El Vasco Javier Aguirre acknowledged that he would not have refused the chance to return to coaching Mexico for the lead up to 2026, if the opportunity had arisen again. The veteran manager, known for his long association with Mexican football, reflected on the idea of stepping back into the national team fold should the Mexican Football Federation have sought his guidance during that period. He emphasized a deep-rooted connection to the country and its people, noting that the calls in 2002 and 2009 happened during particularly trying stretches for the squad. For Aguirre, the national team is not merely a professional engagement but a family matter, with his children and granddaughter in Mexico, and the sense of responsibility toward his country clear in his remarks to ESPN.
Currently at the helm of Mallorca in Spain, Aguirre praised the qualities of Diego Cocca, who eventually was chosen to lead the national team and steer the squad through a challenging phase. Aguirre did not shut the door to a potential future role with the Mexican side, suggesting that if he remained active and available, there would always be a possibility to serve as technical director, while acknowledging that in 2001 and 2009 the selection pool included other highly qualified coaches. He underscored that being in a position to serve the country requires timing and readiness, but that the door should never be considered permanently closed for someone with a genuine desire to contribute.
Aguirre has two distinct chapters in his relationship with the national team. The first began in 2001, when he led qualification efforts for the Korea-Japan World Cup amid a difficult period for Mexican football. The second period came in 2009, spanning toward the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Across both eras, he demonstrated a willingness to serve his country when called, and he kept the door open for future opportunities should circumstances allow. The insight into his mindset reflects a coach who values national duty and the impact of coaching on Mexican football, even while pursuing responsibilities abroad and balancing a demanding career.
Overall, Aguirre’s comments paint a portrait of a seasoned manager whose connection to Mexico remains strong. His respect for the players, the federation, and the fans is evident in the way he frames the possibility of future involvement. While Diego Cocca’s appointment marked a new era for the Tricolor, Aguirre’s reflections suggest that the option of returning to lead the team could come back into play when the timing and need align. In the meantime, he continues to apply his experience in Europe, contributing to the broader conversation about Mexican football and its ongoing development.
Notes: The account draws on interviews and public reporting surrounding Aguirre’s career and his statements about the national team, including analyses published by Goal and contemporaneous coverage in ESPN.