Martino is confident of impressing the Mexican fans at the World Cup


MEXICO CITY: Mexico coach Gerardo Martino is confident of impressing fans with a strong performance at the World Cup, despite a string of poor results ahead of the tournament in Qatar.

Mexico, who won just seven out of 15 games in 2022, drew fierce criticism from fans after friendly defeats to Uruguay, Paraguay and Colombia.

They start their World Cup season on November 22 in Group C against Poland, followed by games against Argentina and Saudi Arabia.

Martino said the criticism is understandable and he expects his side, who are accompanied by a large contingent of supporters, to respond with their performances on the pitch.

“There is no reason to complain to the people (for the criticism), against Poland there will be 50,000 Mexicans cheering the team, that’s guaranteed,” Martino told Mexican media outlet Mediotiempo on Tuesday.

“The question is if the team is at the level of a World Cup and the rivals and we get through the games, that will change people’s minds.”

Martino added that the players who joined the camp this week are mentally ready and despite the atypical timing of the World Cup, the process was similar to previous editions.

“It’s not very different from what happens every four years,” said the Argentine.

“We receive the players after a local football game, some win and some lose, some feel better and some not so much.

“The players are already used to changing the mentality from club to national team.”

Mexico play their final warm-up games against Iraq on November 9 and Sweden a week later.