Miguel Herrera has one goal in mind now that he’s been appointed manager of Tijuana: to win.
The former Mexican national team manager was announced as Tijuana boss on Tuesday, and was quick to speak of his ultimate goal of leading the club to claim a title as soon as possible.
“We like to win,” Herrera said. “That’s why we came: to win. For this team to win, for this team to be competitive, maybe play in a pretty way. To play pretty and win, to play ugly and win. We’re going to look to win no matter how we play, and after we’ll look at how the game went.
“If it was bad, and we won, we’ll look to correct things while taking the three points. If we play pretty and win, we’re on a good path. We want to have a team who is the champion, playing well, playing pretty, but the first thing then is to win.”
Herrera, who has signed a two-year contract with Tijuana, will lead his new club to Mexico City for preseason training before taking charge of a friendly in San Jose on Jan. 3 as one of several preseason friendlies. Seen throughout Tijuana’s recent history, Herrera will look to take advantage of the club’s location when it comes to recruiting players.
“There are a lot, there are a lot of players with double nationality, and we’re seeing what they can do on the field,” Herrera said. “There are a lot that are working in our youth teams and they’ll have opportunities.”
Here’s some more news and notes to kick off your Wednesday morning:
NEVILLE TAKES CHARGE AT VALENCIA
Valencia’s managerial vacancy has been filled by an English legend.
Gary Neville has been appointed Valencia manager until the end of the season, with the former England star’s selection coming just three days after the departure of previous manager Nuno following a loss to Sevilla. Neville will take charge of the club starting Dec. 6 ahead of a UEFA Champions League clash with Lyon three days later.
Neville’s younger brother, Phil, was already on the coaching staff with the club and will assist caretaker boss Voro for Wednesday’s Copa del Rey clash with Segunda B side Barakaldo.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be given this opportunity with Valencia,” the eldest Neville said in a statement. “Valencia are a huge football club of immense standing and I know from my time as a player the passion and dedication of the Valencia fans.
“I am really looking forward to working with the club’s talented group of players and am excited about the challenge ahead.”
Valencia currently sits ninth in La Liga.
ARSENAL HOPEFUL FOR QUICK SANCHEZ RETURN
Alexis Sanchez is set for a spell on the sidelines, but Arsenal is hoping to see the return of the Chilean star sooner rather than later.
Arsenal reportedly remains hopeful the Sanchez will miss no more than a month due to a recent hamstring injury, and the club believes it is possible to see the Chilean back as soon as a Dec. 21 clash with Manchester City. It remains more likely that Sanchez is out until the new year, though, with further details set to be revealed following tests on Wednesday.
With Sanchez’s injury, which was suffered on Sunday against Norwich City, Arsenal now has 10 players that are either out or doubtful for the coming week’s action.
QUICK KICKS
Branislav Ivanovic is reportedly a target of Inter Milan. (REPORT)
Alleged match-fixer Dan Tan has been arrested just one week after being released from custody. (REPORT)
Lionel Messi has been left off of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey squad ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Villanovense. (REPORT)
Liverpool have reportedly begun talks to sign goalkeeper Simon Mignolet to a contract extension. (REPORT)