Javier Aguirre is looking to add the scalp of England to Mexico's record books as they eye World Cup history. The 67-year-old manager, known as 'El Vasco', has the hopes of a nation on his shoulders and the chance to end England’s aspirations at his feet.
Mexico vs England: A High-Stakes Clash
The Three Lions will enter the Azteca gauntlet when Thomas Tuchel’s side take on the co-hosts on Monday (1am kick-off). Roared on by home supporters in Mexico City, Aguirre will be in the opposite dugout. Stuart Gelling, a former Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers academy coach, struck a friendship with the Tricolour mastermind. Aguirre contacted Gelling through a Mexican contact during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa as he looked to pave a way into football for his then-teenage son, Inaki, who spent two years in Lancashire.
Gelling's Insights on Aguirre
Gelling, speaking exclusively to Mirror Football, recalled a life-changing call from Aguirre in 2014: "He phoned me out of the blue and said he'd been offered the Japan job. He asked, 'would I come be his assistant at Japan?' It was a great experience. The language was difficult but I thoroughly enjoyed it, he was a great fella to work for."
Aguirre made 59 appearances for Mexico as a player, including at the 1986 home World Cup. He has now managed in three World Cups, with this his third spell in charge after 2002 and 2010. He has led clubs across Mexico and Spain, including Atlante, Pachuca, Osasuna, Atletico Madrid, Real Zaragoza and Espanyol. He still holds aspirations of becoming the first Mexican to manage in the Premier League.
Aguirre's World Cup Record
In each of the three occasions he has led Mexico at the World Cup, Aguirre has guided them out of the Group Stages. Gelling said: "If you don't speak the language or understand the culture, it can be difficult. That's why if you look at Javier and his history, he understands the mentality, that's why I think he'll have this Mexico team fired up."
"He's really personable, he'll have the lads going 100 per cent for the country and the badge. The Mexican fans demand, it'll be massive, massive for people, I don't think we even realise. Getting through the group stage and the knockout round is a big plus; if they can turn England over, he'd be a hero over there."
Altitude and Atmosphere at the Azteca
The Azteca Stadium, 2,200 metres above sea level, will host a raucous Mexican crowd. England will also face one of the best defensive records in the tournament, with Mexico conceding no goals in their first four matches. Julian Quinones is their top scorer with three goals, while Wolves striker Raul Jimenez has added two. England struggled against a resolute DR Congo side in their last match, and Tuchel’s team will need to overcome the altitude and passion of the home fans.
Aguirre's Fiery Motivation
Gelling revealed Aguirre's favourite English word: "His favourite English word is motherf******. He'll be saying to them, 'come on motherf******, we need to have a right good go'. He'd be aggressive and passionate. If they're getting turned over, he'll be into them, he'll talk about being proud of their country, doing their families proud. He's got something special - it's hard to explain."
With home advantage and a fiery manager at the helm, England face a tough test against Mexico. Tuchel and his staff have laboured over footage, but Aguirre's man-management and tactical nous pose a real threat.
