Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino is out as head coach of the Mexico national soccer team after Wednesday’s World Cup game. El Tri defeated Saudi Arabia, 2-1. However, a negative goal difference sent the Mexicans home after the group stage.
Martino made it known in his post-game interview with FOX Sports that he was leaving his position. “I am primarily responsible for this terrible disappointment and frustration that we have,” Martino said. “As responsible it makes me very sad, I fully assume responsibility for this great failure.”
“My contract ended as soon as the referee blew the final whistle and there’s nothing else to do.”
The worst World Cup for Mexico in more than 40 years
Mexico failed to qualify for the knockout round of the World Cup for the first time since 1978. Although they did not participate in the 1982 and 1990 tournaments, El Tri has advanced to the knockout phase eight times since Argentina hosted the World Cup in 1978.
Reports seemed to claim that Martino would not sign a new deal with Mexico even if his team performed well in Qatar. The coach lived a tough last year at the helm of the team. Mexico have only won nine of their last 21 competitive matches with Martino in the lead. And El Tri was the heavy favorite to win in the vast majority of these victories. This also includes only getting four wins in his last twelve games.
Martino made tough decisions for Mexico for the World Cup
Martino was signed by Mexico in 2019 and won the CONCACAF tournament that year. However, things soon seemed to turn sour and the fans lost faith in his coach. Along with the on-field results, Martino also made some interesting team selection picks.
Mexican fans were taken aback when Martino cut Javier “Chicharito” Hernández from the 2022 World Cup squad. Chicharito is Mexico’s all-time leading scorer with 52 goals in his illustrious career. The striker also scored 18 goals for the LA Galaxy during the 2022 MLS campaign.
PHOTO: IMAGO / MexSport Agency
