Mexico have introduced Miguel Herrera as the new manager of their men's senior national team, but he's only guaranteed to have the job for two games, and thus will not be leaving his post at Club America. Mexican federation director Justino Compean announced that Herrera's entire staff will join him, and that he and the club presidents will reconvene following the playoff against New Zealand to decide on a full-time manager.
Miguel Herrera announced as interim Mexico coach
Club America boss Miguel Herrera will take charge of Mexico for the intercontinental playoff against New Zealand, but nothing is guaranteed beyond November 20.
Brian Bahr
Also joining the national team is Club America sporting director Ricardo Pelaez, though he will also be evaluated between his appointment and November 20. Héctor González Iñárritu has been retained as the director of national teams for the time being.
The press conference was delayed by 50 minutes, reportedly due to a dispute between the club presidents. All of the owners are supposed to have a say in national team managers, but many say they were not consulted about the firing of Victor Manuel Vucetich -- who lasted just two games -- and the hiring of Herrera. The representative of the clubs owned by multi-billionaire Carlos Slim, in particular, were opposed the coaching change.
Pachuca and Leon representative at owners meeting Arturo Elías Ayub saying he isn't in agreement with what has gone on and wasn't consulted.
— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) October 18, 2013
During the pre-press conference delay, Compean and the owners in favor of the switch must have been able to iron things out. Compean claimed that the decision to appoint Herrera “was unanimous”.
“I want to thank America. It was not an easy decision that they made,” said Jorge Vergara, the owner of Chivas de Guadalajara. He also referred to Herrera’s tenure as Mexico boss as a “loan” that America agreed to.
Herrera will officially take over his post on Sunday and will coach a team of domestic-based players in a friendly on October 30 in San Diego. They host New Zealand on November 13, then play the away leg on November 20.
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