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Mexico's boss at next World Cup will be El Tri legend Rafa Marquez
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- Mexico's boss at next World Cup will be El Tri legend Rafa Marquez
Mexico's World Cup came to an end Sunday against England, and so too did the tenure of veteran manager Javier Aguirre, who will step aside after his third stint leading the national team. Now, Aguirre's assistant will slide over a seat and become the head coach.
Mexican soccer legend Rafa Marquez, who appeared 147 times for El Tri and won titles in various European leagues, has been the coach in waiting since the summer of 2024. Marquez cut short his coaching education with Barcelona, where he won the UEFA Champions League twice and La Liga four times as a player, to join the national team setup.
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Mexico sporting director Duilio Davino, himself a former Mexico defender, confirmed before the World Cup that Marquez already had signed his deal with most of his coaching staff also lined up.
After retiring with boyhood Atlas, Marquez became the Guadalajara club's sporting president but soon started his coaching education in Spain. He took over Barcelona Athletic, the club's B team, in 2022. He signed an extension after his first season but left when his country called.
Marquez played as a center back and a defensive midfielder in his illustrious career, working under coaches like Pep Guardiola, Didier Deschamps and Ricardo La Volpe. Mexico fans expect a more progressive style under Marquez than the conservative Aguirre, who is expected to retire at age 67.
While El Tri will be disappointed to go out in the round of 16, the cupboard is by no means bare for Mexico. Gilberto Mora, a 17-year-old midfielder, became the youngest player since Brazil great Pele to start a knockout match. The rising star is one of five players on the 26-man roster who are 23 or younger.
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Mora's former U-20 roommate Obed Vargas is preparing for his first full season with Atlético Madrid. Mateo Chavez scored for El Tri against Czechia. And top Liga MX scorer Armando "Hormiga" Gonzalez is the subject of European interest from a number of clubs.
Marquez also will be eager to develop additional talents and work with Liga MX club owners to encourage development at the league level.
A beloved figure in Mexican soccer, the 47-year-old's first task will be leading Mexico into the Concacaf Nations League. The draw for the regional competition is scheduled to take place July 23 with the first matches taking place September 21.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mexico's boss at next World Cup will be El Tri legend Rafa Marquez
