Rafael Márquez named head coach of Mexican national team

Rafael Márquez has been officially introduced as the new head coach of the Mexican national football team. During a press conference at the Centro de Alto Rendimiento (CAR), Márquez outlined his vision for the team, emphasizing the need to strengthen national identity and foster a highly competitive spirit.

Márquez, a former Barcelona star and five-time World Cup veteran, noted that his project will not start from zero. He intends to build upon the foundation established by his predecessor, Javier Aguirre, for whom he served as an assistant coach. His primary objective is to qualify for and achieve success in the 2030 World Cup, aiming to surpass the team's previous performance in the knockout stages.

The new technical staff includes assistants Juan Manuel Lillo, Vidal Paloma, and former teammate Andrés Guardado. Other staff members include goalkeeper coach Xabier Mancisidor and physical trainer Pol Lorente. Márquez also revealed that he currently has approximately 60 players on his radar, including a new generation of young talent.

Márquez is scheduled to make his debut on September 26 in a friendly match against Colombia in Baltimore, Maryland. This begins a series of exhibition games in the United States against Peru, the United States, and Chile.