TATA STICKS WITH OLD GUARD TO SAVE WORLD CUP CAMPAIGN AND HIS JOB
Albert Einstein is credited with the phrase, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” By this phrase and his recent actions, Tata is insane.
Ok, maybe that’s a bit too far. But a look at his latest call-ups for this qualifying window makes you think. Tata has chosen to ignore the clamoring of the fans and pundits for an injection of youth into El Tri.
Tata will rely on his usual old horses to get him through this qualifying window and onto Qatar. Carlos Acevedo and David Ochoa will have to wait as Tata opted for Cota, Talavera, and Orozco behind Memo Ochoa. Gallardo, Chaka, Dominguez, and Moreno remain in Tata’s good graces, even after lack-luster performances the last window. Not to mention that key players of last rounds debacles Herrera, Funes-Mori, and Guardado were still called up.
Now, I know that a drastic, all-new 23 man roster would be unwise, three or four fresh faces may be what this squad needs. Marcelo Flores would have been a good alternative, and cap-tying the dual-national youngster is imperative to the future of El Tri.
Speaking of dual-nationals, what message is Tata sending to those upcoming players that haven’t decided where to play. Tony Leone, Mauricio Cuevas, Jonathan Gomez, and Richard Ledezma are all watching, and waiting anxiously to be courted by either the USA or Mexico. As of now, the USA is winning that battle.
Locally, Tata seems to be turning a blind eye to up-and-coming talent. The aforementioned Acevedo has been a wall for Santos and had a good showing in his one chance against Chile. In that same game, Santiago Jimenez has a good showing, scoring just nine minutes into the game. Youngsters like Omar Campos, Erik Lira, and Jeremy Marquez have been putting in great performances for their respective squads in Liga MX. The latter being an integral part of Atlas finally winning a championship. Yet, nothing as far as a call-up yet.
The next three games will be crucial in Mexico’s hopes to qualify directly to the World Cup and Tata can’t afford another three-point out of nine performance. Especially with a game against Panama, who trails El Tri only on goals in the standings.
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