Javier Aguirre Coaching

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Aguirre's second spell was defined by resilience and a dramatic shift in fortune. When he took charge, the team sat fifth in their qualifying group with only one win in twelve matches under his predecessor. He turned the tide quickly, guiding Mexico to qualification behind Costa Rica after a crucial 3-0 victory over Honduras on November 11. His time was also marked by the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where he led Mexico to their fifth title and first win against the United States outside Mexico since 1999. Yet, his tenure was scarred by a controversial incident on July 9 against Panama; Aguirre kicked player Ricardo Phillips during a sideline play, leading to mutual ejections and a three-game suspension for himself. Despite apologizing to Mexican fans, he never extended that courtesy to the Panamanian side. The team finished second in their 2010 World Cup group but exited early after a 3-1 loss to Argentina, drawing heavy criticism from journalist José Ramón Fernández and fans regarding his reliance on Guillermo Franco over Javier Hernández.

In Their Own Story

The atmosphere at Estadio Azteca was electric on November 11. Aguirre watched as his team secured a 3-0 victory over Honduras, finally sealing their place at the 2010 World Cup. It was a redemption arc that began months prior in a qualifying group where Mexico had looked lost. The tension peaked during the Gold Cup match against Panama on July 9. A sideline clash saw Aguirre kick Ricardo Phillips, who pushed back, resulting in both being sent off and delaying the game for over ten minutes. Aguirre apologized to his nation but remained silent toward his opponents. Later, at the World Cup, he faced the United States in a group match that ended in a draw, followed by a loss to Argentina. The criticism was sharp; fans were frustrated by his refusal to explain why he benched Javier Hernández for Guillermo Franco. On June 2010, after failing to reach the quarter-finals, Aguirre resigned, ending a chapter filled with both qualification heroics and tactical disputes.

Reader's Guide

Javier Aguirre's second stint as Mexico manager began on April 3, 2009, replacing Sven-Göran Eriksson. His primary task was rescuing the team from a dismal qualifying run that left them fifth in their group with just one win in twelve matches. He achieved this by securing a 3-0 victory over Honduras on November 11, ensuring qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. During the tournament, Mexico topped their group ahead of South Africa and France but were eliminated 3-1 by Argentina in the round of 16. Before the World Cup, Aguirre led Mexico to the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup title, defeating the United States in the final. His tenure was also noted for an incident where he was ejected after kicking Panama's Ricardo Phillips in July 2009, leading to a three-game suspension and a $25,000 fine for the federation. Following his resignation after the World Cup, he left the role facing criticism for his selection choices, particularly regarding striker Guillermo Franco.

Did You Know?

• Aguirre was ejected from a match against Panama in July 2009 for kicking player Ricardo Phillips, resulting in a three-game suspension.
• He led Mexico to their first win against the United States outside of Mexico since 1999 during the 2009 Gold Cup.
• Critics labeled him the worst coach at the 2010 World Cup after France's Raymond Domenech due to his reliance on Guillermo Franco over Javier Hernández.
• Mexico qualified for the 2010 World Cup with a crucial 3-0 victory over Honduras at Estadio Azteca on November 11, 2009.
• He resigned immediately after the 2010 World Cup round of 16 loss to Argentina.