Tata Martino out as Mexico head coach after World Cup exit

Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino is out as the Mexico national soccer team’s head coach after Wednesday’s World Cup game. El Tri defeated Saudi Arabia, 2-1. However, a negative goal difference sent the Mexicans home after thr group stage.

Martino made it known in his postgame interview with FOX Sports that he was leaving his role. “I am the first responsible for this terrible disappointment and frustration that we have,” said Martino. “As the person in charge, it causes a lot of sadness, I fully assume responsibility for this great failure.”

“My contract ended as soon as the referee blew the final whistle and there is nothing more to be done.”

Worst World Cup for Mexico in over 40 years

Mexico failed to qualify for the World Cup knockout round for the first time since 1978. Although they did not take part in the 1982 and 1990 tournaments, El Tri advanced to the knockout phase eight times since Argentina hosted the World Cup in 1978.

Reports seemed to claim that Martino would not sign a new deal with Mexico even if his team performed well in Qatar. The coach endured a rough final year in charge of the team. Mexico only won nine of their last 21 competitive matches with Martino at the helm. And El Tri was heavily favored to win in a vast majority of these victories. This also includes only picking up four wins in their last dozen matches.

Martino made tough Mexico decisions for World Cup

Martino was hired by Mexico in 2019 and won the CONCACAF tournament that year. However, things seemed to soon sour and fans lost faith in their coach. Along with the results on the pitch, Martino also made some interesting team selection choices as well.

Mexican fans were left puzzled when Martino excluded Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez from the 2022 World Cup squad. Chicharito is Mexico’s all-time leading goalscorer with 52 goals in his illustrious career. The striker also scored 18 goals for L.A. Galaxy during the 2022 MLS campaign.

PHOTO: IMAGO / Agencia MexSport