Javier Aguirre, known by fans as El Vasco, recently reflected on the possibility of returning to coach Mexico before the 2026 cycle. He stressed that a return would depend on the country’s needs and circumstances, and he did not rule out the idea outright when asked about it in an interview with ESPN.
Speaking about the calls he received from the Mexican Football Federation in the past, Aguirre reminded listeners that national duty carries a special weight. He recalled the moments in 2002 and 2009 when Mexico approached him during trying times for the program. He emphasized that guiding a national team is about serving one’s country, and that personal ties—family and homeland—play a significant role in any decision to coach at the national level. The pull of country, people, and family remains a powerful factor for any manager considering a national assignment, Aguirre noted.
Currently at the helm of Mallorca in Spain, Aguirre also praised the qualities of Diego Cocca, who was ultimately chosen to lead the Mexican national team in recent years. He did not close the door on the possibility of stepping onto that bench in the future, underscoring that when a manager remains active in the sport, he remains a potential option for national teams, provided timing and the pool of qualified candidates align.
In reflecting on his two distinct chapters with the Mexican squad, Aguirre highlighted the unique challenges each period presented. The first phase, in 2001, involved guiding the team through a difficult landscape to secure World Cup qualification for Korea and Japan. The second phase, in 2009, revolved around preparing for the World Cup in South Africa in 2010. Across both eras, he framed his work as a commitment to a nation’s footballing aspirations, even as the job demanded navigating complex pressures and expectations.
The exchange also touched on the broader context of leadership in Mexican football. Aguirre stressed that leadership at the national level is a national service—one that includes accepting responsibility for the team’s fortunes during pivotal campaigns. He suggested that future opportunities would depend on a mix of readiness, circumstance, and the evolving ecosystem of Mexican football, including the depth of coaching talent available in the country and abroad. The sentiment underscored a balanced view of national responsibility, where passion for the sport meets practical realities on the global stage.
Throughout the conversation, Aguirre conveyed a steady respect for the responsibilities of the Mexican program. He reiterated that his commitment to Mexico remains a constant, even as his professional path takes him across Europe. The former coach’s remarks resonated with fans who view him as a figure of enduring dedication to the national team, someone whose career has intersected with Mexico’s footballing highs and its toughest challenges. His acknowledgment of the country’s influence on his life—family, heritage, and career—frames his perspective on any future possibility of leading the national side again, should the moment align with both his readiness and the federation’s plans. (Goal)