Jaime Lozano has been named coach of Mexico’s men’s national team after serving in the interim coaching role over the last two months, Mexican Football Federation (FMF) president Ivar Sisniega announced Thursday. Here’s what you need to know:
- Mexico secured a record ninth CONCACAF Gold Cup title last month under Lozano.
- He was promoted to the interim role when former coach Diego Cocca was fired in June following El Tri’s third-place finish in the CONCACAF Nations League.
- In addition to announcing Lozano, the FMF also announced Duilio Davino as the senior men’s team’s sports director as well as the hiring of an “experts committee” that includes Rafael Márquez, Carles Puyol and Fernando Hierro.
The most important qualities in order to have the best HC for our Team. 🫡🇲🇽✅#VamosTodos pic.twitter.com/eLMQitYfE8
— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) August 11, 2023
Backstory
Cocca left his position as coach of Liga MX’s Tigres earlier this year to succeed Gerardo “Tata” Martino as manager of El Tri. Martino, now coaching Lionel Messi at Inter Miami in MLS, left the role after his contract expired following Mexico’s 2022 World Cup group stage exit.
Mexico suffered a 3-0 defeat to the U.S. men’s national team in the Nations League semifinal before beating Panama 1-0 for third place. Cocca and national team director Rodrigo Ares de Parga were fired the following day, with Lozano named to the interim role.
El Tri went on to win the Gold Cup, defeating Panama 1-0 in the final in July to top its previous tournament record of eight titles.
Required reading
- Mexico defeats Panama in Gold Cup final for 9th title
- Mexico fires manager Diego Cocca after third-place Nations League finish: Where does team go from here?
(Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images)
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