Mexico coach Javier Aguirre made it clear that only players with mental toughness will make his roster for the World Cup, saying his project with El Tri isn’t for those who “can’t handle the heat.” Aguirre also addressed the goalkeeping situation, casting doubt on Luis Ángel Malagón’s status as the starter and saying the position is still up for grabs.
Getty Images SportA chance for redemption against Ecuador
Mexico return to action Tuesday night to face Ecuador at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, just days after a humiliating 4-0 loss to Colombia in Arlington. Texas. El Tri will take the field determined to bounce back, regain confidence, and restore the positive atmosphere that surrounded the team before facing the Cafeteros.
The setback against the South Americans raised doubts about Aguirre’s project. While the coach’s job is not under immediate threat, the loss left the door open for potential change – with some players who once seemed guaranteed a spot now facing uncertainty about their place in the squad.
AdvertisementAFPPlayers who can handle pressure
Aguirre made it clear that mental toughness will be a key factor in determining who earns a place on his World Cup roster.
“You either handle the pressure, or you don’t belong here,” the Mexican coach said. "The ones who can’t take the heat don’t have the strength to play in a World Cup. A World Cup in Mexico is the best thing that could happen to them. I don’t use social media, but these guys do – they see the criticism, and if they can’t block out the noise, they can’t be here.
"They’re the protagonists, they’re the ones getting paid to perform, and they have to prove why they deserve to wear this jersey."
Getty Images SportHow the loss affected the locker room
Aguirre said the team held a serious self-assessment to understand what went wrong in the loss.
“I was surprised by how tough they were on themselves. You’d be amazed by their desire to improve and to be at the World Cup. There’s a real sense of self-criticism within the group,” said the coach, who is managing Mexico at a World Cup for the third time. “They come to the national team with pride – because it should be a privilege, not a burden. But if someone says, ‘I’m afraid of what the media might say,’ then that player is not for me. I need players who truly want to be here."
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper position still uncertain
The Mexican coach also confirmed that there will be changes for Tuesday’s friendly and admitted that the goalkeeper position remains undecided.
“It’s complicated – except for the goalkeeper, who’s a specialist, the rest can adapt," he said. "You can play with three or four midfielders, five defenders, or two strikers… but there’s only one spot for the keeper. We’ve rotated that position a lot. We’ve tested six or seven goalkeepers, and honestly, I still haven’t made up my mind."