In a surprising turn of events, Jaime Lozano has stepped down as the manager of the Mexican national team. Despite being offered a lucrative long-term deal, Lozano has decided to part ways with El Tri. This development leaves Mexico in search of their fourth head coach in just two years.
The Departure
The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) announced on Wednesday that Jaime Lozano has been dismissed from his role as manager. This decision follows Mexico’s disappointing performance in the recently concluded Copa America, where the team failed to progress beyond the group stage.
The Offer and Rejection
The FMF had proposed a unique arrangement to Lozano, offering him a highly lucrative deal extending until 2030. However, the offer came with the condition that Lozano would be demoted to an assistant coaching role until 2027. After this period, he would have been reinstated as the head coach to lead the team through to 2030. The interim plan was to appoint an experienced manager to guide the team through the 2026 World Cup. Lozano declined this offer, choosing instead to leave his position entirely.
A Year in Charge
Jaime Lozano was appointed as Mexico’s manager in 2023, and his tenure began on a high note with a victory in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. However, the team’s recent struggles in the Copa America, including a win against Jamaica followed by a loss to Venezuela and a draw with Ecuador, ultimately led to his departure.
The Bigger Picture
The Mexican national team now faces the challenge of finding their fourth head coach in two years. This instability at the managerial level raises concerns about the team’s preparation and prospects for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Jaime Lozano’s exit as the manager of Mexico marks a significant moment for El Tri. Despite his early success, the recent setbacks and the FMF’s unconventional proposal led to his departure. As Mexico looks to the future, the search for a new head coach will be crucial in stabilizing the team and preparing for the challenges ahead. The decision to part ways with Lozano underscores the need for consistent leadership and strategic planning to ensure the national team’s success on the international stage.