MEXICO CITY: Mexico named their fourth coach in six weeks in a bid to save their dismal World Cup qualifying campaign, hiring Miguel Herrera yesterday ahead of a last-chance playoff against New Zealand.
The Club America boss replaced Victor Manuel Vucetich, who was sacked two days after the team lost 2-1 to Costa Rica, a defeat that nearly killed their hopes of going to Brazil next year.
“We are in a crisis situation,” Mexican Football Federation president Justino Compean told a news conference.
“We are saddened for the fans, saddened for club owners, saddened for our sponsors,” he said, adding that Herrera would be presented at another press conference on Sunday.
Herrera, 45, coached America to their 11th title this year, his first as manager. The club, who currently sit top of the league, said Herrera was joining the national team on loan for the two-legged playoff against New Zealand.
Mexico’s new manager inherits a team that have under-achieved despite a handful of European-based talent such as Manchester United forward Javier Hernandez and Villareal playmaker Giovani dos Santos.
Mexico have not missed the World Cup since 1990 and there were high hopes after they won the gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics. AFP
