The future of Hirving “Chucky” Lozano with the Mexican national team, known as El Tri, is under scrutiny following his recent omission from consideration by San Diego FC. The question of whether Lozano can regain his place in the squad is a significant one for fans and analysts alike, especially as Mexico prepares for the 2026 World Cup. The debate centers on his current form, his relationship with the coaching staff, and the evolving landscape of Mexican soccer talent. This situation raises the broader question of how Mexican players performing in various leagues around the world can contribute to the national team’s success.
Lozano, currently playing for PSV Eindhoven, has been a prominent figure in Mexican soccer for years, with a successful stint in Europe. However, his recent performance and a perceived lack of connection with previous national team coach Gerardo Martino reportedly created friction. He has spoken openly about the difficulties he faced during his time with Napoli, feeling undervalued by coach Gennaro Gattuso. “[Gattuso] didn’t know me – he didn’t even know where I played. He never asked me anything[…] So, that year was terrible, I cried with my wife in despair,” Lozano recounted, highlighting a challenging period in his career. Despite this, he made 155 appearances for the Serie A side and scored 30 goals.
Lozano’s Assessment of Mexico’s Needs
Lozano believes Mexico needs to increase its exposure to higher-caliber international competition to elevate its performance. He stated, “There is a lot of quality, but what Mexico needs is to have more contact with bigger teams – to test us and make us up our level.” This sentiment reflects a growing concern among Mexican soccer observers that the national team needs to consistently challenge itself against top-tier opponents to improve its competitiveness. He does, however, express optimism about the current trajectory of the team, noting, “I think we are on the right track.”
¡Bienvenido de vuelta, Chucky! 😈🇲🇽 https://t.co/uQKlAB7NLW
— PSV Español (@PSVespanol) December 17, 2023
Hugo Sánchez’s Critical Stance
Former Mexican international Hugo Sánchez has publicly criticized Lozano following Mexico’s defeat in the Concacaf Nations League final. Details of Sánchez’s specific criticisms are not fully available in the provided sources, but his comments indicate a disagreement with Lozano’s assessment of the situation or his overall contribution to the national team. This public disagreement adds another layer of complexity to Lozano’s potential return to El Tri. Sánchez’s strong opinions carry weight given his legendary status in Mexican soccer.
The Coaching Dynamic and Past Experiences
Lozano has contrasted his experience with current Mexico coach Jaime Lozano favorably with his previous relationship with Gerardo Martino, stating there was never “a connection” with the latter. He also praised Juan Carlos Osorio, saying he “Led the group well and the atmosphere was much better.” This suggests that a positive coaching environment is crucial for Lozano to perform at his best. The dynamic between a player and coach is often a key factor in determining success at the international level.
Rising Stars and Competition for Spots
The emergence of new talent in Liga MX and abroad adds to the competition for places in the Mexican national team. While Lozano remains a respected player, he faces increasing pressure from younger players eager to make their mark. The rise of Quiñones, described as Liga MX’s youngest five-time champion, exemplifies this trend. The depth of talent available to coach Lozano means that every player must consistently demonstrate their value to earn a spot in the squad.
Raúl Jiménez and European Success
Alongside Lozano, Raúl Jiménez has also established himself as a prominent Mexican scorer in Europe, further bolstering the national team’s attacking options. Both players’ success abroad demonstrates the growing quality of Mexican players competing at the highest levels of the sport. Diario AS reports that both Jiménez and Lozano are now in the top five of Mexican scorers in Europe.
The question of whether Hirving Lozano will return to the Mexican national team remains open. His talent is undeniable, but his recent form, his relationship with coaching staff, and the emergence of new players all factor into the equation. The upcoming matches and training camps will be crucial in determining his future with El Tri. Fans and analysts will be closely watching to see if he can recapture his best form and earn a place in the squad as Mexico prepares for the challenges ahead.
The Mexican Football Federation is expected to announce the roster for the next series of international friendlies in March 2026. Further updates on Lozano’s status and the team’s preparations will be available on the official FMF website: https://www.fmf.mx/.
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