Former U.S. men’s national team manager Jurgen Klinsmann recently pointed out that Mexican players may be too comfortable playing in the domestic Liga MX. He expressed his belief that Mexican players should seek opportunities in Europe in order to challenge themselves and improve both individually and as part of the national team. Klinsmann highlighted the fact that players in Liga MX make a significant amount of money and play in exciting, full stadiums which may hinder their motivation to try playing in Europe.
Need for Exposure to Higher Levels of Competition
Klinsmann emphasized the importance of Mexican players being surrounded by individuals who consistently play at the highest level possible. He argued that playing in Europe, especially in clubs participating in competitions like the UEFA Champions League, exposes players to elite competition on a regular basis. By taking on this challenge, Mexican players can enhance their skills and contribute to the growth and success of the Mexico national team.
Encouragement to Pursue Opportunities Abroad
During his time as the USMNT manager, Klinsmann encouraged American players to take a chance and pursue opportunities abroad. This approach ultimately resulted in a roster filled with European-based talent. Klinsmann advised Mexican players to consider a similar path, urging them to give it a try and explore opportunities in Europe. Although he acknowledged that it may not always work out, Klinsmann stressed the benefits of venturing outside of their comfort zone.
Klinsmann also highlighted the positive impact of Mexican and Latin American players on European leagues. He mentioned that attracting players from countries like Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina benefits European leagues by generating interest and attention internationally. Additionally, Klinsmann suggested that acquiring players from these regions helps in growing and developing these markets further.
Under the new leadership of head coach Javier Aguirre, it has been reported that at least six European-based players are expected to be called up for Mexico’s upcoming friendlies in September. This move signifies a shift towards incorporating more players with European experience into the national team setup. While moving to Europe can boost the careers of Mexican players, it does not guarantee automatic selection or playing time with the senior national team.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the potential benefits of playing in Europe, challenges may arise for Mexican players transitioning to new environments. For instance, players like Johan Vásquez have experienced challenges in securing a consistent spot in Mexico’s XI despite performing well with their European clubs. Similarly, veterans like Guillermo Ochoa and Raúl Jiménez were omitted from Mexico’s roster for the Copa América, indicating that playing in Europe does not always guarantee national team selection.
Upcoming Friendlies and Future Opportunities
As Mexico prepares for their upcoming friendlies against New Zealand and Canada in September, the focus on European-based players continues to be a priority. The friendlies will serve as an opportunity for Aguirre to assess the talent and potential contributions of these players. Looking ahead, Mexico will face the USMNT in a friendly in October, providing further chances for European-based players to showcase their abilities on the international stage.
The advice provided by Jurgen Klinsmann regarding Mexican players pursuing opportunities in Europe carries significant weight. By challenging themselves in a different environment and exposing themselves to higher levels of competition, Mexican players can enhance their skills and make invaluable contributions to both their clubs and the national team. While there may be hurdles along the way, the potential rewards of embracing this challenge far outweigh the risks. Ultimately, the decision to pursue opportunities in Europe can lead to personal growth, improved performance, and increased opportunities for success on the international stage.