Former U.S. men’s national team manager Jurgen Klinsmann recently expressed his views on Mexican players being too comfortable in the domestic Liga MX. He believes that the players should look towards Europe for opportunities to enhance their skills and benefit both themselves and the Mexican national team. Klinsmann mentioned that the Mexican players may feel too relaxed in Mexico due to the financial security, playing in vibrant stadiums, and not having enough motivation to challenge themselves in a different environment.
Klinsmann stressed the importance of playing at the highest level possible to improve as a player and enhance the national team’s performance. He highlighted that players in Europe, especially those in clubs participating in the Champions League, are continually exposed to top-level competition. This exposure not only benefits them individually but also helps in elevating the standard of play for the national team. During his tenure as the USMNT manager, Klinsmann encouraged American players to explore opportunities abroad, resulting in a roster filled with European-based talents.
Klinsmann also discussed the significance of Mexican and Latin American players in European leagues, mentioning that their presence helps grow these markets by attracting attention from fans and sponsors. European clubs benefit from the diverse talent pool and cultural influences that players from these regions bring. He emphasized the positive impact of recruiting players from countries like Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, among others, in enhancing the competitiveness and appeal of European football.
Under the guidance of new head coach Javier Aguirre, the Mexican national team is set to include at least six European-based players in its upcoming squad for friendlies in the United States. Players like Raúl Jiménez, Julián Araujo, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Santiago Giménez, and Luis Chávez are expected to be part of the team. While moving to Europe can provide career advancement for Mexican players, it does not always guarantee a spot in the national team’s starting lineup.
Despite the potential benefits of playing in Europe, some Mexican players have encountered challenges in securing regular playing time for the national team. Santiago Giménez, who excelled with Feyenoord, faced exclusion from Mexico’s XI for an extended period before finally earning a starting role. Even experienced European-based veterans like Hirving Lozano, Guillermo Ochoa, and Raúl Jiménez were omitted from Mexico’s squad for the Copa América, indicating the unpredictability of player selections.
As Mexico prepares for upcoming friendlies and competitive fixtures, the focus is on integrating European-based talents effectively into the team. With the return of Javier Aguirre as head coach, there is a renewed emphasis on maximizing the potential of players competing in Europe. The upcoming matches against New Zealand, Canada, and the USMNT will provide a platform for the team to showcase its progress and readiness for future competitions. Additionally, discussions are underway for a potential country vs. club friendly with Valencia in October, signaling a proactive approach by Mexico’s sporting director to enhance the team’s preparation and exposure.
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