Is Tata Martino the right coach at the right time for El Tri?
Transitional years and generational changes can be difficult and odd for national teams. When managed properly you can have results like France, and win the World Cup, or if handled poorly, can be terrible, like the USA’s failure to qualify for the World Cup. Mexico seems to be on the right track boasting a perfect 4-0 record since Martino’s appointment.
Tata’s Gold Cup squad is a clear example of El Tri’s generation change. Only nine players from Osorio’s World Cup squad appear, and with the average age of the 14 new players being 25 years, Tata is clearly looking for players that will be near their prime in 2022. His process hasn’t been free of controversy, however with some selections being criticized, like the inclusion of Alexis Vega, who is coming off a terrible season with Chivas. Injuries, and the well documented self-omission by top players, has at times overshadowed the work Tata has done with this team.
Mexico is averaging three goals a game with that number likely to rise as they begin Gold Cup play. Martino’s high-pressure offensive strategy is already evident in the teams last 2 games, and the inclusion of young, hungry players to replace missing players has had positive results. Selecting the best players for his system rather than the best players available has also worked out for him. Previous regimes have had to play top players outside of position because they don’t fit their style of play or system hurting the team’s overall performance.
However, as Tata has previously stated, his squad must look to avoid the same mistakes that have plagued the team in the past, excess of confidence and lack of responsibility. El Tri will again go into the Gold Cup as heavy favorites. The consistency of formation and style of play Tata has instilled in the team is a sharp contrast to other teams in the area whose transitions have not been so smooth. (Again, see Team USA). With their biggest rivals in disarray, Tata’s team will look to make a statement and reclaim the Giant of Concacaf title that eluded them last tournament.
The generational change has been smooth so far with Tata at the helm, and if his track record is any indication, will remain on an upward trajectory. Mexico seems to have brought in the perfect coach at the perfect time with its current pool of talent both locally and in Europe. Martino’s style and philosophy and Mexico’s talent seem to go together like coffee and donuts. Time will tell if Tata will be the one to take El Tri to the promise land and that ever elusive fifth game, but as El Tri’s road to Qatar 2022 begins, it’s a great time to be a fan.
