Aguirre sounds call to arms after exit
Reuters - Monday 28 June 2010, 10:10
JOHANNESBURG - Mexico coach Javier
Aguirre said his team's "boys" had the potential to finally
bring joy to his success-starved compatriots after his country's
all too familiar World Cup exit in the second round on Sunday.
Mexico have now exited the past five World Cups at the same
stage, and with their best performances coming in 1970 and 1986
when they reached the quarter-finals, the fans are desperate for
to get further.
Watch this space, said Aguirre after his team's 3-1 loss to
Argentina.
"We have to recover, we must continue wanting. There are
boys willing to fight for Mexico, it's a gift to be able to do
so," Aguirre, who might leave his post as manager after just
over a year in charge, told a news conference after the defeat.
"We have a great generation of young players who must be put
to the best possible use, I believe in four years they will be
at the top. We can look towards a bright future," the former
Mexico international added.
In 2005, Mexico won the under-17 World Cup, a light at the
end of tunnel for their passionate supporters who 17 years
earlier suffered the pain of seeing their side expelled from the
international scene by FIFA for two years for fielding over-age
players for the 1988 Olympic Games qualifiers.
However Aguirre, who also coached the national team at the
2002 World Cup, warned people not to heap too much pressure on
the young generation.
"You need patience. These boys have to grow up. After being
expelled we've been going up and up and up," he said.
The former Atletico Madrid manager was upset he could not
steer the team to greater heights, but praised the players for
their commitment.
"I'm not happy and I have the impression I could not change
the course of history. I'd like to thank the players for putting
up with my opinions," he said.
Experienced squad members Rafael Marquez, Cuauhtemoc Blanco
and Carlos Salcido had said before the tournament that they
would retire afterwards but none were certain about their future
when asked by media following the Argentina match.
Aguirre himself said he would make an announcement on his
future soon.
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