Aguirre returns as Mexico coach for a third time with Marquez assisting

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Javier Aguirre will coach Mexico for the third time.

Rafael Marquez, who played in five World Cups for Mexico and was the coach of Barcelona’s reserve team, will be groomed by Aguirre to become the national coach, the Mexican Football Association confirmed on Monday.

“(Aguirre) is without a doubt the Mexican coach with the longest and most recognized career abroad and he also has in-depth knowledge of the processes in national teams,” said Duilio Davino, the director of national teams.

Davino added Marquez will be Aguirre’s assistant for two years under a plan for him to take over as head coach for the 2030 World Cup.

”Rafa is one of the most important players in Mexican history with a great national and international career who began his coaching career with an emblematic team,” Davino said. “We have offered him to be the assistant until 2026 so that he can contribute his knowledge and then assume the leadership.”

The 65-year-old Aguirre led Mexico to the round of 16 at the 2002 and 2010 World Cups. Mexico was knocked out in that round at every World Cup from 1994 to 2018, then was eliminated in the group stage in 2022.

Jaime Lozano was hired last year to replace Diego Cocca and led Mexico to the 2023 Gold Cup title. But following Mexico’s group-stage exit at the Copa America this month, he was fired.

Aguirre is the only Mexican who has coached at the elite level in Europe. He has led six teams in Spain, including Atlético Madrid and Mallorca, which he took to the final of the Copa del Rey last season.

He has also coached the national teams of Japan and Egypt.

Aguirre’s first games in charge will be in September when Mexico plays friendlies against New Zealand and Canada in the United States.

The 45-year-old Marquez’s last World Cup was in 2018 in Russia. As a player, Marquez won four league titles and two Champions Leagues with Barcelona. He coached Barcelona’s reserve team the last two years.

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