Diego Cocca defends Mexico after third place win in CONCACAF Nations League
The Mexican national team gave a disappointing performance in the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League, falling 3-0 to the United States in the explosive semifinal before defeating Panama 1-0 in the match for third place.
Internal chaos ensued after the defeat against the US men’s national team, with reports revealing several players wished to depart before the Gold Cup kicks off on June 25. But head coach Diego Cocca maintained ending the tournament with a victory calmed waters, explaining “closing this with a win important for the confidence of the team to keep working
"Today it was important to win, the team's attitude was good. We saw a fighting team that never stopped running. I appreciate the attitude of the players, who recovered after the last game. We had to win and I think the way was good. We had many goal situations, we just couldn't score another one. [Panama was] a very difficult opponent who has a lot of work and this helps us grow,” he added.
“The coaching staff and the players began to believe together, and when this happens it will be seen from the outside."
After the game against the United States, the head coach abandoned his 5-2-3 format and opted to listen to the players’ demands for a backline of four. Cocca revealed the system was “given to me by the players,” insisting he admires the flexibility while denying reports he’s lost the respect of the team.
"The system is given to me by the players, and I am going to try to use what football has given me. We are getting to know them and we are testing them, I like a flexible team. I commit myself to work this system, give it seriousness, identity, and to form a group that knows what to do on the field.”
Now, the team needs time to practice this new style of play.
“We have to work to improve, we need time, we need repetition , understand where the spaces are, where we can attack them," concluded Cocca.
El Tri returns to action on June 25, when facing Honduras to kick off the 2023 Gold Cup.