“I’m free”: Jaime Lozano and the question of whether he will continue to lead the Mexican national team

Four years later Mexico hosted the Gold Cup again. Among doubts, violations and an internal crisis that remains unresolved, Jaime “Jimmy” Lozano He managed to win the 2023 championship with El Tri by scoring a heartbreaking goal from Santiago Jiménez in the last minutes of the final against Panama.

Lozano, who managed most of the Mexican players from the main forces of the national team, temporarily took over the command only for the Gold Cup Expectations were low, but with a clear speech that permeated the dressing room, he won the appreciation of both players and fans who they ask you to stay.

The decision was made by the directors of the Mexican Football Federation (FMF), supporters of foreign coaches, as was the case from 2015 with Colombian Juan Carlos Osorio until a month ago, when Argentine Diego Cocca was suspended from his duties.

Still smiling at the title celebration, Jaime Lozano attended the press launch at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and was asked the most if he would continue to lead El Tri.

“Sign a contract for the Golden Cup. From now on I’m free, stressed experienced technician.

Similarly, he took the opportunity to criticize the often result-oriented nature of decision makers rather than a long-term process like the one he spearheaded from FMF minors:

“Mexicans sometimes don’t believe in the process, if we lost the final we would have to value other things besides the result (…) If we trust the process, the results will be much better,” he said.

He also cited Panama as an example, which surprised everyone by knocking out favorite and defending champions like the United States in the semi-finals. Leading the team since 2020, Thomas Christiansen led a process that paid off in the 2023 Gold Cup.

But at the insistence of the press on whether he would continue to run Mexico or not, Jimmy stressed that the decision was made solely by the managers, not by him: will make the decision and if we need to help the team, I will be ready.”

At the end of the Gold Cup, Mexico does not expect other duels. Summer is drawing to a close and players from European teams will be enjoying their holiday before joining the pre-season, while players from Liga MX will be joining their teams immediately from the start of the 2023 Opening Tournament.

The question of the Mexican team coach will remain in place in the coming days and weeks until a new bench owner is appointed or Jaime Lozano is confirmed.