Mexico’s Jared Borgetti Says Esven Goran Eriksson Is The Wrong Choice, Too European-y

Finally, someone from Mexico’s soccer camp comes out shooting the shit about Esven Goran Eriksson possibly taking over for ousted Hugo Sanchez. We’re actually glad it’s Jarde Borgetti, Mexico’s leading striker, and not some towel-boy that Univision paid 200 pesos to say something about Eriksson becoming the next Mexican coach to almost get them to a semifinals World Cup game. Unfortunately, it’s not the most promising statement for Mexico’s PR people to deal with.

“It has to be someone who knows Mexican football, who knows the Mexican players, the lives of the Mexican players and who knows the CONCACAF world cup qualifiers, which are very different from Europe,” Borgetti told reporters at the Mexican team’s training camp.
“I’m not talking about the standard, but in the way you take on the other teams. It’s not just about football, you have to face other things.

“When you go to play in Central America and the Caribbean, the conditions are very different to Europe.”
Borgetti suggested the presidents of Mexico’s first division clubs, who form the committee which chooses the national coach, were trying to attract headlines.
“The club owners want a renowned coach, who attracts worldwide attention, but that way we are not going to win anything because we are putting footballing matters to one side.”

Can you fucking believe this guy? Actually…he makes some valid points. CONCACAF qualifying games are notoriously louder and rowdier than Europe’s clashes (excluding anything that takes place in Poland and Italy.)
Also, the language barrier is usually a common obstacle, but something tells us a lot would get lost in translation. Maybe England felt it was necessary to sacrifice fluid communication when they hired Fabio Capello, but Mexico’s actually got a promising bunch of youthful talent moving up the ranks and someone needs to be there to help them thrive. So who would be a better fit?

Borgetti says wrong time for Eriksson to coach Mexico [Reuters]
Image [World Cup]