Juan Carlos Osorio (left) was presented as Mexico's new head coach by Decio de Maria, president of the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol, at a press conference on October 14, 2015, in Mexico City. (Photo: Mexsport)
MEXICO CITY – Juan Carlos Osorio was introduced as the new head coach of Mexico during a press conference Wednesday at the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol’s High Performance Center.
The Colombian replaces interim manager Ricardo Ferretti, who guided the Tricolor to victory in the CONCACAF Cup just days earlier to earn a place in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.
"First of all, I want to take this opportunity to thank the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol for giving us this great opportunity, for believing in us and trusting us,” said Osorio. “We understand the great responsibility that's with all the Mexican people, with you -- a football nation of excellence -- which through its history has produced great football men and that we will give everything to contribute to you, enrich you and that we will go to Russia for the 2018 World Cup.”
Over the course of his nine-year career as a head coach, Osorio has led numerous club sides throughout North and South America, including three in Colombia (Millonarios, Once Caldas, Atletico Nacional – three league titles from 2013-14), two in the United States (Chicago Fire, New York Red Bulls), one in Mexico (Puebla) and, most recently, Sao Paulo in Brazil.
Although he has worked in many countries, the idea of leading the Tricolor held particular appeal.
"With all due respect to other nations, when the opportunity came for Mexico, I did not hesitate a second,” expressed the 54-year-old. “The player goes to the front, looks for results and is akin to us. Historically, Mexico has proven to be a country that has a presence. It is a protagonist; something with which we identify. They're giving us a great opportunity to fulfill a human dream and a professional football man’s objective: try to reach the World Cup.”
Osorio is Mexico’s third head coach in less than three months. In July, Miguel Herrera was let go due to a physical altercation with a media member following a championship run in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Ferretti, who is also in charge of Liga MX side Tigres, accepted the position on an interim basis in August.
Mexico opens its qualifying campaign for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in the fourth round of CONCACAF play on November 13 against visiting El Salvador.
