By DAN KARELL
For the fourth time in five matches, there will be a new man in charge of the Mexico National Team.
After two games in charge, which included the thrilling 2-1 victory over Panama and a 2-1 defeat in Costa Rica, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) have decided to part ways Victor Manuel Vucetich, according to a Vucetich himself in a strongly-worded interview with ESPN Deportes. The FMF is expected to make an official announcement on the matter on Friday.
(UPDATE: On Friday afternoon at a press conference in Mexico City, FMF President Justino Campeon confirmed that Vucetich had been replaced by Club America head coach Miguel Herrera on a short term basis, with the expectation that regardless of Mexico’s outcome in the World Cup qualifying playoffs against New Zealand, FMF will reassess the situation in December and potentially appoint yet another head coach.)
“It’s an experience,” Vucetich told ESPN Deportes. “It was positive, but not what I wanted. It ends this way. They were only six (training) sessions. I’m arrogant, I’m King Midas, not God. That’s why we as we are.”
“If you had told me I’m going (to coach) for two games of course I wouldn’t have (become coach). In the conditions under which the team is located is a very delicate situation, with a cracked foundation, no strength in many areas, but I think in that sense, a period of six working sessions it can not be fixed.”
The man being tipped around the Mexican press to replace Vucetich is Club America manager Miguel “Piojo” Herrera, who lead Las Aguillas to the Clausura title this past May and has America well on it’s way to an Apertura title this fall as well.
If Herrera is appointed, he’ll become the fourth manager of El Tri in the last 40 days and sixth since the 2010 World Cup. Jose Manuel “Chepo” de la Torre was fired after the Aztecazo (embarrassment) at home against Honduras, while Luis Fernando Tena was replaced after El Tri’s 2-0 defeat to the U.S.
Vucetich was appointed Mexico head coach on September 12, but after two unimpressive results the FMF is ready for a change. According to Vucetich, FMF Sporting Director Hector Gonzalez Iñárritu was the one who delivered Vucetich the news of the sacking.
Mexico still has two games remaining before World Cup qualification can become official, a home-and-home series with New Zealand next month.
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What did you think of these developments? Do you agree with firing Vucetich? Do you feel he should have been given more time? Do you see Herrera becoming the next coach? Do you see Mexico succeeding against New Zealand?
Share your thoughts below.