Former U.S. men’s national team manager Jurgen Klinsmann has made a case for Mexican players to seek opportunities in Europe in order to improve themselves and elevate the level of play for El Tri. Klinsmann pointed out that Mexican players may become too comfortable in the domestic Liga MX due to the financial benefits, full stadiums, and exciting atmospheres that they experience. This comfort level could potentially hinder their motivation to challenge themselves in Europe where they would face higher competition on a regular basis.
Klinsmann emphasized the importance of having players competing in top European leagues to ensure that the national team is consistently exposed to the highest level of competition. Players who regularly compete in European competitions like the Champions League are more likely to be accustomed to facing top-tier opposition week after week. This exposure can greatly benefit the national team during major tournaments such as the World Cup and Copa América.
Under the guidance of new head coach Javier Aguirre, several European-based players are expected to be called up to Mexico’s upcoming camp for friendlies against U.S.-based teams in September. The inclusion of players like Raúl Jiménez, Julián Araujo, and César Montes demonstrates a shift towards incorporating more European-based talent into the national team setup. While making the move to Europe can potentially boost the careers of Mexican players, it does not always guarantee a spot in the senior national team lineup.
Despite the benefits of playing in Europe, some players have encountered challenges when it comes to earning minutes with the national team. Santiago Giménez, for example, was previously overlooked for selection in Mexico’s starting XI despite his impressive performances for Feyenoord. Even established European-based veterans like Hirving Lozano and Guillermo Ochoa have found themselves left out of Mexico’s roster for major tournaments like the Copa América.
As Mexico prepares for friendlies against New Zealand and Canada in September, the national team is undergoing a transition under Aguirre’s leadership. The friendly matches will serve as an opportunity for the coach to assess the European-based talent and strategize for future competitions. Additionally, talks are ongoing for a potential country vs. club friendly against Valencia in October, indicating a willingness to engage in high-profile matches to further develop the team.
The movement of Mexican players to Europe has the potential to have a significant impact on the national team’s success and overall level of play. By diversifying the pool of players and exposing them to different styles of football, Mexico can increase its competitiveness on the international stage. While challenges may arise for European-based players, the benefits of seeking opportunities abroad outweigh the risks in the long term. It will be interesting to see how the integration of European-based talent shapes the future of El Tri and enhances their performance on the global stage.
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