Mexico head coach Miguel Herrera offers instruction during the CONCACAF/Oceania intercontinental playoff at New Zealand on November 20, 2013, in Wellington. (Photo: Mexsport)
MEXICO CITY – Although many credit head coach Miguel Herrera for the CONCACAF/Oceania intercontinental playoff triumph over New Zealand, the same Club America manager maintains that the players are the ones who should receive the plaudits for the team’s passage.
“I didn’t achieve it, the players did it,” said Herrera. “I put forth the idea and the ones who achieve the goals are the boys. I am lucky to have been able to bring home the [World Cup] ticket. They hauled it in for us and all of Mexican football can rest easy, we are going to Brazil.”
The 45-year-old also expressed his satisfaction for accomplishing the dual mission of winning home and away against the All Whites.
“[I feel] a lot of joy,” Herrera commented. “This group of 23 call-ups wore themselves out to get the ticket. To win on the two fields was important, with the measure of knowing not to set off fireworks.
“We were aware that it was not a great year but it closes with the desired goal.”
The Mexican Football Federation is not expected to announce its decision regarding Herrera’s national team future until early December. The former Atlante standout did not hesitate to say that it is a great honor to lead El Tri, but insisted that he is focused on Club America’s Liga MX playoff campaign.
“The top for anyone is to represent the national team, coach it,” Herrera concluded. “I had the opportunity of doing it for three matches, a friendly and two official matches, and I feel really great. We have to wait and see what decision is made.
“Sincerely, I am going to think about America at this moment because that is what I have to do.”
