they saw Mexico crash out of the FIFA Confederations Cup and the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
After the two disappointing results, many angry fans are asking themselves what now and who do we blame? Let’s take a look at what may be in store for each department (the Federation, the players, the fans, and Head Coach Juan Carlos Osorio) of El Tri.
First is Mexico’s coach, Juan Carlos Osorio.
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His job is the most likely to be on the line after, once again, getting heavy scrutiny from fans and journalists. Much of this negative press was followed by every game and after being eliminated from the two summer tournaments.
Osorio’s numbers are not that bad on paper.
The Colombian coach has a record of 25 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses in 36 games.
Now, if a said federation was to fire a head coach with those kind of number, that federation would look to be run by a bunch toddlers and monkeys. The thing is Osorio has not been able to shake off that first ever loss; the 7-0 thrashing against Chile in last year’s Copa America Centennial in the quarterfinals.
Since then, Osorio has been looked at with plenty of discontent given his tactical formations and use of rotations. Much of these rotations were made in the middle of important tournaments that most other national team coaches would never dare to replicate. It certainly adds salt to the ever present wound when Germany’s “C” team humbles you with a 4-1 defeat in the semifinals of the Confederations Cup, while Jamaica stops you from reaching the final of the the Gold Cup just weeks later.
Some fans and journalists love to bash on him at any opportunity they get. But some more rational people have remembered that the FMF (The Mexican Football Federation) gave Osorio one job and one job only.
Get to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
So far, the man has delivered.
First place in the Hexagonal round of World Cup Qualifiers. This includes wins on the road in Columbus, Ohio and Honduras, giving Osorio a strong hand. Unless complete chaos were to happen and Mexico are on the brink of not qualifying, then Osorio would not get the ax. If Mexico continue and qualify comfortably, Osorio can hope of making his third summer in charge of the national team a charm. To Mexico and their fans, making it to the World Cup’s 5th game is enough.
Next up: the players.
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They seem to have received the second most blame after these two tournaments. One tournament in particular where players gave fans reason to worry was the Gold Cup. The players in that tournament were younger and inexperienced internationals who are supposed to be the future of El Tri. After the performance they gave, many fans left wondering what is there to look forward to.
Earlier in the summer, there was a lot of excitement brewing among fans and pundits as players made big summer moves in top European leagues. While some younger players who play at home wanted to take the opportunity of playing in big tournaments to catch the eye of potential suitors.
Players like Hector Moreno and Andres Guardado moved to bigger and better clubs such as AS Roma and Real Betis, respectively. Hirving Lozano made the big summer move across the Atlantic to play for PSV Eindhoven and will finally test his skill set against tougher opposition.
Recently, Javier Hernandez made a move back to the Premier League to join West Ham United. Chicharito’s new team is nowhere near the likes of Manchester United. Fortunately, he’ll get minutes at a decent club in arguably the best league in the world. Any national team manager would love that for their star striker right before the World Cup begins.
Osorio gave his players the challenge of playing 10 games before next summer’s World Cup with their respective clubs. Surely, all the European league based players will have the opportunity to do that.
There will be one less however.
Jonathan Dos Santos has agreed to join his older brother, Giovani, to play for the L.A. Galaxy in the MLS. The news might be a bit concerning since everyone saw the performance both brothers gave at the Confederations Cup. Little brother Jona was easily one of Mexico’s best performers after playing with La Liga side Villarreal last season, while big brother Gio was a huge disappointment off the bench. One wonders if Jonathan leaving the 5th best team of La Liga, at the peak of his career being 27 years old, was the best decision going forward.
In the Gold Cup, there were a few players who made a case to be considered for the World Cup. One in particular was right back/center midfielder Edson Alvarez. The 19-year-old was consistent and hardly faltered catching the eyes of many. Elias Hernandez performed well but it is hard to see how the 29-year-old winger will fit. The current Mexico squad is loaded with talented players at his position, which may keep him off.
A lot can happen a year from now with player performances and injuries. Only time will tell who will be lining up in Mexico’s first World Cup match, assuming they get there.
The Federation.
The Liga MX owners must change the way they handle the league, as it affects the national team. One controversial way they run it is the 10/8 rule that was introduced last year. It permits teams to have no more than 10 foreign players on the roster. That leaves at least eight spots to Mexican internationals. It has now been altered to 9/9 ratio (I know, huge change right?). This causes many Mexican players to struggle to get much playing time. Unless that is changed, then the national team will continue to receive the consequences.
Another thing that must change up top is the decisions to play better opposition outside of Mexico’s comfort zone. Mexico plays friendly matches in the United States against lower quality nations because it creates more revenue for league owners. To increase their style of play, Mexico must look elsewhere to play. Playing in South America and Europe would be better measures for the squad’s talent. It would give the team a way to gauge how well they’re doing before they head into summer tournaments.
Lastly, Mexico’s fans.
After Mexico’s disappointing loss to Jamaica in the Gold Cup semis, fans waited angrily for Osorio to leave the stadium. Videos show them chanting “Osorio out!” with one fan getting caught in a video yelling “go back to your country.”
That prompted some players like Javier Hernandez and Diego Reyes to defend their manager. They went as far to shame some fans on their social media accounts. Criticism will continue up until Mexico’s next game, a World Cup Qualifier against Panama in Estadio Azteca on September 1st.
Osorio is losing fans as every game passes. That is what happens when you’re a coach of a intently passionate soccer nation that is constantly day dreaming of what can be unfair expectations for El Tri. The best Osorio can do is continue to lead the Hexagonal round. The sooner Mexico reaches qualification to the World Cup, the better.
What fans should be more worried about is the infamous homophobic chant they scream when opposing goalkeepers kick the ball.
FIFA has given the federation multiple fines and warnings. It worked in Russia’s Confederations Cup as many Mexican fans urged their brethren to stop the chant. The Gold Cup fans did not always listen. It is also a safe bet the Liga MX games will be filled with the chant this season. The fans must hope the consequences won’t be too severe. For example, Mexico having to play qualifiers behind closed doors. Or even worse, deducting points in the qualifying rounds.
Nonetheless, one thing is certain. Every level that comes with the national team will come with intense drama leading up to the World Cup.
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