Pachuca owner Jesús Martínez Patiño (left) presents a team jacket to new head coach Diego Alonso during a press conference on December 5, 2014. (Photo: Mexsport)
PACHUCA, Mexico – At a press conference Friday, Pachuca introduced Diego Alonso as its new head coach.
The former Uruguay international has no previous managerial experience in Mexican football, but did play one year for Mexico City-based Pumas (2004-05).
"The Mexican league is one of the most competitive in the world,” said Alonso. “It is a great challenge to be here, a big challenge in my career."
Alonso replaces Enrique Meza, who left the club on November 30.
Pachuca, which finished seventh in 2014 Liga MX Apertura, has not won a Mexican title since the 2007 Clausura. That is something the 39-year-old is looking to change.
"One knows that when you get here, to this institution, the commitment is to seek the championship," Alonso expressed. "We have a competent squad, with a lot potential in the young players, and we will find their maximum scope."
After a playing career that spanned more than 16 years and included stops at Valencia, Atletico Madrid, Shanghai Shenua and Peñarol, Alonso was named head coach of Uruguayan side Bella Vista in 2011. He has also managed Guarani (Paraguay), Peñarol (Uruguay) and Olimpia (Paraguay).
Pachuca has advanced to the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals, where it will face the Impact de Montreal in a two-legged series starting on February 24.
