Jaime Lozano hopes for another 'turn' with Mexico after Gold Cup triumph

Mexico national team interim head coach Jaime 'Jimmy' Lozano has made it clear that he'd embrace the opportunity of taking on the role of full-time boss - if offered the chance to do so.

Lozano took over as interim boss after Diego Cocca was dismissed following their Nations League semi-final loss to the USMNT. The 44-year-old signed a deal that kept him in charge through the 2023 Gold Cup - a tournament Mexico would go on to win after triumphing 1-0 over Panama in the final.

Now, the former Cruz Azul player is hopeful that the Mexican federation will give him a shot at being the permanent boss. After all, he at least deserves to be in the conversation after picking up Mexico from a low point after they endured a group stage exit at the 2022 FIFA World Cup when Gerardo 'Tata' Martino - now the head coach at Inter Miami.

"With these results, they open opportunities," Lozano said in post-game interviews after the Gold Cup final. "Obviously, I would like to be here. Obviously, it would be a dream to lead my national team in a World Cup, and even more in a World Cup where we'll be the home side."

"If it's my turn, it's a dream, it's a dream. What I'm experiencing now [as interim] is a dream."

Mexico will certainly want to get the next hire right in preparation for next summer's Copa America as well as the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Lozano brought El Tri back to life, playing with flair and intensity that is the standard for the now nine-time Gold Cup champions, and it might prove to be a home-run hire if he is to remain in charge.

"I signed a contract for the Gold Cup; I believe that starting now I'm free [to sign with anyone]. I don't know if it's in a few weeks or months, but a decision will need to be made, and from my part, whenever I can help the national team, I'm available."